Putting money aside before a vacation is sensible. But what happens when friends or family use their time off to come see you — how do you avoid blowing your budget?
Hosting can be costly. You might feel compelled to treat your visitors to upscale restaurants or popular nightlife spots. Purchasing tickets for concerts, theater or tourist attractions can quickly add up.
If your “fun” funds are limited, you can still enjoy quality moments with loved ones. Below are budget-friendly ideas for keeping guests amused without spending a fortune.
Play Tourist in Your Own Town
Even if you’ve lived in the same city for years, when guests are in town it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace the tourist role and spend a day discovering local sights as if you’re new. Check out bike-share programs to get around instead of paying for pricey parking or constantly calling rideshare services.
Map out a self-guided walking tour through the downtown or another well-known neighborhood. A bit of window shopping costs nothing — so long as wallets stay in pockets.
If your area is recognized for murals or outdoor installations, make time to admire the street art or public sculptures. Unlike museum visits, these experiences usually won’t charge admission.
Get Outside
The outdoors offers an ideal setting for peaceful daytime outings. Many trails, preserves and parks are accessible without an entrance fee.
Use free outdoor apps to discover and navigate nearby parks and hiking routes.
If your visitors prefer water scenery, consider a day trip to a beach, lake, riverfront or natural spring.
Score Birthday Perks
Numerous eateries and retailers want your birthday business. Use these promotions as an economical way to treat guests.
We’ve put together a roundup of more than 100 restaurants and stores that offer discounts or freebies on birthdays.
Many offers require signing up for loyalty programs ahead of time, so don’t wait until the last minute. Have fun hopping from spot to spot to collect birthday treats — and remember to share with your crew.
Host a Cozy Night At Home
You don’t need to go out to have a memorable time. An affordable night in can be lively and fun.
Pull out board games and a deck of cards for a classic game night. Encourage friendly rivalry and make it into a tournament. The person with the most wins claims the title of Board Game Champion, along with bragging rights until the next gathering.
No get-together is complete without snacks. Invite guests to bring their favorite appetizer so everyone can enjoy a potluck spread. If they also bring additional games, even better. Bonus: Your out-of-town visitors will get to meet (or reconnect with) your local friends.
As the host, you should supply some of the nibbles as well. Take cues from guides on assembling an affordable charcuterie board for around $25.
When the visit ends, your guests will be raving about the time they had — and you’ll have a dependable list of inexpensive ideas for entertaining the next group that arrives.
Nicole Hart is a senior writer at Savinly.
