Vacationing on a Shoestring

With summer approaching, many people are making vacation plans. The rest of us are reviewing our budgets and having trouble justifying taking a vacation. Being on a strict budget doesn't mean you can't have fun. With a little bit of creativity and planning, even the most budget-conscious can find a way to blow off some steam this summer!

Plan Ahead

If you're planning a trip for more than yourself, make the planning part of the fun. Get everyone involved in the decision making process and build some excitement. Make a game of who can find the best thing to do that is closest to home. Some research options are:

• Check the local paper and magazines.
• Check community bulletin boards for events and activities.
• Use city guides from websites like MSN, or AOL.
• Check the library for travel guides like Birnbaum's or Foder's.

You can probably come up with some great ideas that will provide low-cost entertainment, and still allow you to sleep in your own bed at night.

Stay Home

One of the least expensive things you can do is leave the car in the driveway and think of some fun activities to do at home. Most of us lead such busy lives these days that a week at home, with some low-key activities, may be just the ticket to recharge our batteries.

• Set up a lawn chair under a shady tree with a tropical drink and a good book.
• Rent some movies, or check them out of the library and have a film festival.
• Play board games, or arrange a card tournament.
• Soak in a bubble bath with candles and music.
• Pack a picnic and Frisbee and visit a nearby park.
• Go for a hike or bike ride and get a different perspective of your neighborhood than when you are busy driving.
• Camp out in the backyard, sing, and roast marshmallows around a fire.
• Plan a cookout. Invite some friends and neighbors and have everyone bring something.
• Get a star guide out of the library and learn the constellations.
• Don't set an alarm clock and get out of bed whenever you want.
• Take a nap in the afternoon.

If you make a list of all the fun or relaxing things you'd like to do "if you only had the time," you'll probably find that the week at home will be up, before you cross everything off your list.

Stay Local

If staying at home isn't the answer, look for events and activities happening in your own community that won't require a lot of driving to attend. Just because you're not a tourist, doesn't mean you can't enjoy your local attractions! There are probably local sites in your area you've overlooked that others travel to your area to see. Check out:

• Museums, and art galleries � many of these are subsidized by benefactors and have free or affordable admission.
• Historical Sites � You can type in "Historical Sites"+"Your Town and State" into a search engine like Google and you'll probably find a number of local sites that would be interesting to visit and learn more about.
• Libraries � Visit your local library to borrow books, movies, and music for free. Many libraries have their own events throughout the month and are a good resource for what's happening in the local community.
• Fairs � There are usually state and county fairs in the summer with lots to see and do for a reasonable admission fee. Look for antique shows, craft fairs, car shows, and outdoor garden and art festivals that are usually held when the weather is warm.
• State Parks � Almost all states have their own parks with low or free admission. "Type State Parks" and "Your State" into any search engine for a full listing and directions.
• National Parks � Visit the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov to find out if you have any national parks in your area. The national park system includes 390 parks, monuments, battlefields, recreation areas, historic sites, and other areas with free or reasonable admission.
• Zoos, Aquariums, or Science Museums � If you have an attraction like this in your area, consider a family membership. They often pay for themselves on the second visit, and many offer reciprocal memberships in hundreds of similar attractions in cities across the country.

Day Trips

It's relatively easy to choose a destination and travel anywhere in the continental United States by car, but due to the high cost of gas these days, you may want to stick with locations that aren't too far of a drive. Plus, trips you can do in a day allow you to avoid searching and paying for accommodations and allow you to get home and sleep in your own bed at night.

To help defray the cost of your day trip:

• Pack a Lunch �Stopping at restaurants or fast food can get expensive. Save some money by bringing a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. If you do run out of snacks or drinks, save some money by shopping at a local grocery store instead of a gas station or convenience store.
• Print directions and call ahead � Use MapQuest or a similar internet site to print out directions if you have a specific attraction that you are visiting. Call ahead to see if there is free parking, special instructions, or detours of which you should be aware.
• Check for Discounts � Check the website or call the specific attraction to see if there are any discounts available for membership in any store clubs, auto clubs, or organizations to which you belong. Sometimes you can save money, or at least a long line at a ticket counter, by purchasing any tickets you need on-line.
• Bring a map � It's fun to explore new and unfamiliar areas, but getting lost can waste time and gas. Make sure you have a map when you are traveling somewhere unfamiliar. You could also invest in a North American road atlas to keep in the car to save the cost of a map every time you go somewhere new.

Affordable Overnight Accommodations

If you've exhausted all of the possibilities for fun in your backyard, community, and nearby destinations, or are determined to get away from home for one or more nights, you should consider low cost accommodations.

• Camping � Maybe you already have a tent, but if not, you can find an economical one at most discount sporting goods store, or buy a gently used one on eBay, or Craigslist. Campsites are generally a lot less than a motel room, and it's a fun way to meet other travelers from around the country.
• Home Swap � If you have a specific city you'd like to visit and want to save the cost of lodging, consider swapping your home with another family. It's just like it sounds; you stay in their home, and they stay in yours. You can find out more information about how it works, screening people, and finding interested home swappers on sites like: www.homeexchange.com, www.homelink.org, or www.homeforswap.com.
• Hostels � An inexpensive place for single travelers, or friends traveling together, to stay, either in the U.S. or abroad, are hostels. Guests can usually rent a bed, sometimes a bunk bed in a dormitory and share a bathroom, kitchen and lounge. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available. To find out more information and locations, check out sites like www.hostels.com, www.hostelbookers.com, or www.hostelworld.com

Between the stress of paying bills and trying to stretch your paycheck to keep up with rising prices for everything from groceries to gasoline, you probably could use a vacation this year more than ever. Unfortunately, the cause of all that stress is probably the main thing standing in the way of that much needed vacation. Try doing things a little differently this year, and plan a summer getaway without leaving town. With a little research and organization, you'll find there are many options for singles, couples, or families to plan a relaxing getaway without getting away at all!

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