Gas prices slowing your roll? Airline charges keeping you grounded? While we provided financial-planning trip tips in our last blog, we know times are tough for vacation planning this year. That said, the good news is that staycation options abound.
In addition to regional summer fun activities, with the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th birthday celebrations, our communities are rolling out the red carpet to welcome global and national visitors to our region. Why not stay local and enjoy the party?
Think Local:
With some of the best summer experiences right in your backyard, there’s no need to feel “stuck” at home. You just have to know where to look! Here’s how to find them:
1.) Community Pages
The easiest way to know what’s happening in your community is by going to the source. Most towns, counties, and states have calendars for special events (most of which are free) like festivals, concerts, and seasonal activities. Take a look:
- Gloucester County
- Swedesboro
- Visit South Jersey
- Visitnj.org
- Wanderjersey.com
- Newjerseyisntboring.com
- South Jersey Cultural Alliance
Some summer staples that my family loves include the Gloucester County Summer Concert Series and the youth Art in the Street program through Woodbury!
If you love the city vibes, ride towards the water or across the bridge to check out free concert events:
- Spruce Street Harbor Friday Night Jazz Series
- University City Summer Series
- Sunset Jazz Series at Wiggins Park in the Camden City Waterfront
- The Market and Music Series at Riverwinds
2.) Social Media Influencers and Pages
While you’re scrolling, take advantage of influencers and pages that showcase hidden gems, local businesses, food spots, and free local events such as Movies in the Park. Check out these accounts:
- Gloucester County
- NJMOM
- Glo.co.views
- Things to Do in New Jersey
- The.traveling.tastebuds
- Its.gigigeorgio
- Christineelliza
3.) Events Drawing Global Attention
Instead of spending thousands to travel, consider taking advantage of what’s happening nearby. As America saddles up for its 250th birthday and the FIFA World Cup, the local area is buzzing with activity. These large-scale events bring energy, entertainment, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, without the cost of a full trip.
- America 250 events are happening throughout the Delaware Valley, including tours of Red Bank Battlefield in National Park and a Paulsboro Revolution 250 event in Paulsboro, NJ, on July 5th.
- Visit Philly – FIFA activities go beyond out-of reach game tickets to include family-friendly fan festivals and watch parties throughout NJ, such as a three-day SoccerFest event on the Camden waterfront from June 25 – 27.
4.) Local Library
Outside of books that transport you into another world, libraries are community treasure troves of free activities! Many offer:
- Programs and events for kids, teens, and adults
- Free passes or discounts to local museums and attractions
- Classes and workshops
5.) Outdoor Fun
Free resources like AllTrails and njhiking make it easy to find local parks and hiking trails for warm, sunny adventures!
And, of course, we’re less than an hour’s drive from stepping on sand and cooling off in the ocean. So, make a day trip to the beach a midweek oasis. Be mindful of beach tag costs and where it’s still free to sunbath and build castles in the sand.
Check out NerdWallet’s list for more staycation ideas.
Financial Benefits of Staycationing:
In a recent survey analyzing 1,426 U.S. adults’ staycation plans for 2026, “96% say the cost of living has reduced how much they travel in the past 12 months.” The financial benefits of staycations include:
- Eliminating major costs such as the expense of flights or other long-distance transportation options
- Minimizing lodging expenses (hotels, resort fees, taxes, and other costs) by returning home or staying out for one or two nights instead of a whole week.
- Reducing food expenses (and making healthier choice options) by preparing most meals at home instead of eating out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Cutting down on travel days to reach your destination helps preserve your paid time off and opens up the option of more frequent (long weekend) breaks.
- Saving on incidentals that come with distance trips, e.g., purchasing travel-size items and boarding pets, and
- Reducing the stress of packing up the family and closing up your home for a week.
Bottom Line:
Finances don’t have to dampen your summer fun! Make the most of the free concerts, local attractions, fan fests, and milestone celebrations happening right in our area.
Let’s say you’re short on cash but still want to be present at that destination wedding or family reunion… or you desperately want to check that next country off your bucket list, we offer a personal loan. Learn more about this alternative, and reach out to us to make your summer fun dreams a reality.
