Affordable Vacations in the Great Outdoors

Summary: Affordable vacations are possible when you travel to the great outdoors. You can explore budget-friendly destinations, enjoy activities like hiking and camping and create lasting family memories.

If you’re looking for a vacation idea that doesn’t break the bank, there’s nothing like the great outdoors. Whether that’s a fishing and canoeing trip by a lake or camping in one of our nation’s incredible national parks, affordable vacations make the perfect getaway for budget-conscious travelers.

Let’s look at some top outdoor destinations for affordable travel and tips on planning a getaway on a  budget.

Why choose affordable vacations in the great outdoors

There’s nothing better than the great outdoors to recharge yourself and connect with nature. Plus, family travel to the outdoors can help you and your children or grandchildren disconnect from their screens and explore the world around them.

One of the top draws of the great outdoors is its affordability. Activities like hiking, biking or kayaking are relatively low cost, especially if you have your own equipment.   Entrance fees to national parks are also relatively inexpensive, making them a great choice for budget travel in your vacation plan.

And when it comes to accommodations on affordable vacations, pitching a tent at a local campground or renting a reasonably priced cabin is a great way to bask in the natural beauty of your environment. What’s more: it may cost a lot less and add immeasurably to the experience of a great outdoor getaway.

Top destinations for affordable vacations in the great outdoors

National and state parks are perfect options for affordable vacations in the great outdoors. There are about 429 national park sites across the U.S. Most states also have their own park systems that are open for you to explore.

Here are seven destinations that offer affordable vacations in the great outdoors for you and your family to enjoy:

1. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
   Yellowstone National Park is famous for its breathtaking scenery, hot springs and geysers, including the notorious Old Faithful. The area is also a great place to learn the history and traditions of the Native Americans / Indigenous Peoples who lived there. For lodging, the park offers 12 camping grounds with over 2,000 campsites that can cost as little as $20 a night depending on the time of year you book.
2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota
   The sculptures of four great American presidents chiseled into the mountainside of South Dakota’s Black Hills are a must-see destination. One thing to remember is that entrance to Mount Rushmore is free but parking is reserved for active military personnel. While you are in the area, you can also visit the Crazy Horse Memorial sculpture and camp and hike in Custer State Park.
3. Outer Banks in North Carolina
   If you prefer a beach getaway, the Outer Banks in North Carolina is a great option for affordable vacations. The area boasts more than 100 miles of beaches and historic recreation attractions such as the Civil War Heritage Trail and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Several campgrounds and RV parks offer budget-friendly accommodations. Renting a campervan (which is typically smaller than an RV) is an option if you’re on a tight budget and are comfortable living in a more compact vehicle.
4. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
   Outdoor enthusiasts will love visiting the legendary Grand Canyon, which has hiking trails, panoramic views and affordable camping. The park also offers free educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that your kids might enjoy.
5. Yosemite National Park in California
   California has several national parks, but Yosemite National Park stands out as one of the most popular ones. The park features giant, ancient sequoia trees, cascading waterfalls and iconic landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan. If you’re planning a winter vacation, you can go skiing at the park’s Badger Pass Ski Area.
6. Door County, Wisconsin
   Wisconsin’s Door County is known for its charming small towns, scenic shoreline and beautiful beaches. The area also has miles of hiking trails and many campgrounds for affordable lodging.
7. Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Michigan
   Located along the northwest shoreline of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has been called one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States. You can climb the dunes, swim or kayak in the lake or visit the area’s historical sites, such as the Glen Haven Village.

Health benefits of active travel on affordable vacations

Besides being easy on the pocketbook and a treat to the senses, vacations in nature can have a remarkable effect on your health. Living and sleeping under the stars can dramatically improve your sense of well-being. Active travel can also help improve mental clarity for seniors. And children of all ages can see improvements in creativity, life skills and appreciation for nature.

Several studies have found that there are several health benefits of active travel from activities such as walking, hiking and cycling. Exposure to sunlight (as long as it’s safe and with adequate sun protection) produces vitamin D, which in turn, helps your body absorb calcium for healthy bones. And grounding or earthing — direct skin contact with the earth — has been shown to produce remarkable feelings of well-being and even a positive impact on inflammation, immunity, wound healing and more.

Basking in nature can be a healing, rejuvenating experience for many. A break from the digital world through an activity-filled outdoor vacation can help improve heart health, increase muscle strength and lower your stress levels and cortisol levels.

Conclusion

To sum up, affordable vacations in the great outdoors are not only budget-friendly but wholesome, healthy, family-friendly options. They provide a unique opportunity for bonding across generations and for creating memories that will last a lifetime. For entertainment, you have your choice of many free or low-cost activities such hiking, biking, swimming and kayaking. If you and your loved ones are willing to rough it out a little, the stay can be well within your budget too, as campgrounds offer inexpensive lodging and a chance to stargaze and appreciate the simpler things in life.

Mutual of Omaha provides tools and resources to help you plan affordable vacations to the great outdoors, ensuring memorable experiences exploring nature’s beauty without breaking the bank.

FAQs

1. Is $500 enough for a weekend trip?

A weekend trip budget of just $500 is very doable if you focus on free and low-cost activities, in locations closer to home so you don’t have the expense of airfare. Low-cost activities may include kayaking, hiking, or spending a day at the beach. If you are visiting a  national park, you’ll need to purchase a pass to get in, but there are ways to save money on these entrance fees. For example, the America the Beautiful annual pass gives you access to all national parks and federal recreational lands, and is a more affordable option if you plan to visit several locations within the year.

Seniors aged 62 and over can purchase a lifetime pass to the national parks, and children in the 4th grade can get in free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass. Or, you can plan your visit to a national park on one of the six free entrance days held throughout the year.

With a modest budget, you may want to opt to stay at a campground rather than a hotel and make many of your meals at your campsite. To save on transportation, you can carpool with friends or family members or use public transportation if it’s available in the area.

2. How do I take a vacation on a small budget?

If you only have a small travel budget, planning is a prerequisite for an affordable vacation.

1. Book early: Reserve your campsites as much as 10 months in advance to get the best spots at the lowest cost.
2. Travel on less busy days: Summer is a busy vacation time, so to make sure your summer vacation is more affordable, plan your getaways during the week and avoid holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day. On those holiday weekends, travel is busier than normal and gas prices are also usually higher.
3. Carpool: If you are traveling with extended family members or friends, try to carpool together. This can help minimize your gas expenses on your trip and ensure more affordable vacations.
4. Take your own equipment: Outdoor activities like biking and kayaking are more affordable when you have your own equipment, so you don’t have to pay to rent it. Investing in a bike rack for your vehicle or inflatable kayaks or paddleboards that are easier to transport will pay off in savings in the long run.
5. Cook your own meals: Part of the appeal of an outdoor vacation is sitting around a portable grill or stove (or even a campfire) and making your own meals. Pancakes always seem to taste better when you’re camping. Plus, cooking meals at your campsite can save you money on dining out in restaurants.