Discount Road Bikes

Keeping an eye on your budget during your time off from work can be a challenge, particularly during a sluggish economy. It used to be that families traveled on vacation, spending money on airfare, hotels, and restaurants while away from home, but more and more people are keeping it low-key. You might find that the answer for you is to look into a staycation this year instead of a vacation.

You might actually enjoy the process of renovating your home, preferring to do improvements instead of hiring professionals. Since you've got a week off from work, why not take one room and work on changing it into something bold and new. There are so many options to explore, including painting it a vibrant color with accent trim, shining up light fixtures and fans, and moving furniture around.

Make it a day of culture by visiting museums, libraries, and local art galleries. Tour historic sites in your area and read up on what your city or state is famous for. If you're in New Jersey, look into why it's called the "Garden State." For Missouri, check out why your state is called the "Show me State." There's always a story worth hearing, so make a day of it and get an education in the process.

Schedule a day of you-time by going to a day spa, perhaps even getting a manicure and pedicure. Make time for a massage, and get your hair done in a different, dramatic style. You might consider changing the color of your hair or adding highlights. If you're open to the idea, you may want to try out a henna tattoo.

Each night of the week of your vacation can have a theme, such as "picture day." This could be a day for you to see a film at the theater, then rent a movie for later on at home. Get out your camera and take a picture of the sunset, nature, or some other beautiful scene to complete this themed day. Another theme could be "animal day," and, on that day, you can take your family to the zoo, then watch "Animal Planet" at home later on. "Sports day" could involve going to a local sports game, and then renting "Rocky" later on that night.

Get outdoors and get active, weather permitting. Hiking is a great way to soak in beautiful scenery while also getting a nice workout. Camping out with friends under the stars can make you feel connected to nature for an old-fashioned and low-tech adventure. See if your group can do it without any of the usual luxuries that have become necessities, such as cell phones, PDAs, and portable games. Try to connect with each other and the wild at the same time.

Money is always a factor when we think about a vacation, but you don't need to spend a fortune to find fun during your time off from work. With a bit of research, you can find interesting sights to visit in your town and you can have a fabulous stay at home vacation you'll really enjoy.

Ellen Parsons has written dozens of articles on accredited online colleges and online universities for mid-career professionals.

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