Summertime brings thoughts of long, leisurely vacations to the minds of many of us. Unfortunately, work schedules, money issues and home commitments often make this a difficult reality. Add to that the current astronomical cost of gasoline, and even those favorite family road trips spendy. How can we have fun as a family without breaking the bank? One great way is to become a tourist in your own city. Open your eyes to the sites and places that are within an hour of your own home, and you may be pleasantly surprised with the fun adventures you find.
First, clear your schedule. In order to make it feel like a "real" vacation make sure you are completely available to your family for the day, the weekend or however long you wish to "vacation." Turn your cell phone off, and let your machine get your calls at home. Nothing ruins relaxation more than worrying about work issues; you can answer those non-emergent calls when you "get back". Put out the word to everyone that you’re on vacation. You can let a few close friends or family members know your true vacation location in case of emergencies.
Next, look on the Internet, or go to your local travel center for local attractions, museums, city tours, parks, whatever interests you and your family. One very helpful website for finding information about your nearby community is CityGuide. You can also simply place the name of your city or a larger city nearby into a Google search. Other resources for information are your local AAA office, the chamber of commerce and your local library.
Staying at home while getting away during the day allows you the luxury of sleeping in your own comfortable bed. However, you do not have to feel required to stay there. Put up a tent in the backyard and sleep in sleeping bags, or have a slumber party in the living room with you and the kids all stretched out on the floor. Simply doing something a little different will help give you that feeling of getting away from your normal life. If you do have a little money to splurge, consider spending the night at a nearby hotel. Enjoy the pool, room service and the other amenities your hotel has to offer.
An alternative idea to vacationing in your own city is to vacation in your own backyard. Buy a new game or outdoor activity that you and the family would find fun and relaxing. This could be anything from a comfy lawn chair to a new croquet set to a blow-up pool. Set up everything you will need for your backyard vacation so trips to the grocery store will not interrupt your fun. Buy food you would not normally eat to splurge on, or order take-out if you prefer not to cook at all.
Whether you head to a local amusement park or head out on a day bicycling trip, take time to enjoy those unseen sites right in your own city or backyard. An adventure does not have to be costly to be fun and memorable. The main intent is to relax and enjoy your family and yourself; you just might be pleasantly surprised with the great memories you create.
Lynette is a wife and SAHM of four children from the Pacific Northwest. She has already begun plans for nearby getaway weekends for her and the rest of her gang.
