As a teacher, the end of the school year means it’s time for a getaway. And of course, with a teacher’s salary, I am always looking for cheap weekend getaways that won’t break the bank. You may not be a broke teacher like I am, but If you’ve got a stressful job, or are a mom, or you just plain need to get away with your significant other, then this list is for you. Here are ten cheap weekend getaway ideas that won’t break the bank but will nourish your soul and relationships.
Miami Beach
If you want to relax for a weekend getaway, then you’ve got to put Miami, Florida on your list. Turquoise beaches and crystal clear waters are actually not as far away as they might seem. Better yet, Miami has the perfect mix of shopping, food, and nightlife to make your weekend trip one for the books. If you are lucky enough to live on the eastern seaboard, then you’re in luck. With a little planning and flexibility, you can find one way flights to cities around Miami for as low as fifty bucks a person. Check out discounted airline sites like Frontier and Allegiant Air to book your Miami weekend getaway today.
Chicago, Illinois
With all the high rises and latest attractions that are popping up, Chicago is pretty impressive for a weekend getaway. This is another one of the best cities to visit. Plan to spend an afternoon and take in the impressive views that Willis Tower has to offer. Once you’ve soaked in the beautiful Chicago landscape, be sure to make your way down to Millennium Park. It’s here that you’ll find a beautiful collection of art on display. When you are there, be sure to stop by the infamous Cloud Gate – or it’s better-known nickname, “The Bean” and snap a photo of your reflection. In the evening, be sure to wine in dine in one of the many fine restaurants the windy city has to offer. There’s no question why this is one of the best cities to visit. Don’t leave this city out of your next weekend getaway.
The Big Apple
If you’re looking for a weekend trip, then New York City should be on your list. There is a reason New York is one of the best cities to visit. From all the sightseeing to all the great hole in the wall restaurants, New York makes for the perfect weekend getaway. To maximize your experience, try and avoid booking your trip on or around a holiday. New York City is busy as is, you don’t want the added tourism traffic to add to the chaos. New York City can be a pricey place. In order to cut down on costs and make it a cheap vacation, consider the following. Ditch your car and take a bus to get there instead. Not only is it best to avoid driving in the city, but taking the bus will allow you to relax on your commute there. Not only that but taking the bus will save you wads of cash in terms of transportation costs like gas and toll roads.
Go To The Lake
You don’t have to have a lake house to enjoy this next weekend getaway. Heading out to the lake is great for long weekends like Memorial Day. Many destination lakes have cabin rentals available for weekend getaways. If you’re planning your weekend getaway on a budget, you can still enjoy a nice cheap weekend getaway. All you have to do is plan ahead for a couple of months and avoid high volume holiday weekends.
Play Tourist In Your Own Town
The ultimate cheap weekend getaway is a lot closer to home than you might think. Whether you live in a big city, or a small city, it’s always a good idea to play tourist in your own hometown. There are hidden gems in every city that don’t get explored as often as they should. One such little gem is your local bed and breakfast. Book a night in with you and your loved one and enjoy. For an added dose of fun, put on a show and pretend you’re new to the area. See what your host has to say about your little town to gain a new perspective. It’s always fun to play tourist. And even more fun if you can do it in your own town.
Vineyards
Vineyards are beautiful locations for evening date nights. But why not make weekend getaways out of it? You don’t have to go very far either to enjoy this weekend getaway. Your nearby vineyard will do just fine. The great thing is you get to choose the distance. So if you need to stay close to home, opt for a nearby vineyard. For a change of scenery, don’t be afraid to venture out. Before you book this weekend getaway, be sure to plan accordingly. Many vineyards have monthly events like salsa nights on different weekends. So be sure to book your trip on a weekend where you know you’ll have fun and enjoy yourself.
Church Getaway
If you want a cheap weekend getaway like no other, then look no further than your local church. Many churches offer cheap weekend getaways that will help you build up your relationship mentally but also spiritually. Better yet, many churches offer weekend getaways that focus on giving back to the community. For example, your church might get together for the weekend to help build a home for someone in need or help with other relief efforts around the community. If you want to spend time with your significant other all while giving back to your community, then a weekend getaway with your church might be right up your alley.
Go Off The Grid
Just because you live near a national park, doesn’t mean you’ve actually explored it. If you are an outdoorsy type of couple, then consider going off the grid for a nice cheap weekend getaway. The awesome thing about going off the grid is not only is it a surprisingly cheap weekend getaway, but it gives you and your partner an opportunity to actually connect without any distraction. Many national parks like Yosemite National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer cabins for long weekend getaways. But if you do want to save some money, try pitching a tent. If you are concerned about the safety of camping, don’t be. Most national parks offer campgrounds that are designed to keep unwanted guests like bears away. Besides, what better way to catch a glimpse of the beautiful night sky than by pitching a tent and sleeping outdoors.
Cruise Away
If you have a four day weekend or otherwise long weekend to spare, then you might want to take advantage of the time and go on a cruise for a weekend getaway. With the right planning, you can nab some really great cruise tickets for prices as low as $200 using sites like Hotwire. The great thing about long weekend cruises is that even though they may only be three or four days at sea, they still pack just as much fun as a week-long cruise. There are several cruises that take three or four days and can take you to fabulous paradise locations like the Bahamas or the Virgin Islands. If you live in the southeastern states, there are some great weekend cruises with fabulous destinations to choose from. If you live on the west coast, consider cruising down to Catalina Island for a romantic weekend getaway. Keep in mind; you can nab a cheap weekend getaway on a cruise ship by planning ahead. Start your search early so you have a better idea of what prices look like during different time frames. That way, you can nab the best deals.
Skip The Hotel, Rent A House
Wherever you choose to go for your weekend getaway, consider ditching the traditional method of lodging. Instead of checking into the local hotel, check out home-sharing websites like Airbnb and Flipkey. Renting out a home or someone else’s space gives you a more intimate feel of the town you are visiting. Not only that, but you are more likely to get more bang for your buck. Often times, you can rent a full house for roughly the same price as a standard hotel room.
Final Thoughts
Wherever you choose for your weekend getaway, remember to enjoy the adventure just as much as you enjoy the time with your significant other. Weekend getaways, especially long weekend getaways, are great ways to escape reality with the one you love and get a refreshing start on life when you get back to your normal routine. I know I’ll be booking my cheap weekend getaway soon. I hope this list has sparked some ideas for you to take a weekend getaway as well. Happy exploring!
