While there are many ways to spend your weekend on a budget, sometimes the best option is to plan a short break. Whether you enjoy visiting a quiet town, staying in the countryside or visiting a nearby nature spot, you can still have a relaxing break. However, you need to be careful to create a break that will actually feel refreshing.
By planning ahead, you can have a relaxing weekend, while keeping your costs low. Here are some tips to help.
Plan a Location with Short Travel Time
The first thing to consider is which location to visit. While it can be tempting to look for popular spots, it is better to look for somewhere which you can easily get to. A short break to a hill town, lakeside, village, nature reserve or peaceful coastal location can give you a change of scenery.
Getting somewhere close will mean you have more time to relax. You don’t want to use most of Saturday to get there and then be tired on Sunday. Try to find somewhere which you can get to without a hassle.
If you prefer a countryside escape, exploring a rural village can offer a different kind of weekend experience. You may see a tractor working in nearby fields, discover local farming practices, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings away from busy city life. These simple experiences can make your short getaway more interesting without adding much to your travel budget.
Also consider the overall cost of getting there. Getting somewhere cheap can sometimes be expensive due to fuel, parking, tolls, local transport and transfers. Look at the overall cost.
Set a Budget
While a short break won’t cost much, it can quickly pile up. Costs can include accommodation, food, travel, activities and small extras.
Decide how much you would like to spend. Split between a couple of categories. You may want to leave some money aside for any unexpected costs.
For example, you may decide to spend 1200 rupees on travel, 1800 on accommodation, 1000 on food, 500 on activities and 500 on any unexpected costs. This is just an example but may vary depending on where you are going, when and what you personally prefer.
Setting a limit will help you make decisions. If you find that you are going to be spending more on accommodation than expected, you can simply adjust another category.
Choose a Comfortable Place to Stay
This doesn’t need to be a luxury break. Just find somewhere comfortable and convenient.
Many small guest houses, homestays, budget hotels or simple cottages can provide a nice break on a budget. Look around and compare different options. Consider recent reviews, cancellation policies, whether it is clean and how far it is from what you want to do.
Also consider how far away it is. While it may be cheap, if it is far away it can cause you to pay more on taxis, fuel and longer travel times. Sometimes it is better to pay a little more to ensure it is convenient.
Check what is included in the price. Free breakfast, parking and a kitchen can help you to save money. Only book once you have seen the final price.
Don’t Overfill Your Itinerary
A common mistake when planning a short break is overfilling your itinerary. Too much sightseeing, shopping, eating out and activities can leave you feeling more tired than you were when you left.
Stick to one or two activities that you are actually interested in. Perhaps have a walk around a local market in the morning and visit a garden in the afternoon. Leave some time to relax, read, chat with your travel companions or simply enjoy the scenery.
Having a flexible itinerary means that you are less likely to spend money. You may find that you can spend more time enjoying an activity that you found out about. For example, enjoying a walk along a nice trail or peaceful public area.
Before you leave, check the opening times, price and whether you need to book anything in advance.
Eat Well Without Spending Too Much
While eating is a big part of travelling, eating all of your meals in touristy places can be expensive. However, you don’t need to avoid local food or specialities. Just ensure you have a good balance.
Look for local places, small cafes and family run restaurants. Ask locals for recommendations and check the menu to see what you can expect.
If you are given free breakfast, take advantage of it. If there is safe drinking water you can carry a reusable bottle to fill up. You can also take a few simple snacks with you.
Try to have one special meal. You will feel more rewarded having tried a local specialty in a place you have looked into.
Enjoy Free/cheap Activities
Some of the best parts of travelling can be the free/cheap activities. Whether you enjoy watching the sunrise, visiting a public garden, walking along a peaceful trail, visiting a local market or simply sitting by a lake.
Research free places and cheap activities. Many places will have public areas, heritage sites, walking trails or local events. Make sure you follow the rules and are doing activities that are safe and easy to access.
Take something to help you relax. Take along a book, journal, camera or download a playlist. This will help you to enjoy your downtime.
The idea isn’t to avoid spending money. The idea is to spend it on things that you care about.
Pack Wisely
Packing wisely can help you to save money and avoid stress. Check the weather and pack appropriately. Ensure you have clothes for what you are doing. Pack comfortable shoes, basic toiletries, any essential medication, a phone charger and a reusable bottle of water.
Ensure you have your confirmation, travel details and any important contact details. If you are driving, ensure your car is in good condition and plan your route. If you are using public transport, check when you need to be there.
Don’t overpack but ensure you have all the essentials. A small amount of planning will help you avoid rushing to buy things.
Return Home Feeling Relaxed
To have a relaxing break, ensure you return home feeling relaxed. If possible try to return home early on Sunday so you can unpack, get ready for the week and have a good nights sleep.
Try not to do too much on your last day or have a late return. Especially if you have things to do the next morning. Allow some time for any delays.
Try to keep it simple. Have a relaxed breakfast, a quick walk or enjoy some final downtime.
Overall
When planning a relaxing weekend break on a realistic budget it is important to know what you want from your break. Perhaps you want some fresh air, quality time with family, a change of scenery or simply a few hours away from your daily routine. Once you know what you want from your break it will be easier to choose somewhere to go and do things that fit your interests and budget.
Choose a clear budget, somewhere that won’t take too long to get to, somewhere comfortable and leave time to do nothing. By simply making a few decisions you can have a short break which will mean something to you, without causing you any stress after returning home.
Nitesh Singh
He’s an independent content writer who creates simple, informative, and reader-friendly content on agriculture, technology, lifestyle, and business.