Plan Your Next Getaway for $550 (Trip Guide Inside)

Warmer months equal sunscreen, citrusy drinks, and a life lived out of a suitcase. Choosing the right holiday for yourself can be joy and we’ll guide you through it with this Staycation Template already designed for you. Whether you’re a college student planning spring break or 50 and fabulous, you deserve a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. But you don’t have to jet-set to a coastal town in the south of France or cruise down to the Bahamas to get your zen on. You can have an epic getaway in your own home town. And it may even make the most sense for your bank account!

Budget

$500

Lodging, Food, and Entertainment for two

Lodging:

When a teeny budget, you will be looking close to home. The further you go, the more cash it takes. However, even stays in the same town can be relaxing! You’ve first got to treat yourself to some beautiful accommodations. You can make a modest budget stretch further when you book on Air BNB.

Simply go to Air BNB’s website, select your dates and how many people are guests, what city you’re staycationing in and… voila! Listing after listing for you to browse and get wistfully dreamy.

Running total… $242

Meals

Ok, say you’re doing a weekend get-away with your sweetheart or bestie. You’ll need meals Friday night, Saturday brunch, lunch, and dinner, and (although you’re traveling on this day, it still counts!) Sunday brunch, lunch dinner. So seven meals total for two people; that’s 14 total meals.

We know we’ve got a tight budget, so we’ll allow $15 for brunch, $20 for lunches and dinners, including tip, friends.

That’s $200 for lunches and dinners and $60 for Brunch/Breakfast. That’s $260.

PRO TIP: If you carry out, then you can save the gratuity to a server or delivery person.

Running total…$502

Transportation:

You’re using your own vehicle because you’re staying in your own town. Zero dollars allotted for this one.

Running total… $502

Entertainment…

There are always loads of free things to do when you’re traveling. Check out museums, galleries, zoos, aquariums, libraries, historical buildings, and tours. Often, most of these places have free entrances on specific days! This is a great way to ensure you’re crystallizing memories while keeping your budget protected.

Even though you are going the frugal route, you still want to do something extra special. After all, you’re on vacation! There is a special splurge night built-in on Saturday. You’ve got tickets to see a show. At $45 a pop, that locks in your final numbers!

GRAND TOTAL: $547

That’s right! You just had an unforgettable holiday with your bestie or sweetheart for $550! You pinched pennies but never compromised on the experiences. Make sure you snap lots of pics; this is one for the scrapbook!

PS: Don’t forget the tip!

All the examples given include the tip! Here are some guidelines for tipping in 2020:

Cab/Uber/Lift: 15%-20%

Restaurant Server: 15%-20%

Valet: $4-$5

AirBNB: no tip required