The warm summer weather calls for a memorable vacation. However, if you haven’t planned and booked your trip already, chances are the last-minute holiday is going to be expensive. But, truth be told, there is no need to break the bank when you are planning a summer break. Have you ever considered a self-sufficient trip that can be low-cost and enjoyable?
Summer presents the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and explore the great outdoors while keeping your expenses to a minimum. But what does it mean to embrace self-sufficiency? Essentially, you can explore options that go off the beaten tracks when it comes to accommodation and food. Bear in mind, these options require basic outdoor living skills. So, if you grew up with scouts or on camping trips, you probably already have all the skills you need for a budget-friendly holiday!
Fishing for food and leisure
Fishing can be a fun outdoor activity. But there is more to it than meets the eye. With a fishing license, you are allowed to keep some fish, as long as they meet the requirements in terms of size, weight, and species, for your personal consumption.
You will need the right gear not only to capture the fish, but also to prepare and store it. However, if you already are an enthusiastic angler, you probably have everything you need at hand!
Learning the art of foraging
Foraging is the art of finding edible wild food. This is a skill your ancestors used, but it is a long forgotten skill in modern life. Nowadays, most people head to their local convenience store to buy food. In reality, there are plenty of edible plants and berries that nature provides and that you can use for sustenance.
How to get the hang of foraging? The first and most important thing to remember is that foraging can be dangerous if you do not know your local plants. Therefore, it is important to boost your knowledge using books on wild edibles in your regions.
Embrace simplicity with camping
Camping in the great outdoors can be a lot of fun. You can pitch a tent, build a campfire, and cook the fish you’ve caught over an open flame. This can bring a unique sense of fulfillment that no modern luxury can replicate.
Yet, camping may feel uncomfortable, especially as it can get tricky to fight off bugs at night. You may want to consider a hammock tent, which allows you to sleep higher up and avoid all the crawling creatures that would usually keep you awake at night. Head to this practical guide to find the best hammock tents available. Sometimes, a modest investment camping gear can completely transform your experience!
Needless to say, a self-sufficient and low-cost holiday cannot last forever. But you can certainly enjoy a few days away from the fast pace of urban life and its high living costs. It is important to understand that this type of vacation is not something you can compare the experience of renting out a holiday home with a swimming pool in a tropical region. However, an outdoors break can be hugely enjoyable and help you relax and unwind at a deep level as long as you know what to expect!
