Summer on a budget

Wallet-friendly ways to have fun

if you feel like you squander all your money as soon as the sun starts to shine, that’s because you do. Summer’s the season of frivolous spending. There are holidays to take, parties to host, balmy late nights to enjoy. Who wants to cook a meal at home when it’s much nicer to enjoy a happy hour with friends? Thankfully, you don’t have to empty your bank account to make good memories. Here are a few suggestions.

Picnic in a park or at the beach

Take your partner or family to your local park or one of the country’s pristine beaches to enjoy a relaxing picnic while soaking up the sun. A fun thing to do is to ask each person to bring one food item of their choice.

Outdoor cinema

There’s something about watching a film in the great outdoors that makes the experience that much more special. Set up a DIY backyard movie theatre or catch a cult classic or an independent film at the Galileo Open Air Cinema in Cape Town or The Bioscope in Joburg.

Fruit picking

Blueberries, cherries, strawberries, figs – fruit tastes so much sweeter if you’ve picked it yourself. Many South African farms are open to visitors, allowing them to get their fill of whatever’s in season.

Volunteer work

Summer doesn’t have to be about you, you, you. Volunteering your time to help other people is budget-friendly and gratifying. Choose a cause or activity that suits your interests, age and lifestyle. Examples include nonprofit building or renovation projects or volunteering at a community garden. Why not ask your friends or family to join you? You’ll be inspired, create lasting memories and learn new skills.

Party at home

Skipping restaurants and pubs in favour of entertaining friends at home is a surefire way to save cash. Let’s face it: alcohol, carbs, some chilled tunes and good company are all you need to have a great time. Take turns to host each other, without sacrificing sweet summertime memories.

Hit the road

Grab a friend (or two), pack your car boot with necessities (and plenty of snacks), and head out for a road trip without a destination in mind. Flow freely, deciding what to do as the road stretches ahead, or look at a map or guidebook for suggestions. Follow that bumpy road that zigzags toward a dubious-looking restaurant or a hidden natural gem and, who knows, it might lead you on an exciting adventure.

Hiking

When the outdoors call, grab your water bottle and sturdy boots and head for the hills. You don’t have to live in the wilderness to enjoy a good hike; you’d be surprised how many trails you can find close to cities. Just head to your areas parks and recreation page or search Google for trails in your area.

Camping

There’s something otherworldly about lying on the ground, looking up at a starlit sky. Camping – whether at an inexpensive or free site, in your backyard or on your balcony (go on, get creative!) – is the best way to reacquaint yourself with the simple life. It’s one of the most affordable ways to get away from it all. With that in mind, why not switch off your cellphone, and take a much-needed break from social media?

Sightseeing bus

This is the easiest way to get to know your city, its natural wonders and historical landmarks. All these busses have open tops, an audio tour and stop at multiple locations. It’s simple: you hop off when you want to see more and hop on the next one when you’ve finished exploring.