Kayla has now thrown two posts up here about “inexpensive” vacations. As far as big trips go cruises are a good deal if you do the things she talks about, but it’s important to note that we recognize an average of $250/day/person isn’t doable for most folks, especially those of the Millennial persuasion. We are very fortunate in that we were both able to find steady jobs paying reasonable wages (Kayla makes way more than I do, to be fair), and can afford to take the occasional big vacation, but it wasn’t very long ago that the very idea of taking a 7 day cruise would have left us hungry on the street. I will now share with you a vacation that is actually affordable for most people.
Every year Kayla and I, along with whatever friends we can find, take a weekend canoe trip. Living in Michigan, we have lakes and rivers aplenty. Our go-to expedition takes place on a river about 2.5-3 hours north of us, so this is how the weekend usually breaks down:
Friday night everyone gets off work, piles into cars, and heads up to the general area. (That’s me under the hood) A couple people have family that own cottages around there, so there’s usually a place to crash, but if not there are plenty of little campgrounds around.
(not the actual river)
Saturday morning we all make our way to the canoe livery. This place rents us the canoes, we tell them how long we’ll be gone and where they can pick us up. Hop in the canoes with our dogs, beer, tents and food, and head off down the river. We paddle/drift for about 4 or 5 hours, then stop at a little campground on the side of the river. It’s one of those places where you walk up the hill to the little signage board, grab an envelope, write your name and site number on it, throw some money in and then put it in a lock box. We spend the rest of the night hanging out, getting shit-faced (if that’s what you’re into), swimming, playing catch, collecting firewood (that’s what I’m into), eating, skinny dipping under the stars and generally having a great time.
(blue moose is the camping equivalent of a pink elephant)
The next morning every one rolls out of their tents, makes a breakfast of leftover hot dogs and gin, packs up, and climbs back into their canoes. We spend another 4 hours or so on the river, then pull ashore at the predetermined pick up location. The livery sends a bus to get us and the canoes and take us back to our cars. We meet up for one more meal (see below), then head home.
Financial break down!
Gas: assuming 4 people/car both there and back, about $15/person
Friday night lodging: $0-15
Canoe rental: $50/canoe, so $25/person
Campsite: depends on how many people chip in, but all being fair about $1.50/person
Food and alcohol: you know how much you eat and drink better than I do, but I usually end up around $30 for the whole trip
Pick up by the livery at the end point: included in canoe rental price
Misc.: $20 because you never know
Total: less than $100
To be fair, I already own a sleeping bag, tent, and car, so if you don’t have those things, and your friends aren’t cool enough to share, it’ll be a bit more expensive. Regardless, that canoe trip comes out to about $50/day, compared with the cruise, which ended up costing us somewhere in the ball park of $250/day when you include airfare and everything. Canoeing=vacation on a budget; Cruising=canoeing for the fabulously wealthy.
Don’t misunderstand, I had a great time on the cruise, but I have an equally good time canoeing. I think that ultimately stems from the fact that I’m spending time in a relaxed environment with the people I care most about and feel most comfortable around. So no matter what you end up spending your money on, spend it with the the people that are important to you and you’ll likely come out on top.
Cheers,
Seth