So I have found myself having “NO spend ” weekends. It have enjoyed the challenge to have a great weekend without spending any money and I thought I would share some ideas on how we do this.

Firstly our “No Spend” weekends came about not only because some weekends we don’t have much money to spare, because we have a very strict budget (read about it here!), but also because I have found its a great way to save money… for travel obviously!

Here are some of the guidelines that I follow;

• Don’t spend any extra money on fuel or travel costs. This means use fuel that is in the car or don’t blow fuel budget by putting in more fuel, and only use money that is already on public transport card (ie: no topping up!)
• No buying of food, only eat what we already have in the cupboard / fridge. We always take picnic lunches and snacks.
• All activities and experiences are to be free.
• Literally “No Spending” money on anything!

The Kids know that it is a “No spend” weekend and so they don’t ask for anything… because they know whats going on! I also ask them for ideas so that they can be involved in the planning as well. Activities aren’t always out and about, but too be honest we don’t like to be hanging out at home on Weekends… they are for getting out and adventuring.

Here are some ideas for No Spend Weekends!

• Free Camping!! As long as the sites not to far from home and I use all the food from home… see some of our favourite Free camps here.
• Beach days. Pack up the swimmers and snacks and head to a close by beach or ocean baths. ( we are very lucky that we live close to both!)
• Bike rides. We have some awesome bike paths as well as mountain bike tracks and we love to ride and have lunch along the way.
• Bush Walks. Bush Walks are great for No Spend weekends as they get you out exploring and its great exercise.
• Visit the Park. Finding a really cool park, especially if you haven’t been there before can fill in a whole day!
• Visit attractions. Some attractions have free entry, our local Museum and art gallery have free entry and on weekends they often have free activities to join in with.
• Community events. Sign up for your councils emails or follow them on social media for free events they have on during the weekends.
• Join Community groups. Community groups like Sea Shepard organise beach cleans up and park run organise running events which are all free!
• Stay at home. You can always stay at home and bake, play board games, create, and play!
• Visit family and friends. Plan a visit, take a cake and just hang out!

So that’s how we have our No Spend Weekends!

Do you have No Spend weekends or even days? What do you love to do on these days? Do you have any ideas to share?

Safe Travels,

Kerrie.