More than 17 million people in the UK enjoy outdoors-style holidays each year. But, if the funds don’t allow for you and the family to head off on what can be a costly break, then you might be looking for cheaper alternatives that still allow you to indulge in the outdoors.
If you're keen to avoid spending your free time cooped up indoors in front of the TV with intentions of doing more exciting activities with your time, then you’ve come to the right place, because we’ve got a handy handful of some of the top tips to enjoy your time outdoors!
The outdoors is a wondrous place to be, with so much to see and do, there’s a reason why it’s affectionately named the great outdoors, and the good news is that you can experience it with some frugal ideas…
1. Try Packing a Picnic
This is a time-honoured classic. Picnics never get old, and you can make them as lavish or low-key as you care to.
Get a few snacks together and a bottle of wine or maybe some Pimms, pack it all up along with a blanket to lay down then head off to a quiet little spot for some delightful relaxation time. Why not find a lake or make your way to the coast for a peaceful picnic surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity?
This is ideal for the summertime when the weather has warmed up a bit and the days are longer. And don’t forget to hang around to catch the sunset, which makes for the perfect ending to a lovely day!
2. Soak up the Stargazing
If you thought those sunsets were something special, wait until you’ve seen the stars at night!
If you can make your way to a location that enjoys low light pollution then you can look forward to your very own light show as the stars light up the sky as night falls. Stargazing and moon watching events are best done during the winter and autumn months, but that’s not to say that there isn’t still plenty to see that will wow you during the spring/summertime.
You could even pack up some comfy bits and pieces after your picnic, such as pillows and blankets which you can get from the SleepAdvisor.org so that you’re all ready for the evening’s show courtesy of Mother Nature.
3. Have You Ever Heard of Geocaching?
Geocaching is the modern-day scavenger hunt. A cost-free activity that involves nothing but you, a smartphone with the Geocaching app and the preparedness to relish in the outdoors.
Geocaching is definitely a great example of why you don’t need to be glued to a screen or have to drop lots of money on doing expensive activities to enjoy being outside. Be prepared to discover new places right on your own doorstep!
Just log in, to the app and you’ve joined the "world's largest treasure hunt." You can find geocaches nestled in local parks, tucked away near the coast, positioned close by to natural attractions as well as all other kinds of public places accessible by foot. Let the adventure begin!
4. Foraging Fun Times
Instead of nipping off to the local shop or supermarket for something to eat, you can use natural sources when you go foraging.
Foraging is a really cool way to learn more about what all the delicious things on offer to eat that you don’t even need to pay for! It’s also a super-healthy, eye-opening experience.
One of the best things about foraging is that you. Can find some seriously tasty food while you’re indulging in the general pleasures of the outdoors.
Don’t worry if you don’t live in the countryside or relatively rural areas either, because there’s definitely an urban foraging scene that you can be part of. In fact, you’d probably be surprised at what’s around you when you take the time to look.
5. Plant a Garden
For something a little closer to home, you can make your way out into the garden and get green-fingered!
Planting a garden is a soothing activity that allows you to fully submerge yourself in the rich offerings of the outdoors life. You’ll hear the birds cheeping and the wind rustling through the branches and leaves; it’s just pure natural relaxation.
Gardening is actually rather rewarding too because after you’ve gone and planted, you’re your seeds, whatever they may be, the first sight of them sprouting up from the ground is always a joyous one.
Getting out and doing some gardening used to come across as an old person’s pastime, but with people being more health-conscious these days, as well as wanting to save money, gardening is the perfect way to benefit from all of these things.
So, whether it’s a veggie patch you’re after, some fruit, such as strawberries, or simply some pretty flowers to brighten the place up with, gardening is one excellent way to enjoy the outdoors on a budget.
