I'm finally so glad to say, "Summer is around the corner"🥳
June marks the official start of summer for me. This is when I start making plans about what I want to accomplish and the places I want to visit. But this summer will be different. I'm not a student anymore, so summer or not, it's pretty much the same for me. Although, this doesn't mean I should not make the most out of this summer. I also have a very tight budget this summer. If you're interested in having a fun, adventurous, and productive summer, continue to read because I'll share some great ideas today.
Make a List
It goes without saying but start by making a list. As I'm typing this article, I'm also making a list of things I want to explore this summer. I don't know about you, but I feel very energized and productive during the summer. It's the best time of the year except for all the bugs and mosquitoes. Fruity drinks and late-night drives just hit differently. If you have a handy list of things to do, you can just take the leap and be on your way whenever you're eager to go on an adventure. It's the same thing I did last summer. I took a one-day trip to Myrtle Beach from Atlanta, and I did all the driving. One of the best impulsive decisions my roommate and I took because she moved to California after that trip :/
Ideas For Summer 2022 on a Budget
I meannn let's be honest, inflation is at all times high, and the stock and crypto market is trash. My cash flow is non-existent because of paying off my debt. I don't know how people are financing their vacations. If anyone wants to share their secret sauce, please feel free to do so. Because I'm checked out before the summer has even started. This still won't stop me from having fun. So, I curated a little list on a budget:
Take road trips to different states
There are two significant advantages of road trips: You're in control of your journey, and you don't have to rent a car if you go to another state. If flight prices are something you can't afford, road trips to nearby states are a good alternative. This option is only a good alternative if your car is good on gas mileage. If you drive a car that costs like $60/gas tank, mate, you might be better off trading that car or catching a flight.
Oh, try late night drives and one of the lofi playlists in the background🥰
Use credit card points or gift cards to buy flights
If you have a nice credit card that gives you points for your purchases, it might be time to look at how many points you have collected. Or, if you're going to have a major expense like moving soon, you might want to ask your friend for a credit card referral and enjoy that sign-on bonus. Another way is to sign up for small gigs online, they usually pay in gift cards, and you can use those gift cards towards flights. It's crazy that foreign and domestic flights cost about the same right now🤯
My favorite credit card is the Chase Sapphire card. It has a $95 annual fee, but the advantages outweigh that small fee. They also have a limited-time promotion going on when you sign up. You get 80,000 points which, if my memory recalls, equals $800 and even more if used towards travel. Use my link below to sign up:
Explore your local state
You'll be surprised to see how many hidden spots exist in your state. If you want to stay local this summer, I suggest researching your state and finding those hidden trails, waterfalls, and restaurants. I've been in Atl for about three years now, but I still haven't really explored this place. I love finding cute restaurants and hiking trails so I will explore more about Georgia this summer. I have never gone for "peach picking" and Georgia is known for its peaches (shoutout to Justin Bieber for getting his peaches from Georgia), so that will be fun.
Visit National Parks this Summer
Many of these National Parks have a small entry fee, but it's a great way to spend some time in nature and cross some places from your to-visit list. There is a documentary on Netflix called "Our Great National Parks" narrated by Barack Obama. I highly suggest you watch it.
Learn to Cook/New Hobby
If I could give you one wholesome and very satisfying piece of advice, it would be that you should learn to cook. Yes, you heard me right. Some of our mamas don't let us enter their kitchen but convince them by bribing them. Watch Youtube videos and Instagram recipes, then experiment without burning the house down. Learning to cook will help you get healthy and meet your body goals. You'll get to a point where you will start preferring homemade food over everything because you'll be aware of the ingredients and know it's clean.
Okay, this is all I have for now, but I'll add to this list if I can think of something else. As always, feel free to add on any of your suggestions, and I hope you have a beautiful summer ☺️
Oh and if you're a student, I feel bad for you :/ lol
Until next time, Peace!
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