When the temperatures drop, so can our spirits. It can be easy to get discouraged when the days are short and it’s too cold to go outside. Not to mention the potential of having to scrape snow and ice off your car, or slogging through the slush to get to public transportation!
If the grey mid-winter is giving you a case of the seasonal blues, dreams of beach vacations or outdoor thrills can be tempting. But some of the typical winter activities come with a hefty price tag. You don’t have to sacrifice a healthy checking account to have fun. Check out our list of inexpensive winter activities to replace those enticing budget-busters.
4 Inexpensive Things to Do This Winter
1. SWAP A SKI TRIP FOR SOMETHING CLOSER TO HOME
One of the advantages of a snowy climate is the opportunity for fresh powder. Skiing and snowboarding offer intense thrills during the winter season. But the mountain you’re skiing down isn’t the only thing that’s steep. Even if you live close to the slopes and don’t have the costs of travel or lodging, daily lift passes and the price of equipment can add up fast.
A Better Option:
The cost of winter sports doesn’t have to be so extreme. Look for a local ice skating rink, preferably outdoors. Skate rental usually only runs a couple of dollars, and you still get the opportunity to breathe some fresh air and get your heart pumping. To save even more, take a trip down memory lane and find a great sledding hill. Having a snowball fight afterwards is optional, but recommended!
2. SUB A WINTER GETAWAY FOR A RELAXING STAYCATION
Winter vacations are a great way to spark excitement. Since it isn’t peak family travel season, you could take advantage of lower travel costs to visit a new city. But even with the potential advantage of discounts, travel costs can eat away at your hard-earned savings.
A Better Option:
Plan a unique getaway without traveling too far. Even if it seems counter-intuitive, check out AirBnBs in your local area for a swanky staycation. A night at an AirBnB frequently costs less than a hotel room, and you can take your pick of amenities. Imagine you’re a tourist in your hometown and cross any lingering activities off of your local bucket list. Enjoy meeting people while on vacation? Pick a place where the hosts will be present, and ask them what their favorite things to do in the area are. Since you’re close to home, you may even find a new favorite hangout or make a lasting friend!
3. SKIP EATING OUT FOR A LOCAL COOKING CLASS
When outdoor winter activities are limited, you might start heading straight to restaurants and bars for your everyday social fix. A tasty treat with friends, what’s not to love? But in addition to being calorie-packed, too many trips out for food can take a serious toll on your bank account.
A Better Option:
See if your local parks and recreation department offers a cooking class. In addition to being a fun way to spend your time, you usually are preparing something delicious to eat. You’re also learning or improving a skill, which hopefully you can use even after the class has ended to prepare tasty meals at home.
4. TRADE THE TROPICS FOR A WARM DAY AT THE BOTANICAL GARDENS
The ultimate escape from the winter blahs is a trip to the beach. When you’re stuck in a parka voraciously drinking hot beverages to keep warm, it can be easy to daydream about swim suits and pina coladas. But unless you have been planning this trip for the past year, you probably don’t have the funds readily available for airfare.
A Better Option:
You don’t have to hop on a flight to spend a day in the warmth surrounded by tropical flora and fauna. Look for a botanical garden in your area and plan to spend the day there. Because of the exotic plants they have, gardens usually keep the temperature high to simulate their environment. Many will also home native birds, butterflies and other wildlife as well, perfect to help you feel like you’re truly somewhere else. Who knew a tropical vacation could be so close to home?
If you’re working on budgeting and saving this year, it’s important to keep an eye on how much is coming out of your checking account. But keeping your spending healthy doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Choose inexpensive activities to do in the winter for short-term and long-term benefits.
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