Escape to Spokane How we Plan a Cheap Getaway

Last updated on March 8th, 2018 at 08:58 pm

When we need an escape but our budget is tight, I get creative. Instead of starting with a grand destination I search for the best flight deals or choose a place within short driving distance. The spirit of a getaway is finding a new experience and a change of scene. We don’t have to travel to a dream destination to do that. With limited funds, the place needs to offer budget friendly options for lodging and activities. Given that simple criteria, Spokane, Washington makes a perfect cheap getaway for us.

We Search for the cheapest Flights or Closest Destination to Drive To

We search for the cheapest flights first. Using a travel resource like Hipmunk, we can quickly and easily search for flight deals. Search flights using the “deals” tab and get access to the best deals. Booking last-minute can save you money as well. Be flexible with choosing a destination and when to fly and you will find great value.

A getaway isn’t always a full-fledged vacation. We enjoy the spontaneity even if we only get away for a weekend. If there isn’t a flight deal that fits our budget we look for destinations within short driving distance. Being able to drive is cheaper than flying and saves having to pay for a car rental. Spokane is a city close enough for us to drive to and offers a lot of things to see and do, all centrally located.

Spokane Has a Wealth of Budget Friendly Accommodations

Booking last-minute, we save a lot on accommodation. Spokane has a high concentration of hotels downtown. A lot of competition makes it easy to find a good deal. We like to stay downtown in Spokane because so many free and cheap things to do are all in the city center. Choosing accommodation with money-saving amenities like free hot breakfast or shuttles to nearby attractions is another way to make a getaway more affordable.

We Try to Think Like a Local and Find Places to Visit that Don’t Specifically Cater to Tourists

We look for restaurants frequented by locals and for community events that are free or inexpensive. Downtown Spokane is rich with these kinds of options. What do locals do? Go see a movie or hang out at a local pub. We love visiting a new theater or restaurant; it’s even more fun in a new city. Locals know where the good community events are and hang out where the best value is.

First Friday is a community event that highlights local artists and downtown businesses. As the name implies, happens the first Friday every month. It offers an evening of art, music, and special promotions for downtown restaurants and businesses. Riverfront Park is a great place to spend a day. It’s a 100-acre park in downtown Spokane that features a myriad of things to see and do for families.

If you need an escape but don’t think it’s in your budget to get away, try simply seeking a new experience instead of a far-flung destination. Check out Hipmunk  for some inspiration for a getaway to fit your budget.