Save this Summer

I must admit. Right now I have wanderlust and I have it bad. Maybe it’s the triple-digit temperatures or the fact that summer seems to be moving by at a snail’s pace, but I want to go on adventures all of the time. I love exploring, taking pictures, and pulling out my journal and taking in the surroundings. Whether its European architecture or the bustling city streets, I love finding new spots, getting lost, and discovering what is around the next corner. Adventure and exploring has become a necessity of mine. If I don’t go on an adventure of some sort around once a month, I find myself restless and chomping at the bit. Initially my summer began with dreams of European adventures, working remotely and living out of a pack for a few weeks. Then reality set in. With returning to school in the fall and another round of quarterly taxes due, I knew the adventures I had dreamed of just weren’t financially feasible. How do I cure wanderlust when my budget is limited? I knew I just needed to get creative.

Keep reading for my tips and tricks for saving and having an adventurous summer!

Travel without traveling.

I know this may seem a bit obvious as “staycations” have become common terms in recent years of the economic downturn. But in all reality there are locations I have driven by in my city multiple times, without even stopping in or wandering around. Ask yourself, “If I were visiting my city what would people do?” Most likely you probably haven’t even ventured to half the places tourists do in your city. For me, I know I’ve yet to go to any local breweries, have many local restaurants to try, and have yet to hike either national park in my backyard. Why not now? Discover sights you’ve been through before and enjoy wandering and finding new favorite businesses in your city or town. What you find, observe, and take in may surprise you.

Look for free (and discounted) stuff.

This seems like an obvious statement, but we often overlook free stuff and the enjoyment they bring. Often times when we leave the house, there is this implicit idea that we have to spend money in order for it to feel productive or useful. Cities and towns frequently host free events and festivals throughout the summer. Look at your local newspaper to find live music, festivals, night markets, and cooking demos at the farmer’s market. Libraries have excellent free reading programs for kids, and great incentives as prizes. For grown ups, remember that most libraries offer items other than books to check out. If you don’t have a library card, head to your library and get one. You’ll find DVDs to rent (1 week rentals, which would cost around $10 at the Redbox), magazines to check out, and ebooks, perfect for all of your poolside reading. At some local parks there are great ranger programs, that include free kayaking rentals and time on the lake around sunset. These are always fun and well worth it, plus they provide some great date nights. Around here coffee shops, dessert spots, and local restaurants offer great specials during the summer. I try to plan my coffee dates during espresso happy hours where I get my drink 50 cents off. I also have found some great bogo coupons in the mail for coffee and ice cream. These are always nice when you’re wanting to cool off on a summer day. Lately retailers are also sending out coupons that act as $10 gift cards. These retailers would love for me to spend more than $10; however, I go and spend exactly $10, providing me with some great free items to spruce up my wardrobe without spending a thing.

Find value in simple living.

There is something to be said for incredible delight and joy when learning contentment in the simplest of circumstances. Maybe it’s the pride in making and enjoying the perfect homemade cold brew and reading a good book. Maybe it’s spending a night at night market, meeting new people, enjoying people watching, and relaxing as the sun goes down. Often adventure and simplicity go hand-in-hand. Sometimes we just forget to forage and cultivate the beauty of our daily lives. Next time you are enjoying something, whether it be good local food, a cup of coffee, or a beautiful landscape, breathe it all in, finding fulfillment in exactly where you are.

Find some long-term investments for your cash.

I know this article is about saving right? Yes, yes it is. However, sometimes along the way we save money by spending a bit smarter. For me this looks like making some thrifty spending decisions for the summer. Instead of booking hotels at some lovely California destinations, I’ll be staying at Airbnb spots or going on camping trips. This cuts my cost down to gas or my lodging bills in half. The other investment I made was purchasing a National Park annual pass. I knew I would be spending around $65 for entrances into various national parks in the Northwest throughout the year (at Whiskeytown Lake, Crater Lake, Mt Rainer), so I opted to spend the additional $5 and have a pass for the whole year. Most campgrounds within the parks have nominal fees and I’m excited to go explore a few more parks than I initially thought. Taking friends on backpacking and camping trips are some of my favorite things to do, so I knew this would be a wise investment throughout the year. (The best part, the higher you go in elevation the colder it becomes and that is really excellent news around here.)

Haven’t tried Airbnb yet, but want to? Click here for a $25 Airbnb credit to get you started.

“I get by with a little help from my friends.”

Just like the song implies, sometimes friends can help you save some serious cash. Have a friend with a pool, a boat, paddleboard, kayaks, or lakehouse? Chances are they probably aren’t using those items all the time and would be more than willing to share. Maybe they have relatives who live in a destination you would like to visit. See if you can go with them to see family and stay for free at that house. Know someone with some great land? See if you could co-host a gathering with some friends, enjoying the open space, build a bonfire, and have a cookout. It is one of my goals this summer to host one great dinner party a month. I’ll be inviting some foodie friends so we can create some delicious food and enjoy summer evening, shared conversation, and really good company. Lobster paella over the firepit anyone? How about a dinner inspired by one seasonal ingredient and everyone brings their take, where provide the main dish? Find some other culinary adventurers and go for it!

Make your list and check it twice.

With the long days of summer, it’s easy to find yourself bored as you watch other head out on their vacations and trips. Ask yourself, “What are some things I’ve wanted to do during the winter months that I haven’t been able to do yet?” Write these down, set a few goals, and enjoy getting a few things accomplished that you’ve been putting off. For me this means some business goals and working ahead before the fall, wrapping things up with clients, and putting some strong organizational systems in place. That’s the goal list. Then there’s the fun list. You can see my post on my summer adventure list here. Get some pretty paper and your favorite pen and go write one!

What are some of your favorite ways to save on cash during the summer? Any ways you travel and explore on the cheap?

Looking for more travel inspiration? Today I’m guest posting over at Feast + West. Check out an updated Louisville city guide there!