Vacation At Home?
Sure, Save This Year, Travel Next Year

In the U.S., the press has even come up with a new word for this... "staycation" instead of vacation. You still need a break from work, so.... you can find fun and adventure close to home. Plan something a little less ambitious this year and save money to get back out into the world next year.

I don't know about you, but there really are quite a few fun things to do close to where we live; we just don't take the time to do them.

The same thing happens to our friends..., when we visit friends in other states or countries, we find that they take us to fun and interesting spots, but they say they never go by themselves because it's so close to home.

So why not play tourist in your own backyard.... vacation at home when your budget needs a little rest.

When we travel, we love to try foods that are new and different to us. Now think about it.... There probably is a Vietnamese restaurant, or an Indian restaurant or a Mexican restaurant close to where you live. Have you ever been there? How about French, Italian, Middle Eastern, Japanese, Greek, Indonesian.... the list goes on and on doesn't it? Pick one and go try the food. A culinary vacation at home this year might have you planning a trip next year to a destination you hadn't considered before.

If you have a large ethnic group living in your area, do they have festivals or celebrations carrying on traditions from home? Go to a Chinese New Year's Parade or a Tet celebration. Is there a Greek festival with dancing? A Japanese Obon Festival? Scottish Games? We have all of those close to us and more.

Are there historic sites near where you live that you just take for granted? Are there significant buildings you've never been in? If you live in London, have you ever toured Buckingham Palace or have you always said, "Oh, that's just for tourists." If you live in Washington D.C., have you seen Mount Vernon, George Washington's Plantation? OK... maybe you'll have to make it a day trip, but there could be something close by that you would not think of missing if you were traveling to your area instead of living there. Vacation at home and see the history and significant sights near where you live.

How about museums you never go to. Is there an historic battle field nearby? Is there an old train that gives rides? Little old towns that time forgot? Those are the kinds of places that visiting tourists seek out... the kinds of places YOU look for when you travel. Look for them at home.

Have you ever wanted to play golf in Scotland? Take golf lessons and polish up your golf game. Save the money this year, and by next year, maybe you'll feel confident enough to try those links courses.

Ever wanted to trek in Nepal? Spend this year hiking in parks close to home... then you'll be in good shape and ready to tackle... well, if not Mt. Everest, maybe the Annapurna Loop Trek.

We don't say to forgo a holiday, but once in a while you might just find that a vacation at home will give you more information and money for travel in the future.

Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it!   Judy and Mark

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