Need a "Mini Vacation?" When I became an independent itinerary and travel planner for Nebraska and South Dakota, there were two reasons;
1) I have a sincere appreciation and knowledge of the Area
2) With the economy being what it is, I knew people would still want to get away for a vacation, but need to keep it close to home.

What people consider an ideal vacation is as varied as people themselves. Some want first class accommodations, others want inexpensive, but fun! Here are some tips to ease the stress and increase the enjoyment of a weekend vacation.

1) Decide whether the vacation will be just for fun, or educational, or a mixture of both. First sit the family down and ask them what they would like to DO on vacation. (You may be surprised at what you learn.)
2) Search the Internet. There is a limitless amount of information you can learn from typing in a few simple words. "Fun in Cleveland" for example. It will be like rediscovering your own home State!
3) Think outside the box to save money. If you decide to go to a major City for your weekend vacation, remember that the small towns surrounding may offer incredible deals for your lodging. When I plan itineraries and trips through Nebraska and South Dakota, one favorite place I check for my clients is Chadron, NE. You can often get cheaper rates the more nights you stay, plus, the rate is normally lower to begin with.
4) Remember that Vacation is all about relaxation and having fun as a family (or Couple.) Kids especially will remember a smaller amusement and water park within travel distance as much as they would remember Disneyland. The important thing is have fun! Honeymooners can enjoy a snowbound weekend in Minnesota as much as they can a week in Hawaii. (Perhaps even more because you won't have to answer those questions as to why you came back without a tan!)

Here are some suggestions for inexpensive, unique weekend vacations:
1) Book a motel room in one of your own suburbs. Visit an amusement/water park on Saturday and perhaps a Museum on Sunday.
2) Vacation Co-op with your friends and neighbors. Now, probably not many of you have heard of these, but they are similar to cooking co-ops. Arrange with a couple, or several other families to for cooking and light housekeeping for a vacation where you stay at home! When the other families are on their "vacation" you will provide the meals and do some dishes, make some beds, etc. When it comes time for your vacation, these things will be done for you. You have the entire weekend to visit any attraction in your area you would like, and still be able to eat and sleep at home.
3) Plan a City or State Scavenger Hunt. This takes a little planning but it's worth it. Create a list of interesting things to see or find while touring through your own state. The first one to find all of the items wins! When I do this, I put things like "dilapidated old barns" (Hey, this is Nebraska) I may also put "Historical site signs." Your list can be uniquely yours. Just use your imagination and you can come up with many interesting items.

These are just a few ideas to help you plan a fun, unique weekend vacation. The possibilities are endless. If need be, enlist the help of an itinerary planner. Many people, like me, enjoy it so much they charge very little for the service. Lack of funds does not have to mean lack of fun.

Learn more about this author, Veronica Bright.
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