One of the most important things you must think about when looking to go for a vacation is cost. If you will be flying your loved ones somewhere special, you will need a lot of money to spend on air tickets, baggage fees, accommodation, taxis, and even a rental car before you start to visit attraction sites in the area.
However, once you are settled in, you will not have to spend more money on activities. In this post, you will find interesting and cost-effective things to do while on vacation:
Visit free museums
Museums are no longer the old stuffy hangouts they used to be. Today’s museums are using the latest technologies and have embraced pop culture to bring to life some family-friendly and fun exhibitions. Although most museums will charge an admission fee, especially during big events, there are a few that will allow you to get in for free.
Go for a picnic in the park
You will probably find a park near the town or area you are visiting. Even in the busiest cities in the world such as Manhattan, there are many parks you can visit. You could spend a day in the park, but of course, you will need a picnic blanket for this venture. If you don’t have a picnic blanket or bringing the blanket could increase baggage fees, you can get a cheap one at the drugstore or dollar store when you get to the city. Some hotels may provide extra bedding and blankets, so you may want to take advantage of that as well.
If the hotel provides complimentary buffet or breakfast, that’s an added advantage for you. Otherwise, you may want to check out the nearest grocery store for snacks, drinks, and foods. Also, buy some recyclable plates, silverware and cups. Always ensure you leave the park clean and free from any containers and trash when you leave.
Go for a photo scavenger hunt
You are going to see landmarks and other places of interest in your vacation destination. It is important to do some research before going. Some of the things you may want to find out are if there are monuments in the area, street signs and names, local celebrities, and popular joints to eat and drink.
Come up with a list of about 20 items, varying from easy to difficult. Then choose a day for your scavenger hunt and divide yourselves into groups. If you have children, place them in groups with someone older to help them cross streets. Set a time limit, after which you will meet back at the hotel and discuss the results. The group that has the most items in the list checked off wins.
Use Google to search for free events in your vacation area
Chances are there will be events happening during your stay in the city. The easiest way to know these events is by searching on Google. In most cases, you will be directed to a tourism-related site of that city or area. On that website, you will find all the information you need to know.
If you can’t find any results on Google, you can try free local newspapers. In addition, local pubs, stores, and tourists attractions sites will often have bulletin boards that showcase free events in the city.
If this doesn’t work, you can ask your hotel concierge who may know the area well and can help you to find free places to visit. You should tip the concierge on the first day of your stay. He will provide with a wealth of information about almost everything you need, including affordable places to eat and how to score tickets for shows.
Take a free walk tour
Free walk tours of cities and towns are very popular and readily available. Some sites are specifically dedicated to them and can help you to find a free walking tour in the city you’re visiting. However, you should keep in mind that these tours are not 100% free.
Although the tour guide who will be taking you around is not getting paid, he will certainly appreciate a tip from you. How much you tip him/her varies from one guide to another, but since most tour guides do this for a living, it is a good idea to tip them. But of course, you are not obliged to do that.
Play some games
We are always busy with our work, social media, news, bills to pay, and other things that we forget to create time to play and have fun. When you go on vacation, you are basically escaping those distractions both mentally and physically.
You can play “two truths and a lie” and learn some surprising facts about people who are close to you. If you will be visiting Malaysia and you are gambling enthusiast, you may want to visit Malaysia casinos for the ultimate gambling experience.
