For most of us, planning that yearly vacation is almost a vacation in and of itself. Instead of thinking about all the stress lying ahead, you take a little time to focus on something positive. Something you're excited about. And you know you have something to look forward to.
Unfortunately, though, not everybody can afford a yearly vacation. If you've worked up your budget this year and haven't found room in it for a trip, you probably see the summer laid out in front of you like a blank sheet of paper: bright and empty. But not having the budget for a vacation doesn't have to be the end of the world. Struggling to get along? You can still do something special to keep your --and your family's-- morale high this summer.
1. Get Out of Town.
Even if you can't go on a real trip, changing the scenery only slightly can be enough to make you feel like you've had a breather. Leave your computer at home (your internet dating profile will be fine without you for a day or three), get in the car, and drive a few hours in any direction. Simply spending time away can make all the difference once you get back into your city (and into your regular life).
2. Learn a New Activity.
One of the most exciting parts of taking a trip is seeing new things and having new experiences. But you can also do that without leaving home. Look online or in your local paper for summer classes teaching a variety of different activities. From surfing to scuba diving to sculpting, if you spend your summer learning something new, you'll at least feel like you did something new-- even if you didn't get to go anywhere.
3. Host a Party.
Almost as much planning and anticipation goes into planning a party as does into planning a vacation. If you look at your budget in May or June and realize you don't have the money for a real holiday, you may still find a bit of extra cash in there to host a party. Plan a party for the end of the summer, and spend your extra time all summer long in planning and preparation. Decide on a theme and a guest list. Research party recipes. Make decorations. And spend your empty summer days putting together the best party your neighborhood's ever seen. Want to make it really big? Get together with some neighborhood friends and make it a block party.
4. Do a Home Exchange.
Sometimes, taking a vacation is all about being out of your own space. But the space itself --that is, the hotel-- is generally the most expensive part of going on holiday. But if you do a home exchange, you can be in a different space without having to drive more than a couple of hours. Look online for home exchange groups, and change homes with somebody else for free-- even if it's just for a long weekend. You won't have to shell out a dime, but you'll come home feeling like you've really had a real vacation.
5. Have Fun on Business.
Working all summer, and your company's sending you off on business trips all over the world? Try to incorporate some fun into your business travels. Take a morning to do a tour of the city, or stay up late one evening checking out the best blues bars in the area. When you get home, at least part of you will feel that you've really gotten away.
6. Think Way Ahead.
Okay, so you've looked at your calendar and your bank account, and you've decided that a real vacation just isn't in the cards this year. Or even next year. That doesn't mean you can't plan one, anyway. Deciding on a place and planning for a wonderful vacation two or three years down the road may not be the same as taking one now, but it will give you something wonderful to look forward to. And it will probably make you feel quite a bit better about your empty summer.
7. Hang Out with New People.
Another great part of that annual vacation you usually take is being exposed to new people. But there's no reason why you can't do that same thing in your home town. Check different websites and even internet dating sites for individuals or groups of people (including special interest groups) you think you might like to hang out with. Spending time outside your normal circle of acquaintances will make you feel for awhile like you're somewhere else... even if you're really just with somebody else.
