The warmer weather has arrived, and school is almost out for the summer, giving many of us the urge to travel and explore — especially after more than a year of quarantining and social distancing.
If you live in New York State, or a surrounding state, you don’t have to travel far to discover some truly spectacular sites — like the Hudson River Region.
The Hudson River is a 315-mile river that begins as a crystalline stream in the Adirondacks. It flows south through the Hudson Valley before ending in New York City.
Also known as the Hudson River Valley, the region is comprised of the Upper Hudson Valley where the Capital Region is, as well as Middle and Lower Hudson Valley.
If you’re looking for an adventure with a view of the river, there is an abundance of places to visit and do just that.
Even better, you can plan these adventures without a big budget.
Plus, taking a vacation while on a budget can be an enthralling adventure.
Hudson River Valley Tourism on a Budget
Steeped in history, natural beauty, and culture there’s a lot to experience in the area.
There are even a few farmer’s markets and wineries that can be enjoyed during the excursion.
Before beginning the adventure, make sure there’s a plan in place to keep your budget on track.
To keep everything organized, you may find it best to create a spreadsheet with the anticipated amount for each item within the respective category.
Transportation in the Hudson River Valley
Even if the Hudson River Valley is within a few hours of where your journey begins, factoring in transportation expenses is important.
If you’re using a personal vehicle, take a moment to determine how much will be spent on gas for the trip and if anything is needed to make the journey safely.
Does the vehicle need new brakes or tires? Add this to the budget and make sure it’s completed before the journey so issues can be avoided.
Perhaps a rental vehicle or public transportation, like a bus or train, is needed instead. The amount spent on a vehicle rental or tickets will need to be factored into the budget.
Food Choices in the Hudson River Region
Budgeting for food can be tricky but not impossible.
Researching local restaurants, wineries, delis, or other eateries can help you gain a sense of what to expect.
If the initial search shows that prices might be a little higher than what you’re comfortable spending, search for a place that’s off the beaten path.
Joining a Facebook group for the area can help provide insight for must-try restaurants and those that should be avoided.
Getting a local perspective could be beneficial, as they typically know the best places in and around town.
On average, lunch can cost approximately $13 — which could change depending on the establishment, if the bill is being split between friends, and if alcohol or dessert is ordered.
There are restaurants throughout the region that are worthwhile and will leave your tastebuds feeling satisfied.
If you’re visiting Troy, New York, spots that overlook the river, like Slidin’ Dirty or The Whistling Kettle, can help to create a lasting memory.
Activities
While planning the itinerary, be sure to note the costs for each activity you or your family would like to do.
Entrance fees for each person in your party should be accounted for, including any price differences based on age or AARP discounts.
Be sure to note additional costs for anything like private tours on an educational show at a museum.
Planning which activities to attend and which sites are a must-see can be one of the most exciting parts of a trip.
But the costs can add up quickly, especially if the entire family is going.
If the total cost becomes greater than what you anticipated on spending, it would be wise to revisit the list and rank the activities in order of priority.
There are plenty of low-cost or free activities throughout the region that would be worthwhile.
On a day with good weather, the Walkway Over the Hudson, which connects Poughkeepsie and Highland, is a great way to get a little exercise and take in the sites.
The Lyndhurst, a Gothic Revival mansion in Terrytown, offers a variety of tour options with prices starting at $10.
Accommodations in the Hudson River Valley Area
Depending on the length of the trip and how far you are from home, accommodations might be necessary.
Prices and availability could vary depending which region of the Hudson River you plan to visit.
Hotels and rentals like Airbnb each have perks that could be enticing.
An Airbrb can offer the space and privacy a family or group of friends might desire, while some hotels might offer free breakfast, which could help with food expenses.
Determine the needs and wants of those who might be traveling with you and then begin comparing prices.
If you choose to stay at a hotel, websites like Booking.com can be a useful tool to determine if you’re getting the best deal.
Save for the Future
A weekend getaway or family adventure can create memories that last a lifetime, but without proper planning, can become quite expensive.
Whether you have an expansive itinerary with quite a few must-see places or a modest list, saving for the trip is important.
Opening a savings account and working with a team of financial experts can help you get started on the right path towards saving for the future and for fun adventures, like visiting the Hudson River Valley.
For more help planning for the future, and staying within your budget, contact the financial team at HRCCU.
