Ways to Save Big for your Weekend Birthday Getaway

Celebrate a 40th or 50th birthday by getting away for the weekend. Gather up your closest friends and family members and pick a fun nearby destination you've always wanted to visit. Or, plan a trip to revisit one of your favorite locations. We have a list of budget friendly ideas on how to save big while living large.

Choose A Driving-Distance Getaway

Try to choose a birthday getaway location that is six hours or less by car. Being able to drive will save big bucks on travel fare since you don't need to purchase pricey airline tickets. It also gives you flexibility on arrival and departure time.

Make the drive fun by leaving just after breakfast in the morning and planning a lunch pit stop in a neat town with great food. The drive will seem much shorter if you break it up into two parts, and getting there will be more enjoyable.

Rent a House or Condo

Instead of paying for hotel rooms, rent a house or a large condo. Accompanying friends and family members can split the cost for the rental, which almost always equals big savings on lodging.

A simple Google search will unearth many companies who rent houses in the town or city you are visiting. It might take a bit more legwork than booking a hotel, but the price difference is astounding. Also, the quality of your rented lodging is likely better than that of a cheap hotel - another good reason to rent.

Take a Trip to the Grocery Store

When you arrive at your rental house or condo, the first thing you should do is take a big group trip to the local grocery store. Plan one special birthday dinner out to celebrate the big 4-0 (or 5-0!), but try to eat most of your meals at home.

Divvy up the Cooking

Have each family or set of friends choose one lunch and dinner to cook for the rest of the travelers. Let everyone know about this plan while the trip is being planned so people have time to think ahead and figure out what they want to cook.

Bring Your Own Entertainment

Pack plenty of movies, music and board games before you leave for your weekend getaway. This will keep everyone entertained at night, and you won't have to hit the local movie theater and pay $12 per person.

Besides, bonding with family and friends while playing games and hanging out together can be a much more meaningful way to spend your weekend than splashing out on overpriced, over hyped restaurants and bars!