Blog Highlights
- Outdoor Adventures: Escape into the great outdoors and experience all that nature has to offer with a summer adventure that doesn’t require the high expenses of travel.
- Cultural Experiences: Discover new cultures without the use of a passport or plane ticket.
- Simple Fun: Relax and enjoy an affordable, carefree break that’s simply refreshing!
Who says you to have to leave town to enjoy summer fun and vacay vibes? If travel isn’t in your budget this year, a staycation can be just as fulfilling – and far more affordable. Whether you’re looking for an adventure, want to immerse yourself in new cultural experiences, or just kick your feet up and relax, there are countless ways you can make this summer staycation spectacular!
If You’re Looking for an Outdoor Adventure or Relaxing Retreat
You don’t have to travel far to experience the great outdoors – your perfect summer escape just may be in your own backyard (literally) or local area. Turn an ordinary staycation into an outdoor adventure or relaxing oasis with these nature-loving ideas.
Explore Local Nature
Hiking trails, parks, rivers, lakes and beaches, just to name a few, are free or low-cost ways to connect with nature and plan fun day trips. Pack a picnic, bring family or friends, and explore a new trail or nature preserve. For a budget-friendly weekend trip, swap the lavish hotel room for a local campground or Airbnb. It’s the perfect way to enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and a sense of adventure that's cost-effective.
Check out these resources for state parks in Georgia and South Carolina.
Added Bonus: There are many places to explore in Georgia and South Carolina. Consider one of these local favorites – ‘Explore Local Places for Spring Break this Year!’ – perfect for summertime too!
Create a Backyard Retreat
Turn your backyard or patio space into your very own relaxing oasis. String up lights, set up a hammock or lounge chairs, and create a cozy area for reading, sipping cold drinks, stargazing, or entertaining. Display an outdoor projector and invite friends and family over for a BYOLC (bring your own lawn chair) movie night.
Added Bonus: Host a themed backyard BBQ with lawn games and other fun activities. Check out our ‘5 Summertime Recipes that Won’t Skewer Your Budget’ for tasty and inexpensive food ideas!
If You’re Looking for Cultural Experiences
Explore new international experiences without leaving the country or better yet, your town! These low-cost cultural ideas offer rich and meaningful ways to travel the globe – without the high costs of airfare.
Have a Culture Day
Many communities have museums, art galleries, or historical sites with free or donation-based admissions. Spend the day learning something new by taking a self-guided walking tour of your town’s most historic areas. If you can’t go far, check out virtual museum tours from around the world or other unique community events.
Added Bonus: Visit Georgia’s free museums and historical sites or South Carolina’s museums and arts. Dancing is a great way to immerse yourself in another culture — whether you’re interested in African dance, Cuban salsa, German polka, or country western line dancing. Look for local organizations offering lessons or search for free dance tutorials online.
Visit Local Events
Visiting local events is an entertaining and budget-friendly way to make the most of your cultural summer staycation. From outdoor concerts to community festivals and art walks, your hometown may offer hidden cultural gems that are waiting to be discovered.
Check out these resources for local festivals in Georgia and South Carolina.
Added Bonus: For free things to do in Georgia including farmers markets, arts, and other experiences, visit exploregeorgia.org/events/free-things-to-do. For free things to do in South Carolina, visit discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/cool-things-to-do-for-free-in-south-carolina.
If You’re Looking for Simple Fun
Some of the best memories are made at home with a little creativity and good company. Here are a few simple yet fun-filled ways to make lasting memories this summer.
Host a Game Night, Movie Marathon, or Scavenger Hunt
Choose a board game, movie series, or song genre everyone loves and invite them over for a fun night in. Keep it simple (and low cost) with homemade snacks or a themed potluck. Looking for something more competitive? Plan a parents vs. kids sports game and invite the neighbors to join in a game of kickball, soccer, frisbee, and more! It’s affordable fun that brings people together – while creating a few laughs and lasting memories.
Added Bonus: Organize a home scavenger hunt by leaving clues around the house or yard, or launch a full-scale quest around your city. It’s a great way to create a little friendly competition that's fun for all ages!
Plan a Themed Day or Week
Build a day or series of activities around a particular theme – tropical island, European café, or summer carnival. Prepare authentic meals, decorate your home, dress the part, and play music to match.
Added Bonus: Have a flat top grill? Try an at-home hibachi style dinner. No flat top grill? No problem! Buy ingredients to make personal pizzas, tacos, sandwiches, or sundaes to have an at-home themed dinner night. Set up individual stations for a ‘build your own’ experience or recreate a restaurant atmosphere with dressed tables, centerpieces, a menu, and more for a unique in-home dining experience.
Try Something New
Use your time off to explore a new hobby or learn a skill such as painting, dancing, yoga, baking, or photography. Partner with family or friends and try an online tutorial or local class together.
Added Bonus: Checkout these 15 platforms that offer free skill training brought to you by The Penny Hoarder.
Make Home Your Happy Place this Summer
You don’t have to spend big dollars in travel or overpriced expeditions to enjoy a fun and meaningful summer. With a little creativity, a staycation can offer the adventure, relaxation, and memories that you’re craving – without the stress of high travel expenses. Make the most of what’s around you, embrace the simple joys, and discover the value in staying close to home.
