$50 Staycation Challenge

We are tired and stressed. Not just normal tired and stressed. We are end of the year teacher tired and stressed. Oh, and did we mention broke? Thus, the name of our show – Broke Teachers Travel.

$50 Staycation #1

Our first weekend staycation was somewhat unintentional. We attended the Gulf Coast Salute Air Show in Panama City Beach, FL.

Itinerary

The air show was a weekend long event. We arrived shortly after the show began, visited the vendor section, then headed to Pier Park (directly in front of the show) to find some lunch. After our typical, “I don’t care, you pick” restaurant debate, we decided to get a front and center view – Margaritaville. We had lunch on the front deck.

This gave us a fantastic view of the planes flying over the Gulf of Mexico. It was AMAZING!

We sent an hour or so enjoying our burgers and watching the planes come and go.

From there, we moved directly down on the beach for an up close and personal perspective. We were directly under the show.

Total Cost

Air show – free

Parking – free

Lunch – $46 (Yes, it was pricy, but it was all about the view of the show.)

____________

Total – Less than $50 for a phenomenal experience

$50 Staycation #2

Our second weekend staycation was a little more planned. We scraped up $50 and set out to the beaches of South Walton, FL.

Itenerary

Another short drive to southern Walton County, FL started our day. We grabbed lunch at the Publix deli (If you haven’t tried a Pub-sub you don’t know what you’re missing!), headed to the outlet center (window shopping and people watching), and ended our day with the sunset at the beach. Oh, and a little wedding crashing.

While this day did not feature the thrill of jets flying directly overhead, it was very relaxing.

Total Cost

Publix lunch – $26

Snacks – $10

Outlet center – $0

Sunset at the beach – $0

______________

Total $36 Less than $50 for a relaxing day

Want ideas for your next staycation?

Head to a nearby lake for a picnic

Pack a picnic or grab takeout and head to a local park

Hit the trails – find a local walking or hiking trail and get back to nature

Do a quick internet search for “Festivals near me (add date)”. Check out a local festival. They often range from free to just a few dollars admission.

Visit a nearby museum. You never know what you might stumble upon.

Head to a beach. Being out in the sunshine not only replenishes the vitamin D3 we all so desperately need, it just feels good.

If you are lucky enough to live near a state or national park be sure to take advantage. Be sure to check out our post about our recent trip to our first official national park We Went to Mammoth Cave!

Want to know more about our $50 staycation challenge? Be sure to check out our video $50 Staycation Challenge.

And remember, break the monotony, not the bank.

–Jeff and Marnie