Hey, readers!
Today, we have a guest blogger by the name of Aimee Lyons, to bring you some advice for planning a vacation that doesn’t break the bank. From Austin, Texas, Aimee is a twenty-something free spirit who loves crafting, painting, building, and anything else that lets her exercise her creative muscles. She started DIYDarlin.com to inspire others to embrace their inner creators and tackle projects with confidence. When she isn’t crafting, you might find her vintage shopping, checking out new restaurants, or hanging out with her corgi, Champ. Take it away, Aimee!
Judy + Gavin Photography
Planning a romantic vacation doesn’t have to be a big-budget affair. These days, with technology and peer-sharing at our disposal, it’s easier than ever to find deals on flights, lodging, and entertainment when you’re ready to take a trip; it just takes a bit of planning.
The first thing to remember is that a trip can be romantic no matter where you end up. Sometimes when you’re on a budget, you have to get a little bit creative. Here are some of the best tips for planning a romantic getaway for you and your loved one.
Think small
A limited budget and possibly limited time means you’ll need to start small. Rather than planning a week-long vacation, think more along the lines of a weekend trip. Look for a destination close to home but far enough away to pack in some much-needed scenery; remember, it doesn’t matter where you go if you make an effort to keep it romantic. A cabin two towns away is just as good as a cabana on the beach.
Elizabeth Medina Photography
Plan ahead
When you think of “getaway,” you might automatically picture a spur-of-the-moment trip to the beach, but if you can, plan ahead as much as possible. If you’re going to fly somewhere, booking early can save you some cash.
It’s best to think about where your destination is and when the busy season will be. If you’re going somewhere with a fairly large tourist base, take off during the slow time of year to ensure a cheap stay as well as some privacy.
Elizabeth Medina Photography
Look for something all-inclusive
Like I said above, you might have to get creative. Look online for deals on all-inclusive stays at bed-and-breakfasts, vineyards, and on cruises. Often, you can find a beautiful destination that will offer food and drink, a place to stay, and perhaps even some entertainment in the form of live music. The initial price may seem a bit much, but when you factor in the cost of each individual perk, it’s actually a good deal.
Elizabeth Medina Photography
Don’t plan every minute
One of the best things about a romantic getaway is the feeling of flying-by-the-seat-of-your-pants. Don’t feel the need to plan out every minute of your trip; instead, plan for the big things and leave the in-between moments free so the two of you can relax, talk, dream, and enjoy each other’s company. Doing this will also cut down on your expenses.
If you’ll be staying near a beach or park, plan to pack a picnic lunch or dinner instead of eating at a restaurant. The romantic factor will automatically move up several notches, and you’ll save cash at the same time.
Elizabeth Medina Photography
Spend carefully
Be careful about cash versus credit during your trip. It’s a good idea to set aside a certain amount of cash for spending and keep credit cards for emergencies only, or perhaps just for lodging or gas. Keep cash in a safe place at all times and never count it in public.
Romantic getaways are sometimes necessary, but they don’t have to break the bank. Plan carefully and remember, romance doesn’t always equal extravagant. Simple can be just as effective.
Thanks for sharing, Aimee! Have a great Labor Day weekend, y’all!
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