Save Money With A Staycation: Beach Day!
I’ve heard that staycations are becoming very popular since the economy sucks right now. I think it’s kind of funny that someone has coined a word to describe what people have already been doing for millions of years: taking advantage of what’s around you in your area to take a break from the day-to-day grind.
I’ve already talked about how to utilize free days for National Parks, Museums (More Museums), Aquariums, and Zoos. Today I want to focus on something that’s always free: the beach!
The boyfriend and I don’t have much opportunity to travel this year, with the stress and cost of the move and job changes. But we still desperately need some relaxing vacation time. So we’ve started using something we’ve neglected to take full advantage of in Chicago: Lake Michigan.
We live within walking distance of one of the beaches, which makes it perfect (and cheap!) for a day long get away. Last weekend it was our date activity, but this weekend we’re hoping to have a few friends come along as well.
My favorite thing about the beach is it’s basically free. There may be a few start up costs (we each had to purchase a new swimsuit and some beach towels, plus a small cooler), but after that there should be no expenses.
Here’s what a day at the beach could include:
- Swimming
- Building Sand Castle’s
- Picinic(s)
- Barbecuing
- Volley Ball/Frisbee/Other Sports
- Sunbathing
- Napping
- Reading/Writing/Drawing/etc
- Card or Board Games
- Fly a Kite
- Take a Walk (Barefoot)
- General Relaxing
If want to be a chronic beach bum, like us, here’s a few tips to help you save money in the short term and long run:
Picnic Stuff
If you plan to picnic, instead of buying disposable plates/utensils/etc, buy some cheap plastic stuff that can be washed and reused again and again. I bought four plastic plates at Target for $1, and three plastic cups at Family Dollar for $1.
A lot of stores right now have seasonal items in stock meant for picnicers, so they may have whole sets of plastic “dinerwear” for low prices. Since the summer season is coming to an end, and retail stores are starting their Back to School sales, a lot of this summer stuff is on clearance or will be soon, so look out for great deals. Family Dollar just started marking Summer stuff to 25% off.
Fun Stuff
Okay, so we’re in our 20s, but that doesn’t mean we can’t relax and have fun like we did as a kid. Building sandcastles can be an art. Look for things around the house that could be used (like those cheap plastic cups Jimmy John’s gives you) to aid with that. Also check your local dollar stores and for sale items.
Visit your local thrift store. Many will have sports items like volleyballs, footballs, frisbees, etc for cheap. Get creative. While you’re there pickup a blanket or some towels for the beach. Fifty cents is a whole lot less than $5-20.
So if there’s a beach in your area, be it a lake or the ocean, take advantage of it. It’s fun and best of all it’s free.
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