Cheap Vacation Idea: Don’t Leave Home

April 22, 2008 By Tisha Kulak

With seemingly the cost of everything rising in price and leaving families in a bind, an expensive vacation may not be in the cards for many. However, there is a perfect vacation awaiting you and you don’t even have to leave your house.

While it may sound odd and not much like a vacation at all at first glance, there are easy ways to have a successful at home vacation for just a fraction of the cost of any other. Plus, you never have to pack! There is a little willpower involved but with proper planning and a bit of creativity and excitement, anyone can enjoy such a great vacation alternative.

Here’s how:

• Just because you may not have any money for a luxury trip, still plan to use at least some of your allotted vacation time from work
• Make a commitment to yourself that you will not do housework or any other non-essential chores during your vacation time.  Prepare just like you would if you were leaving your home. It may be hard for some, but it is essential.
• Release the guilt. Be completely at ease sleeping late, living in your jammies, and lounging around all day.
• Any money that has been saved with a vacation in mind that can still be spared, should be used to buy something you wouldn’t normally purchase. If you enjoy lobster but would never splurge at any other time, use your vacation to indulge yourself and your family within your means.
• Also consider the things you never get to do: reading books, watching movies, gardening, and other activities you never have the time to partake in. Spend money on those as well. Anything that is relaxing and personally enjoyable is acceptable.
• If you feel trapped by your four walls, pick up a local travel guide or check out the local visitor center’s website for cheap ideas for each day of the week. New adventures close to home are often overlooked and can be just as enjoyable to discover as a more distant place.
• If the vacation is a family one, consider designating one specific day to each family member. For instance, Tuesday will be filled with activities the youngest child wants to do. Even it is only a few hours worth of activities instead of days, each family member will feel special.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you treat every moment as if it is an actual vacation. Do not be compelled to do hard labor if that was not your original intent. You can also take the time to begin planning for next year’s vacation early. Putting smaller amounts of money away for a longer period of time, will still add up to a nice vacation savings plan.

Posted in budgeting, entertainment, family, lifestyle, money, personal behavior, saving money, vacations