With economic turmoil still affecting a great deal of the world, many people are finding it difficult to spend time on hobbies, luxuries, and vacations. Indeed, taking time off for yourself is far easier if you aren’t worried about expenses, and this limits you considerably when it comes to vacation time, or even time off in general.
Fortunately, however, with careful planning and some creative thinking, you can still find some very nice vacation options for the coming summer that won’t cost you too much money. After all, it is perfectly possible to have a great time on a budget with a strategic vacation. Here are a few tips for affordable 2012 summer vacations that will provide you the relaxation you need without requiring you to break the bank.
Greece
It may seem a bit ambitious to look to one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe right off the bat, but when you consider this country’s own economic struggles, it becomes a viable travel option on a budget. Of course, air fare to Europe is still pricey, but accommodations and on-the-ground expenses in Greece are about as cheap as they’ll ever come right now, which means you can visit this Mediterranean paradise fairly easily. For that matter, a number of other European cities are also cheaper to visit now than in more stable economic times.
Ski Locations
This may seem a bit strange, but if you’re looking for something closer to home, you may want to consider ski lodges for summer vacation time. You will certainly want to look into a specific lodge beforehand, but many ski locations house people during the summer, and provide warm weather activities like hiking, rafting, fishing, camping, etc. Additionally, depending upon where you live, you may not even have to bother with air fare to get to the nearest ski lodge location. You may actually be a quick drive away from a very nice, and very affordable summer mountain vacation.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
If you’re looking for a nice, hot summer beach location, but you don’t want the crowds or expenses of South Beach or the Caribbean, consider Ft. Lauderdale, an increasingly appreciated beach city whose crowds lighten somewhat in the summer. A trip to this city will cost you very little in comparison to one to Miami or the Caribbean, and allows you, essentially, the same benefits. In fact, you will even be in driving distance of South Beach, if you still want to consider spending a bit of time in Miami.
Kristen E. is a freelance writer who has contributed to a number of other online blogs and websites concerned with home improvement and security systems.
Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.
Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.
She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.
