Summer and vacation season is in full swing in the Maritimes, with sunnier days and warmer temperatures aplenty. Kids are happily home for the summer and thoughts invariably turn to vacation plans. While many of us would love to hop a plane and jet off to somewhere far away, the reality is that many cannot. And a staggering 43% of Canadians don’t even use their full allotment of vacation time. Many cite the cost as a factor for this. Living in Atlantic Canada, we are blessed with postcard scenery all around us. And truthfully, where ever you live, there’s no reason why you can’t do “Staycations” and day trips and make some great memories close to home. Below is a list of ideas for making the most of your vacation with a tight budget. Plan a day trip: Most all of us in the Maritimes are a stones-throw away from a coastline or a nature trail. Pack a picnic lunch and head out for a day trip with family or friends! Take a camera with you to capture some great shots. Below are some links broken down by province for some day trip ideas:
Spend the night in a hotel: Book a night in a hotel and enjoy an evening of being pampered! Order room service, go for a swim, relax in a hot tub, or just enjoy some peace and quiet in a room that is different than the same four walls at home. Even one night away can help you feel recharged. Take in a festival: There are many festivals year-round regardless of what province you are in. Take in some local sights and try something new! Below are links to lists of festivals by province: Nova Scotia: http://www.novascotia.com/events/festivals-and-events#Region=0&Community=0&Filters=Festivals&View=Grid&Page=1&IncludeArea=1 New Brunswick: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Do/FestivalsAndEvents/FindFestivalsAndEvents.aspx Newfoundland: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com/PlanYourTrip/FestivalsEvents Prince Edward Island: https://www.tourismpei.com/pei-festivals-and-events Find the nearest water and go to it: There is something inherently relaxing about the sound of water. Even spending an hour listening to the wind and waves can melt some stress away. Have a carpet picnic and read a book: If you really don’t have the time or the funds to get away for a day trip, find an escape in the comfort of your own home! Lay down a blanket and have a picnic in the living room. Stretch out on your favourite chair and read a book. Shut off the phone and computer and curl up with your favourite blanket and a new Netflix series. The key is to do something out of the ordinary so you feel a break from the daily grind. Have some other ideas about ways to vacation close to home? We’d love to hear from you!
Image by Quang Le from Pixabay
Source Url: http://gobelmont.ca/vacation-ideas-wont-break-bank/