Vacations Part II: How to Get Away On a Dime!

In this economy it can be tough to afford to take a trip. The good news is that it isn’t the distance you travel, or the amount of sites you see, that gives you these incredible health benefits.

The healing power of a vacation is getting away from everyday stressors of work and home life so you're more likely to relax. It also gives your the opportunity to indulge in the pleasures of life, which is extraordinarily good for body and mind. You can reconnect with nature, family members, and friends.

Don’t let a lack of money hold you back. I can tell you from personal experience that as I was growing up my family often had little or no surplus cash for family trips, yet my father always came up with creative solutions. For example, we went camping not too far from home, packing the groceries we would have eaten at home, and off we went. For a minimal financial investment, my dad gave me some of the best memories of my life!

Here are 4 budget-friendly vacations you can take:

1.      Take a “staycation.” Save money by sleeping at home, but plan a trip each day to a place you enjoy—a park, the beach, or a local museum. Pack a lunch to take with you, which is both healthier and easier on your budget.

2.      Visit a friend. Someone else’s backyard can open up plenty of new sites for you to see. Not only does it give you the chance to see the sites of your friend’s city, it gives you the opportunity to reconnect with a good friend, which is powerfully relaxing in and of itself.

3.      Stay at a budget-friendly hotel that has amenities built right in. I often stay in hotels that offer breakfast, and have an on-site workout room and pool. Many hotels also have mini-refrigerators available which allows you to bring along healthy lunch items and snacks.

4.      Vacation off-season. I have a colleague who always takes her beach trip before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. At those times, the prices are often half of what they are at other times of the year.