Summer $$$ Savers

Okay, so when it starts to get warm out it is natural to jump up and want to get out of the house.  The problem I’m sure many have, especially with the still rising gas (and everything else) prices, is that it just isn’t in the budget to go to theme parks, fancy hotels, road trips…  So here are some of the things we are doing to keep ourselves preoccupied this summer:

1. Camping-  If you don’t have a tent, try out a lean-to.  State parks are great places to explore and most have activities such as hiking, swimming and even educational programs put on by the staff.  Camp sites are more economical then a fancy hotel (usually around $14 a night for a tent site).  Plus, how many hotels do you know that offer hiking?  Assuming you have the basics (sleeping bags, cooler, hiking packs or days packs, etc) you can easily have a weekend out for well under $100, including food.   {Note; camping at parks means you’ll have access to running water.. i.e. showers and toilets, which is great when kids aer coming along}.

2.  Swimming- Obvious to most, but headed to a natural body of water (beach, lake, river) as opposed to a locally run pool means you’ll pay little or no fee to spend a day in the outdoors.  Plus you don’t have to worry so much about the hygiene of the people around you as the water in a lake etc. is always flushing itself clean.. and you don’t have to worry about all of the nasty chemicals added to pools.

3. Hiking- To this day I have never seen a hiking trail that required money to get onto (with the exception of those lying within state parks, which most of the time, you have to pay under $5 to get in and park).  Bring along a camera, especially if you are going to the top of a mountain, for amazing photos to share.  Don’t forget to bring along plenty of water!

4. Historic sites- A great learning experience for everyone and usually are fairly resonable in admission price (Fort Independence {Castle Island, Boston} has free, guided tours).  Outdoor sites are the best because you can usually spend a whole day exploring.  If tours are offered, defaintly take it, chances are you will come out learning a lot more then you thought you would.

5. Movies- Okay, so with tickets about $10 a pop now a days your best bet to see the new “hot” summer movies is to hit up the matinee, which will save you a few buck on each ticket.  And while I am not a huge fan of dishonesty, the cost of snacks at theaters are absurd (because they know people will pay the price if that it the only price they have to choose from) sooo… have your wife, girlfriend etc bring on of her bigger purses and load it with water (or soda) and candy.  If you want popcorn you’ll still probably have to buy that, but now when it costs most for a popcorn and soda then it does for a ticket… bring your own.

At some point I’m going to post a Boston related money saver list, so be on the lookout for that!