She Strengthens

Reclaiming Quality Time: A Budget-Friendly Getaway

As I sat at home, nursing a cold and feeling sorry for myself, I realized that my boyfriend and I had been neglecting our social life. With our busy schedules, we’d fallen into a routine of working together, but not really spending quality time together. It was time to make a change.

Breaking Free from the Routine

Our lives had become a blur of work, school, and social obligations. We’d been so focused on saving money and being responsible that we’d forgotten to enjoy ourselves. I saw friends and couples around me taking trips and vacations, and it made me feel like I was missing out. But, with our tight budget, a big trip wasn’t feasible.

Finding a Solution

We decided to prioritize our relationship and make time for a weekend getaway. The catch? We had to do it on a budget. We looked at our calendars and found a small window of opportunity before things got too busy. Then, we set out to find ways to make our trip affordable.

Four Tips for a Budget-Friendly Getaway

1. Minimize Work Sacrifices: Choose a destination close by, and plan your trip around your work schedule. We’re leaving on Saturday and working remotely on Monday to minimize time off.
2. Sacrifice Luxury for Affordability: Instead of opting for expensive accommodations, we found a shared space on Airbnb for $65/night.
3. Drive or Take a Bus: Since we have access to a car, we’re driving to Big Sur, but if you don’t, consider car sharing or taking a bus. Look for destinations within a few hours of your location.
4. Cook Your Own Meals: We’re buying snacks and breakfast foods at a grocery store, and researching affordable restaurants in the area. A weekend away doesn’t have to mean eating out for every meal.

Finding a Happy Medium

It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that being responsible means sacrificing fun. But, I’m learning that it’s possible to find a balance between the two. By prioritizing our relationship and making time for a budget-friendly getaway, we’re taking a much-needed break and recharging our batteries.