by Martie Lownsberry

Created on: June 17, 2009

The economic recession has caused you to rethink your finances, you've cut corners here, tweaked a thing or two there, but, you still find that you simply can't justify taking that long anticipated family vacation. Still, you don't want to forgo this annual event entirely so, you decide to take a vacation, right here in your own home town.

Vacationing at home will certainly cut back on expenses. Now all you have to do is figure out what you are going to do to actually feel as though you are on vacation. While this seems like quite a challenge it is actually easier than you may think.

Start by Setting Your Mind in Vacation Mode. The moment we start planning for any vacation, no matter where it is we actually set our mind into vacation mode. All this means is that we mentally start preparing ourselves to have a great time well in advance of the actual vacation. We start thinking in terms of what fun we will have, how relaxing it will be, and all the things we won't have to do because we are going on vacation. Once you set your mind into vacation mode the rest will be easy.

One of the best ways to set your mind into vacation mode is to buy an inexpensive vacation outfit or a pair of sunglasses. Even a new paperback. Anything that puts you in that going on vacation mood.

Plan Your Vacation. Just because you are staying in your own home town does not mean that you don't have to plan your vacation. In fact, it is imperative when vacationing at home that you plan your vacation just as carefully as you would if you were going to some new destination.

Start planning by looking at your town, not as the place you live, but as somewhere exciting that you are going to visit. Look at your town through the eyes of a stranger.

What places of interest are close by that you have never had the time or opportunity to visit? Are there any restaurants you have never tried or parks you have never visited? No matter how big or small the town or city where you live, there are probably places you have never been too. Why not decide to try a few of them on this vacation.

Create a Vacation experience. The best way to create a vacation experience is to plan to spend a night or two away from home. This could be in a motel at the edge of town or a local campground. Any place that gives you a feeling of traveling.

Once you arrive at the motel or campground mingle with the other guests, visit the gift shop or camp store. Do all the touristy type things you would normally do in any city you visit.

Pamper Yourself. Vacations are all about relaxing so why not spend a day pampering yourself. Get a facial, a manicure, or a pedicure. If that seems a little more than your budget will allow then create a do it yourself spa. Pour a glass of wine and drink it while immersed in a bubble bath.

Better yet, get a great movie that will keep the kids occupied and you and your spouse take a bubble bath together, light a few candles, share a bottle of wine and just unwind and relax.

If romance is on your vacation agenda then wait until the kids are in bed, and you and your spouse sneak out for a midnight dip in the pool or just sit together on the porch swing and gaze at the stars. There is nothing that feels more like a vacation than a little vacation romance.

The whole purpose of a vacation is to relax, enjoy, and experience new things and you can do that just as easily around the block as you can around the world.

Learn more about this author, Martie Lownsberry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.