You hear that?đđ˝ Summer is calling! And chile, you deserve more than just a weekend on the couch with Bluey playing in the background and Goldfish crumbs in your bra. Although, those kinds of weekends do come in clutch sometimes. I canât lie. Lol!
Yes, youâre a solo mom. Yes, your coins might be stretched. But that doesnât mean travel is off the table.
You can take a break without breaking the bank. Whether youâre rolling solo for a little âme timeâ or bringing the tiny humans along for the ride, Iâve got ten budget-friendly ideas to get you out the house and your âBroke Bestie Summerâ started!
1. Plan a Local Staycation
Are yâall still out there scared to fly? I donât blame you! But donât let that stop your fun. Book a night or two at a cute boutique hotel or Airbnb in your own city. Order room service, take a long bubble bath without anyone knocking, and pretend youâre in Paris.
Bonus: if you can get a babysitter and spend one of the nights solo.
2. Go Glamping
Sleeping under the stars amongst nature sounds super cool until itâs time to assemble the tent. Glamping is definitely the new buzz word for your outdoor summer adventures. Itâs camping with a more glamorous aestheticâand function.
Look for glamping spots on sites like Hipcamp or Getaway. Youâll get fresh air, sâmores, and quiet time without needing a degree in tent assembly. Many locations are family-friendly but you can also find some adult friendly spots as well if youâre trying to spend it with your summer boođ.
3. Hit Up a Nearby Beach Town
This is always the summertime go-to for me. Find a drive-able beach town with a free boardwalk, low-cost hotels, and free ocean views. Let the kids dig holes while you dig into that book youâve been âabout to startâ since February. Just leave those podcasts alone sis!
4. Check Out State Parks
State parks are a solo momâs best-kept secret. Entry fees are cheap, and thereâs so much to doâhiking, kayaking, picnicking. Pack sandwiches, juice boxes, and a Bluetooth speaker, and make a whole day of it. Just donât forget your bug spray, chile.
5. Book a Last-Minute Deal on a Cruise
Believe it or not, cruises can be super affordable if you book last minute. Some even let kids sail free! And yâall know me and my little one are avid cruisers! Just be sure to set a budget before boarding because those onboard add-ons will sneak up on you if youâre not careful.
6. Find a Free Festival
Summer is prime time for outdoor festivalsâmusic, food, culture, you name it. I mean, honestly, whatâs summer without them? Check out whatâs happening in your area or a nearby city. Be sure you pack all your essentialsâsnacks, lawn chairs, blanket, etc.
Bonus: go either before high noon or later in the evening if possible to beat the heat.
7. Explore a City by Transit
This is one Iâve done myself and a time was had! Pick a city with a good public transportation system and spend the weekend exploring. Hop on a bus or subway, hit up museums with free entry days, walk through local farmerâs markets, and be a bright eyed tourist for the day or weekend. This is a great solo travel idea.
8. Go Grandma-Adjacent
If you have family out of town (especially your parents), plan a trip where you visit themâthen sneak in some solo mom time while the babies get all that grandparent and family love they havenât had in a while. You get a break and free childcare. BOOM!
9. Do a Road Trip with a Twist
So I wonât lie, I saw this idea on Google and thought that it was GENIUS and have added it to my summer travel list! Pick a themeâBlack-owned eateries, quirky roadside attractions, or historic landmarksâand build a day trip or overnight around it. Let your GPS take you on an adventure that your kiddos will absolutely be talking about all summer.
10. Chase Waterfalls (Literally)
Do a little Googling and find waterfalls or natural swimming holes near you. Pack a cooler, grab your water shoes, and get ready for the kind of fun that costs way less than a waterpark. Donât forget to take some fire pics for the gram. Cause if you donât post it, did it even really happen?? Lol!
Final Thoughts:
I know you want to provide the best experiences for your little ones (and yourself). And I hope this list has given you hope that even on a solo mom income, it can still happen.
Travel doesnât have to be expensive to be memorable. The luxury hotels and passport stamps are cool. But once itâs all said and done, itâs the memories thatâll last.
Love, light, & budget,
Tiera Nicole
Great ideas! I'm taking a stroll through the park right now while my son is in camp.
Definitely road trips! I took my girls to the car wash 𧟠and they fully enjoyed themselves.