Is your tax refund still sitting in your savings account, waiting to be spent? Summer vacation and tax refunds can be a great combination for Americans. Whether you’re taking a summer trip to get a breather from work or organizing time as a family, there are many budget-friendly ways to spend your tax refund this summer without spending a lot of money.
Remember, you don’t have to rack up South Beach-levels of debt on your credit card to have a fun family vacation. Instead, dip your toes into these fun, affordable tips and summer vacation ideas.
Affordable summer vacation ideas
1. Go camping.
Camping trips can be a great option for a low-cost getaway close to nature. America has many beautiful national parks and state parks, or you can choose a local campground. Whichever option you go with, the nightly fees are often much lower than staying in a hotel room or Airbnb®.
Here’s a great travel hack for new campers: You can also often borrow or rent items like tents, camping stoves, and coolers, so don’t feel obligated to go on a spending spree beforehand. In fact, when you’re initially figuring out what kind of camper you are — car, glamping, backpacking, or remote — you’ll also learn what you do and don’t need. Borrowing gear is a great way to get started while keeping the financial stakes low. Plus, many campers opt to bring their own food with them, so you won’t have to worry about restaurants eating into your budget.
Your state’s parks website is an excellent place to begin. Some will let you view camping options based on what low-cost or free activities they have such as hiking trails, biking, boating, kayaking, or horseback riding. You may even be able to reserve a spot online. However, camping sites fill up fast during summer, so start looking early!
2. Explore your city or take a staycation.
Airfare and vacation rentals can quickly eat up your travel budget and ruin your dreams of a cheap summer vacation. Why not “travel” a little closer to home this year for a budget-friendly summer vacation?
Are there spaces you’ve always wanted to visit locally but haven’t had the time? Sounds like a staycation or a short day trip is in order. Do a little research and you’ll find a ton of free or cheap ways to see your city through new eyes. For example, you could try visiting your area’s art galleries — not only are they free, but they’re a fast education in who is creating great work right now. Feeling hungry? Great! You finally have time to eat your way through your city, so go on a food truck tour or rank your area’s best burgers.
If you really want the vacation experience, you could even take a cheesy walking tour like an out-of-towner. This is a great way to sharpen your local trivia and see your city through new eyes.
3. Take a road trip.
A road trip is a great option for an affordable summer vacation. A tank of gas, some snacks, and a camera are all you need for a little adventure. If you like off-the-beaten-path destinations, check out sites like Atlas Obscura® to find an extensive list of roadside oddities and attractions near you. Then, create a map of the stops you’d like to make and hit the road.
Depending on where you’re going, you may have a variety of accommodation options, such as camping, hostels, motels, hotels, or vacation rentals through a site like Airbnb or VRBO®. The summer vacation destinations are endless — you could opt for a beach vacation in California or Florida, a backpacking trip through the Rockies in Colorado, or try to hit up as many wineries as you can in upstate New York.
Wherever vacation spot you choose, not only will your trip result in great photos for the ‘gram, but you’ll also get to sing in the car with the windows rolled down. (Extra points if you stop for ice cream.)
4. Try out a new hobby.
If a budget-friendly vacation isn’t your cup of tea, maybe it’s time to try a new hobby instead. What if you set up an easel, grabbed some paints, and chilled out somewhere beautiful? Your painting might be terrible, but all great artists have a learning curve. Or maybe there’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try, like curling or rowing.
Check for local community groups and see about popping by. As you dig into your local resources, you’ll probably find groups ranging from tap dancers to beekeepers — and maybe, if you’re lucky, tap-dancing beekeepers.
Don’t be afraid to find your new tribe, make some new friends, and fall headfirst into a new obsession this summer.
5. Volunteer your time.
Whether you participate as a family, individual, or team, volunteering creates memories that matter. Imagine using your summer vacation to build homes for families in need instead of hitting the mall. Such an action defines your ethics and tightens your bonds. It also redirects your mindset to “what you have to give” rather than “what’s in your bank account.”
Still need persuading? Consider this: How many mall food court lunches stick out in your memory? Probably not too many. But you can bet that your family will always recall the time you ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on a construction site together — because that was the day you helped change the world.
The bottom line
A memorable summer vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. With these five affordable ideas, you can create lasting memories while staying within your budget. Whether you choose to explore the great outdoors, take a road trip, try something new, or give back by volunteering, your summer can be full of adventure and meaningful experiences without spending a fortune. So, grab your tax refund and start planning your next affordable getaway!
