Summer On A Shoestring

With the first long-weekend of summer fast approaching, many Canadians are feeling the pinch financially. With high gas prices grinding our road trips to a halt and hotel costs through the roof, what other ideas might you and your family entertain this summer?

Read on to find out!
I know the term staycation has been far over used, however, I don't think it's been overdone as yet. So get a Where magazine, head online or heck, even visit your city's tourism kiosk or office. Here's a list of options that won't run out before the long days of summer do.

Doors Open. Most major cities offer a day of municipal attractions at little to no cost.

Gallery walks. What a great way to enjoy the sunshine and take in your local galleries.

Visit a different part of town. Be a tourist where tourists go!

Day long road trip. Sometimes just getting out of town for the day is enough to feel like a little vacation. Try a wildlife park, Provincial or Federal Park, various gardens and more.

A picnic at the park. Who doesn't love an old fashioned sit-on-a-blanket dining experience?

Splurge at a dollar store. $20 can feel like a shopping spree!

Just out of town. Often there's a treasure of antique shops, flea markets and interesting events just 30 minutes (or less) out of most major cities.

Try the old faithful's. Visit a museums, art gallery, zoo or rural museum.

Drink at home, eat dessert out. The latter is fun and a great deal less expensive than a full dining experience at a restaurant.

Splurge on decadent brunches. Try the best hotel in your city. It might seem indulgent, but really, it's likely just a few dollars more than the greasy spoon around the corner. Even if it's twice the price ($30 as opposed to $15), you and your family are worth the investment.

Movie night under the stars (or Netflix under the stars). Pull out your TV and an extension cord. There's nothing like an outdoor movie adventure.

Have a wine tasting. Brush up on your sommelier skills and etiquette, provide the munchies and have your friends bring the wine.

Host a potluck. Get a night off by having your party bring the food to you!

Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Teach your kids and remind yourself about perspective and how blessed you are during your staycation.

Be a mooch. Find a friend with a lake-front cabin.

Camp in your back yard. Build a small fire and make S'mores.

Make some money. Have a garage sale or have your kid's list items for sale on internet classifieds.



Kelley Keehn is a personal finance expert and author of The Money Book for Everyone Else. She's also a weekly contributor to the Globe and Mail. For more information, visit www.kelleykeehn.com.

Do you have a money question? Drop Kelley a line at wealth@kelleykeehn.com.