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Everybody needs a vacation, but with the economy in the doldrums and many people worried about their job, who can really afford a vacation? A mini-vacation may be just what you need to reduce stress and the overwhelming sense of crisis the news keeps feeding us daily.

Think simple and adjust your attitude about vacations, keep your trips close to home, maybe a 100 to 300 mile radius from your house.

Go by car, bus or train and save airplane fare. A weekend train trip instead of driving to a nearby destination might be fun , different and affordable these days. Train travel was at one time an experience thought of as exciting and adventurous. Try it you might like it. Plus Amtrak is offering senior discounts, student discounts, military discounts and more.

If you decide to travel by car I am sure there are some great places within the 250 mile radius around your house. Taking a short 2 or 3 day mini-vacations can provide a welcome stress break without having to break open the savings account. Keep the trip simple and pack light will make planning and traveling much easier. You will even enjoy the mini-vacation more because you do not have to dread returning and unpacking too many suitcases.

Here are some examples of how we have adjusted our vacation travel schedule.

We drew our 250 mile circle and began our search for new and interesting places to visit at off season times (where off season rates applied too!). Here are some of the places we have explored.

A SIMPLE RETREAT CENTER

Find a monastery or abbey near by and book a very inexpensive weekend retreat. 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.

THE UNKNOWN MUSEUM VACATION

Take a weekend journey to some hardly known, little advertised museums. Our 250 mile circle has included: 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,

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