The holidays are a great time, but they can also be very stressful. That’s why you need to take a small trip when you can. Going away even for just a few days can help you feel better.
But how can you pay for it? A week-long trip sounds great, but the costs of flights, hotels, and meals can ruin your finances. Then there’s the stress of traveling. Miss just one flight or hotel reservation, and that relaxing vacation can be horrible.
Thankfully, there are ways you can ensure your trip is both budget-friendly and relaxing. Believe it or not, one of the best ways to travel on a budget is backpacking.
Backpacking For Cheap Travel
When it comes to vacation costs, getting places is usually the biggest problem. Even so-called “cheap” flights are hundreds of dollars. And if you want to visit more than one location, the costs go up. That’s why you should consider backpacking. Done right, it can be very budget-friendly.
Student Universe explains several ways you can keep backpacking costs down. Camping instead of staying in hotels definitely saves you money, while hostels are a great in-between choice should one be available in your area. Walking around town can also save you the cost of a taxi or Uber. And you can save on meals by buying snacks at a store and enjoying them on your travels.
While it’s true that backpacking requires some gear, Backpacker lists several ways you can reuse accessories for gear. Use an old SmartWater bottle instead of any expensive version. Plastic bags are great for organizing your belongings (and keeping things dry), and if you’re camping, a foam sleeping pad is generally cheaper than an inflatable mattress.
If you are really looking to get the most bang for your buck, consider booking a backpacking excursion with Lasting Adventures. The gear, food, and permits are completely taken care of for you, making it a true one-stop shop, and the excellent guides ensure you enjoy all that Yosemite has to offer. As an added bonus, all proceeds go toward their summer youth program, thus promoting a love of nature and the outdoors and encouraging positive youth development.
Where To Stay
Speaking of camping, bringing along a small tent can help you travel, enjoy nature, and save money all at the same time. And in today’s modern world, spending some time outdoors can help lift your spirits and help you relax more.
But where should you stay? FreeCampsites.com has a list of links to find places you can camp for free. In the United States, there are a lot of public lands available for camping. Some of these are parks, of course, so visit the National Park Service to find the campsite near where you’re heading. Just know that not all campsites are the same. Some are very rustic or bare-bones, while others offer cabins and electricity. Pick the site that works best for you to enjoy a more relaxing time.
If you prefer to stay indoors while backpacking, you don’t have to buy expensive hotel rooms. As Thrillist explains, you can also take advantage of sharing economy sites. These are ones that let you barter or share for a place to sleep. AirBnB is the most famous, but check out alternatives like Couchsurfing.
Home Security For Avoiding Stress
No matter where you go or stay while backpacking on your vacation, you want your trip to be relaxing. However, that’s hard to find when you’re worried about what’s happening at home. That’s why you need to take some steps to secure your home before heading out on a hike.
For example, don’t share too much about where (or when) you’ll be going. Sharing your trip details on social media is just letting people know your home is unoccupied. Don’t hide a key outside, as everyone knows to look under nearby rocks or planters for it. And make sure you have locked all doors and windows beforehand.
You Deserve A Great Trip
Taking a vacation can be expensive and even stressful, but not if you do it right. Enjoy some time backpacking and either camping or couch surfing to save money. And make sure your home is safe you can focus on relaxing and enjoying yourself.