by Pam Uher

Created on: May 22, 2008   Last Updated: November 06, 2009

Everybody needs a vacation, but with the world economy in the doldrums and many people worried about their job, who can really afford a vacation? A weekend getaway may be just what you need to reduce stress and revive your spirit.

Think simple and adjust your sights on economical destinations. The Internet travel booking sites (Orbitz, Expedia, Travelocity, Sherman's and many more)abound with sales on weekend getaways, cheap flights, really inexpensive hotel and car rental rates.

If you decide to travel by car there are probably some great places within the 250 mile radius around your house; places you have never been to or have always wanted to visit. Check out the AAA offerings on-line, Art exhibits at visiting cities, regional festivals and maybe even a monastery offering educational seminars. Keep your trip simple, pack light and seek out coupons for the place you are visiting. Watch for last minute bargains on line and be spontaneous with your itinerary.

Here are my 5 top picks for fun, interesting and economical weekend vacations.

1. A SIMPLE RETREAT CENTER

Find a monastery or abbey near by and book a very inexpensive weekend retreat and get back to nature vacation. Many of these offer either single or double room accommodations with private bath that range from $35 per night to $95 per night (many are by donation). Some include meals (usually vegetarian fare) and provide meditation areas, hiking trails, libraries, cultural arts exhibits and educational programs. You will be surprised to find some offer accommodations for children, not just adults. A great escape from the clatter and noise of TV and Cell Phones. This is a drive, fly or take a train trip.

2. THE UNKNOWN MUSEUM VACATION

Take a weekend journey to some hardly known, little advertised museums. From our Dallas home we found: The Dr. Pepper Museum in Dublin, Tx.; The Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Tx.; Texas Stonehenge II in Kerrville, Tx.; The Toilet Seat Museum in San Antonio, Tx.; The Billy the Kid Museum in Hico, Tx; The Pawnee Bill Museum in Pawnee, Ok.; Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland, La. and The Gangster Museum in Hot Springs, Ar. This is a great way to take a weekend mini-vacation by car. Find some weird and wacky museums near your home and go have some fun; you might even learn something you never knew!

3. CREATIVE WEIRD and WACKY ROAD TRIPS

Find some two lane highways, now obsolete, because of the Interstate road system and explore. You can stay at 1950's style motels relatively

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