As young adults, a lot of us don't have more than a day off at a time. From work to summer cleaning to other responsibilities, a busy schedule is inevitable. However, it's important to make time for friends and for yourself. When working with a small budget and minimal time, it can be difficult to fully take advantage of the free days you do have. There are tons of opportunities right next door that can provide the perfect escape from your busy everyday life. Here are 12 great day trip ideas to make the most of your day off.
1. An overnight camping trip
If you already have most of the equipment (tent, sleeping bags, backpacks) then all you really need to buy is food. It's a cheap getaway for your group of friends.
2. Mountain biking
It doesn't take the most athletic person to go mountain biking. It can be as cheap as $10 per person to spend a few hours biking around outside.
3. Museums
Maybe you're not the outdoorsy type, and that's okay. If it's an intellectual trip rather than an active one you're looking for, a day at the museum is a great choice! It's usually inexpensive and tons of fun.
4. A zoo day
A zoo day is a traditional summer day trip. While the food may be a bit pricey, the tickets are typically under $20 and you have a whole day of animals to look at.
5. Hiking
There are hiking trails everywhere, so go out with a group of friends and make a day out of it!
6. Local water parks
Water parks tend to be cheap and a great way to spend a hot day during the summer. Go out in the water or lay out in the sun and enjoy the relaxing day ahead of you.
7. City adventure
If you live near a decently-sized city, explore the downtown. Look at all of the cool traditions and small businesses that make the city what it is.
8. Thrift shops
Thrift shops are amazing. There are so many things to find inside and they are so cheap. Go shopping without killing your bank account and bring home the finds of the century.
9. Summer outdoor concerts
A lot of outdoor concerts are free. Bring a picnic with some friends and sit by the stage listening to an up-and-coming artist or a cover band. It's fun and cheap––all you could ask for.
10. The surprise day trip
Get a couple of friends together and just start driving. Whenever you come to an intersection, flip a coin to determine whether you'll go right or left. When you arrive at an interesting place, stop and adventure the area. Or just keep going and get so hopelessly lost that you have to turn on the GPS to get back home.
11. Strawberry picking
Strawberry picking or really going to any orchard and picking any fruit is fun. All you have to pay for is the fruit you picked so it doesn't cost much. And if you go early enough, later the same day you can make pies and jams out of the fruits you got.
12. GeoTracking
This is not a very common activity, but it's really cool. A GeoTracker is only $2, and it is essentially a GPS that lets you go into parks and places near you to search for hidden things. Bring a few knick knacks with you though, because you need to replace the treasures you've found with new things.
