There are two things that are on everyone’s minds at the moment. The first is summer vacation. It’s been a long old winter, and the spring hasn’t exactly given us too many reasons to be cheerful with terrible weather and more bad news coming in from around the world. This brings us to the second thing: saving money. Everyone’s been looking for ways that they can bring their spending down a bit. That’s one of the reasons why the summer vacation has been such a major focus, as we all need something to look forward to.
However, you don’t need to wait until you’re on a sunny, sandy beach sipping on a fancy cocktail in a coconut to have some fun. There are plenty of great relaxation and recreation options that don’t require an international flight or several months’ worth of savings. Here are a few tips to help you to enjoy the weeks and months before you head off on your vacation.
Discover Your Own City
It’s such a cliché but it’s so true: you never really explore the city you live in until someone comes to visit. There’s always a reason why you decide to wait until the next weekend to go and see that museum or visit that famous landmark. It’s so easy to keep putting it off because it’s always going to be there. Why not spend some time seeing the impressive sights that are right outside your doorstep if you want to get out of the house and have some fun before you go exploring a whole other country? From cathedrals and castles to beaches and roof terraces, you will be surprised by just how much history, beauty and adventure are waiting to be discovered, all for the price of a bus ticket.
Learn a New Language
Picking up a new language is a great option if you are heading overseas for your summer vacation. Learning languages comes so easily to some people. It seems like all they have to do is watch one movie in French, for example, and before you know it, they’re reeling off whole conversations with a flawless accent. The rest of us have to put a bit more work in. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! There are a lot of free language apps that will help you to pick up some key phrases. You’re not going to be fluent in a couple of weeks, but you’ll have some essentials to help you get around. You can also find online courses, tutorials, and private tutors. They can teach you the fundamentals and take any half-remembered vocab and grammar to the next level. If you want to keep brushing up on any languages that need refreshing, then why not try listening to podcasts in that language? Try and surround yourself with that language as much as you can, and you’ll be confident before you know it.
Give Videogames a Try
Everyone has that one friend who is always trying to get them into video games. And if you’re one of those people who never grew up playing them, it can sometimes be hard to see what the appeal is. But video games and online gaming have come a long way from the kind of experiences that you’d remember from childhood. These days, online games are a massively immersive experience that offers an incredible range of different options. You can also play online with your friends. That’s perfect for anyone who is having to wait to catch up with their nearest and dearest until they all get together on holiday. If you’re looking forward to hitting a casino while you’re on vacation, why not get the gang together now for some online games? Whether you’re a poker fiend or more of a slots game fan, you can find options like Fortune Mouse and Monopoly Live on this platform. PlayLive is South Africa’s biggest online casino, and they offer a safe, secure way for you to enjoy your favorite online games.
Get into Cooking
Everyone enjoys a night out of fine dining with their friends. It’s always going to be great catching up over some great food and a fantastic bottle of wine. However, most people have been cutting back on little treats like restaurant visits because the costs keep going up, and restaurants have been struggling too. That doesn’t mean that you can’t recreate the experience at home, though. Why not think about brushing up on your skills in the kitchen by learning some new recipes? If you and your friends normally catch up over Mexican food, for example, look for some dishes that you could cook at home. There’s always going to be a bit of a learning curve, but you might be surprised by just how much you can pick up and how quickly. You’ll be dazzling your friends and family with your dishes before you know it!
Get Out into the Countryside for Some Exercise
Getting some fresh air is one of the best parts of any summer holiday. Who doesn’t want to pack their bags and head to the middle of nowhere in a far-flung country away from all the pollution, not to mention noise pollution, of living in a big city? But you don’t have to pack your passport for that. Why not think about going on a trek in the countryside somewhere closer to home? Hiking and cycling are great cost-effective ways to have a grand day out. They have the added bonus of getting your heart rate up. Exercise helps to keep your body in great condition, and it’s been shown to be a major help with mental health too. You might need to invest in some new walking boots, or a new bike if you don’t already have one, but these are long-term investments that will absolutely pay off. So, what are you waiting for, get your shoes on and get out into the great outdoors!
