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At the end of the year, many of us slow down to catch our breath from the busy year's events. We're busy running around shopping for gifts and making holiday dinners, but we forget to dedicate time for ourselves. Not only is our time limited, but so is our budget when it comes to spending money on trips. If you didn't already plan and set aside money to travel, you probably don't have it in your budget at this point. However, there are many low-cost activities you can do, whether solo, with your partner or with a group of friends and family that won't break the bank. A few of these activities can be found locally or you can do virtual, in the comfort of your home.
The first place I recommend where you can look for unique and fun activities in your area is Groupon. Yes, they are still around and always have great coupons and discounted deals that you can take advantage of. You will often find that Groupon has a better deal or a coupon code which you can use in addition to the holiday deals that the company site has to offer. It's always good to check Groupon first.
1) Spa Day
Yes, spa visits can be expensive; but around the holiday season, many spas offer discounted entry fees and packages. The spa is a great place to clear your mind from all the craziness of the holidays and refresh yourself.
2) Take a Fun Class
When was the last time you tried cooking a new dish? Or learned a new dance?
Classes are fun activities that can be done at home or in-person. The company Classpop offers a variety of classes such as cooking, dance, pottery, and paint and sip. Try making pasta from scratch or rolling sushi by hand. These are memorable experiences that won't sit on the shelf like an unused gift.
3) Wine Tasting
Who doesn't love a delicious glass of wine? Wine tasting is a great activity that can be done all-year-round. Wineries are always offering wine tastings at their vineyard or tasting location. Their venues become very festive during the holiday season. I've been to a few vineyards in the winter where they decorated the rows of the vineyard with holiday lights.
The advent wine calendars have become very popular this year. The 12 nights and 24 nights of wine advent calendars are great ways to try different wines and pairings with your partner or solo (more wine for you)! Ingoodtaste,Traveling Vineyard, and Total Wine are a few companies that offer wine advent calendars. If they are sold out, another option is to purchase their tasting sets and you can conduct your own wine tasting. Usually the company provides a tasting guide you can follow, as well as suggested food pairings.
As a Traveling Vineyard Wine Guide, I can also bring the wine tasting to you, at no cost.. That's right!! I'll bring 5 bottles of free wine to your home or a private venue of your choice for your own personal wine tasting. You and your friends will learn about wines that are unavailable in the store and food pairings that will work best for each wine. It's great for holiday get-togethers or any party and celebration. Learn more about a free wine tasting by visiting Traveling Vineyard.
4) Ice Skating
What a festive way to enjoy the winter holiday season by lacing up a pair of ice skates and gliding circles around the rink. Whether it's an outdoor or an indoor rink, the experience of skating around the cold rink just brings out the holiday cheer in everyone.
5) Christmas Village
I just love Christmas Villages! You don't have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy what the marketplace has to offer. They usually are filled with handmade goods and holiday sweets from local small business owners. It's a great way to support small businesses and they usually make the best gifts. Not sure if there is a Christmas Village near you? Well, ask Google. Google will never fail you.
6) Weekend Getaway
Now if your budget is not too tight, then consider a weekend getaway. It can be a destination in your own home town or in the next state over, depending on proximity. Book a last minute deal with Booking.com and enjoy a night out in the city or in a quaint village. Small towns usually have a main street where many of the small business owner shops are located and they are decked out in winter holiday decor.
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