Spring break season is well upon us and we might be changing our mind about those traveling plans with how high the price of gas has gone up within the last month. If this is you, here are some last minute ideas to help you save a buck and salvage your vacation time.
National Parks
I personally live close to several national parks. Unfortunate for me, these parks are high use parks and that means they are only free to enter a few times a year. If you have your yearly parks pass or are a veteran, be sure to check out any parks, monuments, or sites.
Did you know the National Parks system only actually charges for a small percentage of the locations across the country? Yeah, I was surprised to find out too. Also, the amount greatly various depending on the location. That means you could totally visit a park or monument for free or very close to it! My family will be visiting one such location this break. Check out the government website for all the up to date information.
Staycation
Another option to look at is staying home! No, not like being bored at home, but renting an Airbnb or nicer hotel. Because it is in your hometown, you will certainly save on the gas budget. Check out discount sites such as Priceline to find the best price on a nicer room.
With this option you can invite your local friends over to enjoy the amenities with you! Have a cook out at your Airbnb or Vbro. Staying in for eating will also cut down on the cost of your vacation, AND having friends to do it will will not make you miss the wait time at the restaurant.
Local Outdoor Fun
Everywhere I have been there is always stuff to do outside. In fact, it is my experience that small towns might not have stuff to do in the form of buildings, but there are always some kind of outdoor activity to be had! Hiking, kayaking, canoeing, biking, rock climbing, or picnicking are some of the things you could look up in your area. Be curious! Look for those hidden gems that even you as a local didn’t know about.
With these kinds of outdoor fun you can drive there or car pool there and burn calories while seeing the sites. It fuels your body, mind, and soul as well as leaves your vehicle in one location while exploring. Don’t forget your water, snacks, and your phone/camera.
Conclusion
Are you looking to save some money this spring break because of the price of gas? That doesn’t mean you have to forfeit all the fun. Checking out any local low cost national parks can bring wonderful memories for your family. A staycation at a local hotel or rental is a prime options for staying close but enjoying some amenities you don’t generally have. Also, getting outside is always a win. Drive a short distance and park it to experience the outdoors through biking or hiking. These are all options that could be loaded with fun and make such incredible memories.
How about you, have your spring break plans changed? How are you handling the prices at the pump when considering what you’re going to do?
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