New Experiences on a Budget

I’ve always been a firm believer in the motto ‘collect experiences, not things.’ Exploring our communities, meeting strangers, trying new things, and expanding our knowledge and skills helps to broaden our worldview and open us up to being more well-rounded human beings. Not only that, but the positive effects on our mental and emotional health are exponential.

As essential as “a life lived” is, at the end of the day, we all have to be mindful of our budget. However, being frugal doesn’t mean we can’t have exciting and meaningful life experiences.

There are countless ways to enjoy the world every day while remaining conscious of our finances:

• When looking for your next meal or shopping for groceries, remember to support farmers markets and food trucks. Shopping at your local market is an eco-friendly way to find less processed, more affordable food and it presents you with the exciting challenge of cooking seasonally. Many stands will even provide recipe cards for the items they have currently available. Food trucks are less expensive than restaurants and are ripe with fresh, unique flavors. They are also often the best spots to try authentic cuisine from around the world right in your own backyard. Visiting markets and hunting down food trucks are also great ways to meet fellow foodies and local growers. And you have the added bonus of knowing you are helping keep small farmers and vendors alive.
• Get involved in a neighborhood community garden. This is a fun and meditative way to get your hands dirty, source your own flowers and produce, learn some growing skills, and meet other plant lovers. Food for the stomach and the soul.
• Volunteer for a good cause and get involved in activism. It always feels good to give back and influence change. And you will definitely learn a lot about your community, the world, and politics. Plus, I guarantee you will visit new places and make many wonderful friends of all ages and backgrounds.
• Check out free walking tours and self-guided audio tours to learn more about the history and culture of your city or town.
• Visit your local parks, nature preserves, and protected forests. Many are free to explore or have low-cost membership passes. The perfect affordable opportunity to take in earth’s natural treasures while enjoying a walk, hike, or bike ride. Also, apps like AllTrails and Gaia GPS are excellent for finding other hidden landscapes off the beaten path for a unique adventure.
• Research wooded campgrounds or state parks nearby and get together a group of friends for an inexpensive camping overnight or weekend staycation. Just one small campsite fee is all that’s standing between you and day hikes, lake swims, games, and s’mores. Plus, these destinations often have many free or cheap rental resources for you to enjoy activities while you’re there, such as canoeing and kayaking.
• Support a local museum on one of their free days or discount admission days. Expand your mind by viewing beautiful art up-close and learning more about science and history.
• Look into all the incredible resources your library has to offer. Libraries lend books, music, and films that transport us to other worlds and give us untold knowledge, but they also have other magic to offer. Check out everything from telescopes and tools to craft supplies and musical instruments. Get passes to museums and other local attractions. Even attend speaker events, workshops, and seminars. And did I mention it’s typically all free! There are so many untapped and underrated opportunities to take advantage of at a library near you.
• Swing by your local community center. Many have free clubs for book lovers and fitness fanatics alike, as well as inexpensive courses where you can learn everything from professional development skills and cooking to quilting and pottery.
• Scope out murals and street art, as well as historical sites and landmarks. Start by doing a little research into the arts organizations and historical preservation societies in your town or city. They often have maps and guides online to find all the best spots with helpful materials to make your journey educational. Create your own customized fun scavenger hunt. You will see new sights and definitely learn a lot along the way.
• Use digital bulletin boards hosted by local news publications or apps like Eventbrite to find groups who share your common interests. At any given time, there are oodles free events in every city and town for all passions, such as coffee tastings, movie screenings, bike outings, board game nights, and more. You’ll not only have fun doing something you love, but you’ll make countless friendships along the way.
• Hit up local flea and antique markets or craft fairs. They’re the perfect place to find great deals on furniture or home items, as well as uniquely crafted birthday and holiday gifts for the people in your life. This is also a great way to meet local creators and vendors.