Author: Mikey Rox / Source: Wise Bread
When an out-of-town escape isn’t in your budget, a staycation can provide the R&R you require. The place you live has plenty going on if you know where to look. Start planning your summer staycation today with these tips on how to do a lot while spending very little.
Search for resident-only hotel and activity discounts
Some hotels and resorts have resident-only discounts, especially in the offseason, because they, just like us, need to pay the bills. If they’re not listed on the company’s websites (they’re often not), pick up the phone and call.
If there aren’t any resident-only deals, ask about other savings, like AAA, student, military, or senior citizen discounts if any of those apply to you.
Find “Locals Welcome” events at resorts
I’ve found that many boutique hotels welcome locals to their summer events, if only to build a rapport with year-round residents. For instance, I’ve stayed at several mini-resorts that offer free cookouts during the summer to which local residents are invited. You can use the pool, grab a burger, and socialize with other staycationers or even out-of-towners if that’s your thing. Visit the websites of local hotels to find out what’s going on and send a quick email to ask if you’re welcome to swing by.
Make your own outdoor adventure
My boyfriend and I have started making our own adventures lately, most recently with a hike through a state park and a hike to a waterfall for an afternoon picnic — and neither of these activities cost us a dime.
I’m also a big fan of the Bivy app, which helps you find nearby DIY adventures based on your location. You also should check your town’s Chamber of Commerce site, which will likely have plenty of events on their calendar.Research free or discounted hours at museums
I try to pop into one museum, zoo, or other education center when I visit a new town, but I never just show up and pay the fee. Instead, I look on their websites and social media accounts to see if there are days and times when the doors are open for free.
In New York City, for example, you can access the Museum of Modern Art for free on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., and in Houston, the city zoo is open to the public at no charge on the first Tuesday of the month from noon to closing. And if you haven’t checked out your local zoo or museum in a while, now’s the perfect time to visit. (See also: How to Visit Museums for Free)
Visit your library and browse tourism books of your area
We all have the same thought when planning a staycation: There’s nothing to do around here. Not true, and if you take a trip to the library and flip through local tourism books, you’ll come up with more than a few ideas on something fun to do that you probably never knew existed in your area. And keep an open mind. The activities you discover might not be what you’d typically do, but push yourself out of your comfort zone. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy yourself. (See also: 7 Modern Reasons to Visit Your Local Library Today)
Go through your coupons and pick a fun activity
If you’re a consummate saver like me, you have at least a small pile of coupons — either hard copies or digital — that are waiting to be redeemed. Go through your stash and see what’s going…
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