budget travel ideas

[mei]

finally decided to block a week off work, first week of August. I think I need a break.

I will have some travel in September (Zurich for a wedding) and October (Porto) but that is still quite far away. And both of those won't be more than a few days/long weekend I think.

but, I'm a little stuck for ideas for this week. Mostly because I don't want to spend money on it (downside of being newly self-employed: scared to take time off, scared to spend too much money still as I don't know how the rest of the year will go), also because of the other two trips.

What are your ideas for a low-budget holiday? I'm usually happy to spend a week pottering about at home, but feel it might be good to get away for a few days as well. I just thought of maybe airbnb'ing in Berlin for a few days, or volunteering somewhere for a week. Was also thinking of spending a few days on an island in the NL, but it will be in the middle of everyone's holiday so I don't want to be stuck somewhere where it's super busy.

I will likely be going solo, and I'm not a camper (so that budget option is out

[rikita]

i think berlin is a good idea. we could meet for a cup of coffee.

[mei]

ooh, that'd be nice rikita! will let you know if I make it there the city has been on my list for a long time, and seems like a nice place to spend a few days wandering around (and i have the impression it won't be as swamped with tourists at that time as other places - though I may be wrong of course!)

[HalcyonDaze]

A friend here has stayed at some good air bnb places in Berlin, do you want me to ask you if she has links for them still?

[rikita]

there are some tourists here, but there are always enough places to escape them, too ... let me know if you make it here, and also if you have questions - i am on a weekend trip from the 1st to the 4th but then i am here and usually have some time in the afternoons if you want to meet up ...

[mei]

h_daze, oh, yes please!

yay, this is starting to sound like a plan :-D

[HalcyonDaze]

Have messaged my friend, will hopefully get an answer tomorrow.

[Tulipana]

I think Berlin is a fabulous Low-budget option, the train there is cheap enough. Food and drink is cheap, there's lots of fun and quirky neighbourhoods to take walks in, go to organic/veggie places and I think there are many (free) festivals going in summer.

Plus, you're doing great as an entreptreneur, you deserve a break too!

[Tulipana]

Alternatively, maybe you can do a house swap with someone. So you can do the 'potter around the house' thing in someone elses house (so you're less inclined to check your work mail every day).

[lillielangtry]

Are we talking week beginning 4 August? I'll be in Berlin from 27 July - 1 August, although I'm not sure how much free time I'll have.

[rikita]

hi lillielangtry - if you want we could meet up for a cup of coffee too ... i am in my mom's village a few days that week, but am also home and have time in the afternoon on some days during that week ...

[mei]

lillie, yes, that's the week - i'd miss you there I guess. thinking maybe Tuesday to Saturday or something.

but my Swiss weekend in September is becoming a bit longer than originally thought so I think I need to start looking at finances to see how feasible both (and Porto!) are - even if I do the low-budget thing.

[lillielangtry]

OK, that's a shame, but realistically I may have very little time on my own anyway. Most of the time we are with a group and have activities.

But thanks rikita, if the situation changes I'll let you know.