1Trips to the coast
Sometimes all you need is some fresh sea breeze to start feeling revived and rejuvenated. If you don’t live too far from the coast, this is an ideal affordable weekend getaway! On the beach, there’s something for everyone: get active with surfing and watersports, explore sea life by snorkelling and diving, or simply relax with a good book and soak up some sun. Bring picnics and packed lunches to keep you going throughout your trip without having to splash cash on food and drinks. Search online for deals on hotels or Airbnbs if you’re looking to book an overnight stay – you don’t need to stay somewhere fancy if you’re going to be out enjoying the sea breeze all day!
If you’re in the USA, try Myrtle Beach on the Atlantic Coast. Flight prices are often reasonable here to drive the tourism industry, and it is also an easy drive from many cities in the South and Mid-Atlantic coast. In Europe, try Corfu, a beautiful Greek island. Travelers can find affordable hotels here and often inexpensive flights through small, regional airlines. In Asian countries, you can go for some of the cheapest weekend getaways. For example, if you are in Singapore, you can go to Bali for under $120!
2Hiking
This cheap weekend getaway is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of a big city. Hiking is a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors, and it can be very affordable!
If you’re on the east coast in the US, try Kaaterskill Falls. A couple hours north of New York city, the 260-foot Kaaterskill Falls is a sight to behold. Don’t worry about waiting for a sunny summer morning to hike the falls, either. In fact, it is recommended to visit late in the afternoon, particularly after a rainfall (be careful on slippery trails and always wear proper hiking boots). In Asia, Northern Thailand offers some great hiking weekend getaways to lush green destinations with rolling hills, verdant forests and breathtaking vantage points like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Chiang Dao.
3Road trips
Plan a destination or be spontaneous and wing it – there are sights to see no matter where you go! Armed with snacks and a good playlist, a road trip is an inexpensive weekend getaway full of nostalgia. No matter where you live, you will never be too far away from a dream destination. For example, from London, you can easily take a road trip to Brighton to enjoy the beach, the Cotswolds for some rural splendour, or the ancient city of York.
In the US, take the iconic American road trip along California’s Pacific Coast Highway up to Big Sur. Few trips are just as scenic in the car as out of it. Make sure you have your camera ready to snap the rugged cliffside and breathtaking ocean views as you cross the famous Bixby Creek Bridge. Once you reach your destination, there are plenty of state parks to explore, with great hiking, camping, and beachcombing opportunities.
4City breaks
City breaks can be the ideal solution for a cheap weekend trip if you want to go exploring abroad but don’t have loads of annual leave to use. Plus, there are often great last minute deals on super cheap flights for spontaneous weekend getaway seekers! If you’re in Europe, you’re in luck – there are endless brilliant well-connected locations- from Hungary’s quaint capital city Budapest to the lesser-known picturesque city of Český Krumlov in Czech Republic and Malta’s capital -a UNESCO world heritage city – Valletta and Slovakia’s mountainous capital Bratislava. In these cities, you can get quite a lot on a small budget on food, attraction tickets and more!
City breaks aren’t just for Europe, though – if you’re in Singapore, you can plan a cheap city weekend getaway to vibrant destinations like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei and more.
5Camping
This can be one of the most inexpensive weekend getaway ideas. Camping is fun for all the family, and a great opportunity to bond in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a full-on nature buff or more of the glamping type, camping is a great way to enjoy an affordable weekend getaway.
If you’re in the UK, why not try ‘champing’? The Churches Conservation Trust looks after churches that are no longer used for worship, so instead of letting these beautiful historic buildings be forgotten, they’re renting them out to the public. This is a great idea for a cheap weekend trip with a group of friends or even for a romantic getaway, with pubs, walks and attractions right on your doorstep as you stay in churches located in quaint British villages.