Can't Afford a Vacation This Year? Try Vacationing from Home!

If you just don't think you'll be able to afford a vacation this year because of gas prices, rising hotel expenses, or other issues, don't fret! You can still take a vacation. You just need to take a vacation from home. Here are some tips for creating a vacation from home that won't cost you a bundle but will still feel like somewhat of a vacation.

Pick your destinations. The first step to planning a vacation from home is to pick some destinations. Call your state's tourism bureau and ask for some brochures. You might not realize what fun things are right around the corner that you've been missing out on all these years! Especially take note of free activities such as state and local parks and recreation facilities. Look over the brochures and information with your family and choose what things you want to do on what day during your vacation. If you're generally a less scheduled vacationer, just get the brochures for a general idea of what to do and set out each day looking for a new adventure.

Plan your meals. If you eat your meals at home all the time while you are vacationing from home, it won't feel like a vacation! Make sure you eat some meals out. Or get creative and try going on a picnic. If you do eat some meals at home (considering many of us enjoy a continental breakfast or cook back at our accommodations during a real vacation anyway) make sure you eat on paper plates so you don't have to worry about doing dishes during your "trip."

Consider camping out. If you have children, you may want to add some real adventure to your vacation from home by camping out in the backyard. Just set up a tent, get your sleeping bags, and have a camp out. If you don't have the right equipment, ask around and try to borrow from friends. If you are a city dweller or live in a condo and don't have a yard, ask if you can use a friend or relative's for your vacation. Most will be very happy to oblige. Depending on the area you camp in, you might even be able to have a fire and roast marshmallows.