Summer is the perfect season to enjoy outdoor activities, travel, and create wonderful memories with friends + family.

The cost of summer fun can quickly add up and put a strain on your budget. But don't worry! With a little planning and creativity, you can still have an amazing summer without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to have a budget-friendly summer full of fun and excitement. 

Plan Budget-Friendly Staycations

Traveling can be expensive, but that doesn't mean you can't have a fantastic summer without leaving your town or city. Plan to take a more budget-friendly Staycation with Pack Up + Go to a destination of your choice. You choose the destination, we’ll book the accommodations and provide curated recommendations full of local attractions, parks, and restaurants. Many destinations offer free or low-cost events during the summer, such as outdoor concerts, festivals, and farmers' markets. Staycations not only save you money on travel expenses but also allow you to discover hidden gems in your own backyard! 

Take Advantage of Free Outdoor Activities

Summer offers a plethora of free outdoor activities that are perfect for budget-conscious individuals. Take advantage of local parks, beaches, and hiking trails for outdoor adventures. Pack a picnic, bring a frisbee or a soccer ball, and spend a day enjoying nature with your loved ones. If you live near a lake or river, consider renting a canoe or kayak for a fun and affordable water activity. Many cities also have free or low-cost public pools or splash pads, which are great options for beating the heat without breaking the bank.

Pack Your Own Snacks + Drinks

Planning on taking a Road Trip this summer? One of the biggest expenses during the summer can be dining out and buying snacks and drinks on the go. To save money, pack your own snacks and drinks whenever you head out for outdoor activities. Bring a cooler with refreshing drinks, sandwiches, fruits, and snacks to keep you fueled during your adventures. Packing your own food and drinks not only saves you money but also allows you to make healthier choices and spend less time at rest stops. 

Plan a trip with a Pack Up + Go Destination Guide

Did you know that Pack Up + Go Essential and Outdoor Destination Guides are only $25 for pages and pages of vetted, curated recommendations for the destination of your choice? There are more than 75 different places to choose from. Guides are delivered instantly to your email and have all the business information you’ll need to build your adventure. If you have something a little bit more specific in mind, we also offer Personalized Destination Guides that will be created specifically just for you based on the interests you tell us on the Pre-Picks Survey during checkout. 

Host Budget-Friendly BBQs and Potlucks

Summer is the season for backyard BBQs and potlucks with friends and family. Instead of dining out at expensive restaurants, host your own budget-friendly gatherings. Plan a potluck where everyone brings a dish to share, or fire up the grill and make delicious homemade burgers or hot dogs. If you have the space, you can also set up lawn games like horseshoes, badminton, or a DIY slip-and-slide for added fun, or see if your local parks have public BBQ spots. Hosting BBQs and potlucks at home allows you to control the cost of food and drinks, and it's a great way to socialize without breaking your budget.

Utilize Free or Low-Cost Community Resources

Many communities offer free or low-cost resources during the summer that can provide hours of entertainment (not to mention free AC!). Check out your local community center, library, or recreation department for activities such as free movie nights, arts and crafts workshops, or fitness classes. Some cities also have free or low-cost sports leagues, such as softball or soccer, which are a great way to stay active and have fun without spending a fortune. Take advantage of these community resources to stay engaged and entertained throughout the summer.

DIY Summer Fun

Get creative and DIY your summer fun! Gather some friends and have a DIY tie-dye session in the park, create your own homemade popsicles with fresh fruit, or build a sandcastle at the beach. You can also try making your own outdoor games like a DIY ring toss or a homemade piñata. DIY activities not only allow you to express your creativity, but they can also be cost-effective and provide unique experiences that you won't find elsewhere.

Tis the season to make amazing memories.

Start planning your summer fun on a budget today! For a limited time only, Pack Up + Go Essential and Outdoor Destination Guides are 25% off. Choose your next adventure and let us lead the way, for less.

How do you save dough during the summer? Share your tips and tricks below!