I need a vacation. A real vacation. Not just some time off work or a staycation—an honest-to-goodness, head-somewhere-beach-like-and-relax vacation.
The only thing is, simply thinking about this vacation has me anything but relaxed. In fact, it has me stressed out and freaking out about budgets.
Can I afford to go on a “real” vacation?
Not really.
But I haven’t had a “real” vacation in… um, ever? I’ve traveled, yes, but usually to places I where I’ve had friends or family so I could economize and save money. (My sister lived in NYC for years, yo!) Never, in my adult life, have I jetsetted away to some beach and hung out. NOT EVEN FOR SPRING BREAK, PEOPLE.
Sad, isn’t it?
Well, now that I’ve publicized just how pitiful I really am, maybe we can get to the point of this post. HELP ME! Where should I go? What inexpensive vacation ideas are out there just waiting for our little family to descend upon it and have lots and lots of fun? I have vacation to use, and I want to use it. I need to use it.
Because, while I really can’t afford financially to take a vacation, I can’t really afford mentally not to take a vacation. I need some time away from work—some time away from my house, my laundry, the ‘Nati. Some time to recharge, relax, and rest. (Yes, I know resting might be hard with a three-and-a-half-year-old in tow…)
Last year’s staycation ended up being a stresscation where I tried to accomplish everything little thing that needed to be done at home. If I’m sitting at home, I need to clean or do or go. If I’m on a beach, there’s nothing to do but relax, right?
So, inexpensive, relaxing vacation locales. Hit me up people, I’m listening!
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15 thoughts on “Vacation Ideas (Have To Get Away)”
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What's your budget? Whatever it is, it's always nice to spoil yourself, even if you've never done it before. You deserve it!
My husband and I took a trip to St. Croix (no passport needed!) and we spent a long weekend there. It was February 2005 and we needed to go somewhere warm. Fast! We stayed at the Divi Resort which was located on the far end of the island. It was a trip where we wanted to go and do NOTHING. We weren't near any shops or restaurants. We stayed at the resort the whole time, purchased their all inclusive meal plan too. What did we do? We read, swam in their pool, sat on their beach, napped, read, ate, drank, read, slept… it was fabulous. I think I read 3.5 books in 3 days. We still talk about that trip. People think we're crazy to have gone away and do nothing. But it was what we needed. And who knows if we'll ever have another opportunity any time soon. At least I have that memory of our time there and I often reflect on that memory.
Have fun creating yours!
I love Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They have great mountain trails, picnic stops, horseback riding, gondola rides etc. For the kids, you have every amusement park type thing they can imagine. Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, and even an Aquarium. A lot of their hotels even have waterslides. It is very inexpensive and lots of fun.
Oh yeah, they also have a ton of outlet mall shopping.
I spent my time pre children, in a bed and breakfast. It was so quiet and tranquil, they even had a secluded pool.
You can send the kids off to amusement land, while you curl up by the pool with a good book. All without breaking the bank 🙂
Have a much needed good vacation.
We need a new furnace and driveway this year. We are doing a variation of a staycation to save $$.
While we will be based out of the house, I plan to make a plan for each day so that I don't end up doing all the little projects that need done at home.
Day 1, we're going to Big Bone Lick Park
Day 2, drive to columbus to go to COSI
Day 3, drive from Columbus to Indy to visit Connor Prairie
Day 4 Kings Island
Day 5 Kings Island water park (using the family passes my mom won and gave to us)
Day 6 not sure yet, but maybe some geocaching at our favorite park.
Cost will be entrance fee's, food, and two nights of hotels.
Staycations can become real vacations if you need them to.
Good luck dear I hope you are able to find something to do on your budget!
Thanks for the advice, ladies!
Budget? It's pretty much non-existent, but I'm willing to scrimp and save to have a decent getaway.
Lots of people up here go to Gatlinburg, and I've never been. Maybe this is the year! Although I did have my heart set on a beach.
Jen–Very good ideas! I had to look up what geocaching was–and I've been itching to check out the Indy Children's Museum adn Zool.
I've also thought about renting a RV and just driving it as far as we can go! Ha! They were surprisingly affordable, until you factor in gas charges–and that you probably have to pay some fee to park them in lots…
the last time I went away was September 2001. I got stuck in Italy over 9/11 w/my mother. That is a story unto itself.
I wish I had a suggestion. I would love to know of some places myself.
Myrtle Beach is great for families, as is VA Beach. Cape Cod is also wonderful, though being more north the ocean tends to be cold.
If you're looking for something a little more exotic, the Bahamas is great and there are a few all-inclusives.
We liked Indy when we went, no beach there though.
A few years ago, we drove to Delaware and rented a house on the Delaware Bay – Lewes Beach. Cheaper than ocean side, the neighborhood where the house was had a pool and there was a small beach just down the boardwalk from where we stayed. Since we had a house, we did some grocery shopping and ate in for the week – a big money saver.
I love your blog. Shared a Sunshine Award with you on my blog. http://abusymomoftwo.blogspot.com/2010/05/sunshine-award.html
Calistoga in California is a great, comfortable, relaxed seaside town to visit. We love it!
Not sure if you can make it to North Florida, but I hear this place is amazing and inexpensive:
http://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach/
Good Luck and Have Fun!
Costa Rica and Belize are unbelievably gorgeous. With a little internet research, you can typically get great deals that even include airfare.
Thanks for the additional vacation ideas! I'm checking them ALL out!
I wonder if Michigan would work for you. The lakeshore could be fun.
I second the Michigan comment, though the beach water is cold! Are you wanting to drive or fly? Drive, I'd say your NC beaches would be the best bet. Fly, I'd go with an all-inclusive in Mexico. Friends of ours went and even got a babysitter for a day (apparently they have services on-site?) so they could scuba dive. Let me know what you decide! 🙂
how about put-in-bay or kelley's island? Just a three hour drive, actual beaches (lake, not ocean, but still…) tons of cute restaurants and bars if you're so inclined.
Its much cheaper to stay in Port Clinton, Ohio and take the ferry (about 10 minutes, and under $10 for a ticket) over to the islands, or a slightly longer ferry ride to Sandusky and Cedar Point (the BEST amusement park in Ohio, sorry KI fans, but it's the truth!)