Vacation at Home

Summer tends to be the peak time to schedule a vacation and many believe that should include travel of some kind. Unfortunately, with a recession still affecting many of us, taking a more traditional vacation may not be in the budget.

Shoe String Survivor, always thinking outside the shoe box, decided that a vacation is still worth the pursuit, after all, Webster’s dictionary defines the word “vacation” as respite, or a time for respite from something, intermission, a scheduled period in which activity is suspended. It’s just a matter of rethinking what that can mean and how to go about achieving it.

Ever heard of a stay-cation? This is where one stays home to vacation. It may sound boring at first pass, but that’s because you need to reconsider what it could entail.

Staying home means there are no major transportation costs. No hotel fees. No meal expenses or any other travel related costs.

Ever wanted to go fishing? Hike at the beach? Listen to a free concert in the park? The list is endless and summertime is a peak time for a host of outdoor and local events. If you haven’t looked at a Happening’s magazine lately, you should. They list all sorts of classes and events to enjoy each month, summertime or not, and most are either free or for a nominal fee. Let staying home open your front door to doing an activity you’ve always wanted to try.

Use the time to redecorate a room. Organize the garage. Any project you’ve had to put off, do it now! Studies show that when we feel good about our home base, we do better in our professions and other major responsibilities.

Take day trips. You can spend a day in a nearby location and return home by nightfall. Just getting out of the city can feel good and shorter trips mean fewer costs for room, board and transportation.

Consider trading spaces with friends or relatives in other locations. By swapping homes you again save money on room and board.

Travel off season. When businesses need to keep productive, great deals can be found to entice vacationers during the less popular times of the year.

Try the local foods of a place you always wanted to visit. Wish to travel to France? Eat dinner at a local French restaurant. Watch documentaries on places you want to visit. These can often be found at the library or on NetFlix.

Change your routines at home. Hire a cleaning service, gardener, even order groceries for delivery—anything to change the rut of everyday responsibilities. That in itself can be a wonderful break.

Turn off the TV and cell phone and don’t check your e-mails. Essentially, take a break from the grid—the outside world or anything that might hook you back into the stressful side of life.

Take pictures. Regardless of what you decide to do and where, capture it. To further solidify the moments, keep a journal and let that be your souvenir.

If travel remains your deepest desire then hit the internet. Independenttraveler.com has a mountain of resources for finding cheaper transportation, food, lodging and best-priced locations.

Still think you can’t take a vacation? Rethink that definition and let the possibilities flood your mind. Just don’t forget to invite the rest of us.