Can't Afford a Vacation? Vacation at Home!

unable to make the holiday really want is not a new experience for many of us. In the "good old days", before the economic downturn, it often seemed like friends and employees were lovers places, traveling to destinations, which is further away, or hold apartments, all over my reach.

Even in the current economic crunch, with a nest egg by half or more, many people still have vacation plans. You can still head into their homes, or visit a national park or go to the big city for some shopping and entertainment venues. I am happy for them. The rest of us stay at home and trying to figure out how to get the best of it.

If this sounds like your situation, I have two suggestions. Firstly, if you leave at home, not spend your vacation time doing yard and cleaning the garage, unless that what you really want. If you have a week, give you one or two days for the projects. Family members gather for a working day, the task done faster. And secondly, a few small steps to make your home feel like a holiday home, and you can feel on vacation all the time!

How can your home Feel like a holiday home? It does not require much work and a lot of money to accomplish. But whatever you choose, your plan will be unique to you. Sit down with paper and pencil, close your eyes and think about a vacation home you have loved, or just imagine what would your ideal holiday. My ideal house has plenty of natural light, a few accent pieces with a nautical theme, a supply of sand toys for my grandchildren to enjoy on the beach, and a large selection of board games and puzzles to endure a rainy day. What's on your list? I can deal with most things on my list of yard sales and the Goodwill store.

What? There is no beach? Small children enjoy playing with these buckets and shovels in the middle of the kitchen floor. Slather sun protection for all, and you will smell like you were on the beach.

Keep your "holiday" cooking easy. If the temperature outside is raging, do not plan to cook meals, or use a slow cooker, not the heat in the kitchen. Create an outdoor dining area, or a little fire in the evening and make s'mores.

Have you noticed that most people never visit the attractions in the vicinity of their own homes, unless they are deemed to be "leaders" for "out-of-town guests? Check your local newspaper for upcoming events. Look for coupons for reduced admission to museums, arboretums, parks, theaters and concerts. If you can not find coupons, call the box office and ask for discount days, family, and senior specials.

Do not forget on the public library for musical performances, puppet shows, lectures, and, oh yes, books! Enjoy your summer vacation. Make it last.

 

Carmella Zagone Foster is an avid sailboat racer who lives in Minnesota. Driven by a passion for living near or on the water, Carmella founded Deephaven Direct, a source for nautical themed items to put you in an "at the lake" state of mind.

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