There are several ways to afford a weekend getaway without going broke. The truth is, you don't have to be rich or have a lot of money in the bank to have a good time on the weekend. After weeks of working long and hard, you deserve a break. If you're ready to break free with your family or friends, here are seven ways to afford a weekend getaway when you're broke.
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1. Choose Locations Close to Home
Choosing a location close to home is one of the best ways to afford a weekend getaway. You don't have to travel far to have a good time. Sometimes, going an hour or two hours away from the house can provide the relaxation and excitement you need. This way, you can drive to your destination and avoid an expensive plane or train ride.
2. Check for Hotel Deals Online
Personally, I can't remember the last time I paid full price for a hotel room. If you search the net, you'll find several deals on hotels, especially for weekend getaways. Groupon has amazing deals, allowing you to save as much as 60% on hotel rooms. In addition, several hotels offer last minute weekend deals to book empty rooms. The Internet is also an excellent place to find deals on food in your destination city, such as buy one get one free offers.
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3. Crash in Someone’s Spare Bedroom
If you have a friend or relative living in your destination city, perhaps you can crash in their spare room for the weekend and save on hotel costs. This way, you can put the majority of your money toward transportation, food and entertainment.
4. Bring a Friend
Bringing a friend on your weekend getaway is one way to keep the cost low. This way, you can split the cost of everything from putting fuel in the car to renting a hotel room. Besides, it’s safer to travel with a buddy in a foreign area, plus you might enjoy yourself more with a partner in crime.
5. Choose Hotels with Free Breakfast and Drinks
Compare different hotel amenities to increase your savings. For example, some hotels offer free hot breakfast or drinks in the lobby, which can reduce the cost of your meals. In addition, you might find a hotel that offers free Wi-Fi to all guests, thus alleviating the need to pay for this service.
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6. Save $20 a Week
Aim to save about $20 a week (or whatever you can afford). Do this and you'll have about $100 for your getaway after only a month. If you can save $20 a week for three months, that's $300 for your getaway. For this to happen, bring your lunch to work, skip morning coffee stops and cut back in other areas.
7. Take Advantage of Free Entertainment
If you’re planning a weekend getaway on the cheap, search your local area for free entertainment, such as concerts, amusement parks, museums and other local attractions. The less you spend out-of-pocket, the easier it'll be to enjoy a weekend getaway without going broke.
You deserve a break. However, the fact that you don't have a lot of disposable income doesn't have to hinder fun. Get creative and you’ll be able to afford a break.
What other tips can you offer for enjoying a weekend getaway on the cheap?
