Plan an At-Home Vacation

Have high gas prices forced you to forgo your summer vacation this year? Try an at-home vacation for all of the fun without all of the cost. Here are several fun and frugal ways to enjoy your week at home:

Movies- Before your vacation begins, head to the library and stock up on movies to watch. Grab the new releases, but also be sure to get some of your all-time favorites. For more frugal fun, dig out the videos recordings of your favorite shows that you’ve been meaning to watch or swap DVDs with a movie-loving friend.

Food- If it isn’t in your budget to eat out every night, there are plenty of other ways to work tasty food into your vacation. Start by making a trip to the grocery store pre-vacation, and load your cart with all of your family favorites. If your shopping list includes the ingredients for favorite home cooked meals, make these ahead of time, so you won’t have to worry about cooking while you’re on vacation.

To enjoy meals away from home, make a point of clipping restaurant coupons in the months leading up to your vacation. Buy one get one free coupons and dollars off offers will help to defray the cost. Then, to reduce the cost even further, take your family out for lunch instead of dinner. You can often enjoy the same menu items at a lower cost during the day, and may even find some reduced price lunch specials that suit your taste buds and your budget.

Live entertainment- To treat your family to a live concert, play or comedy act on a budget, planning is the key. Check your newspaper in the weeks leading up to your vacation to find out what acts you have to choose from, then explore the cost associated with each. For free events check to see if your city or local library has anything planned during your time frame. Then, if that fails, check with area museums, restaurants, universities and churches to see if they have any performances scheduled. With just a bit of research you’re sure to turn up several fun options.

Area attractions- Are there local museums or historic sites that you’ve always wanted to visit? Is there a restaurant your family has been meaning to try? Use your vacation time to explore your town and try new things. For ideas to get you started, visit the chamber of commerce page for your area to see what attractions they recommend for tourists. You may even discover a few things you never knew about.

An at-home vacation is a great cost saver and a great chance to bond with your family. Forgo all the hassles of travel, and turn your home into your next vacation destination.

 

-Erin Huffstetler

  Erin Huffstetler is a freelance writer specializing in frugal living tips and tricks. Her work has appeared in numerous print and electronic publications including Family Circle, Guideposts For Kids and Pregnancy. As the stay-at-home mom of two young kids, Erin is always looking for new ways to live better for less. For fun decorating and craft project ideas check out Erin's "Trash to Treasures" and "Bead Making Basics" courses at Suite101.com.