Spontaneity does not have to break your budget
We have barely made it through the first two weeks of January and I am already sick of winter. I know, not the most optimistic outlook but I am simply being honest. The combination of cold winds, high snow banks and short days make keeping positive quite difficult. Weekends are better as we actually manage to see the sun, and sometimes even enjoy the snow as the kids and I barrel down the hills on our sleds. But, weekdays leave me bereft as I bus to work in darkness before 7am and return home to enjoy less than 2 hours of sunlight before dinner. Alas, we decided to book a winter getaway!
That’s right, we are going to escape this winter wonderland and enjoy a week of sand and sun on a family all-inclusive vacation. We found a great deal on Redtag.ca that we could not pass up. However, because of this expense, something else had to go. Regardless, the decision was easy.
We always budget the cost of a family vacation in the summer (usually a cottage rental) so we decided to shift that budget portion to cover the winter trip. Instead, this summer we will enjoy a staycation. Ottawa is so beautiful in the summer. We are surrounded by green space and lovely local beaches, not to mention the large amount of museums, the canal, wonderful restaurants, etc. So why not stick around to enjoy the city at its best?
Yes, it is possible to be spontaneous all while respecting your budget. It’s all about choices!
MM
I think that’s a really good idea and balancing act. Several of us would love to get away during the winter months, but it would compromise our summer vacation. Just because we’re off with the kids during the summer doesn’t mean we have to go away. I live in southern Ontario and our summers are amazing. I love that you and your family are doing a staycation, but running off during the winter. Do you have other ideas or suggestions for creative, yet economic summer vacations?