Three Day VacationsHow To Plan A Getaway In Your Own Town

Three Day Vacationsâ€"How to Plan a Getaway in your Own Town

Its wintertime and Christmas will soon be over, and then the winter blahs set in. You want to get away from it all, but will you have the Christmas bills to pay? You don't have money for airfare and you don't really have any more vacation time to take off from work. What's your solution?

How about a getaway in your own hometown? I bet there are activities in your hometown that you haven't taken advantage of. You know they are there; you often take them for granted. People from other areas come to visit the sites that you look past every day.

You take three days to take a breather from the hectic schedule you've been under and enjoy a three-day vacation right in your own hometown. If you have a little money to spend, why not get a hotel room in a hotel with an indoor pool, if you live in the part of the country that has snow and ice this time of year. Most hotels offer Continental breakfasts for their guests and you are already aware of the spots in town where you can eat for a reasonable price.

If you're really stuck for money, stay at home. Let the answering machine take all messages, don't turn on your computer and only carry your cell phone for emergency calls. You more than likely have voice messaging for that as well. You can relax in your own home and watch movies, eat popcorn and just enjoy the peace and quiet.

In my hometown, there is a place where you can take nature hikes through the woods and enjoy the beauty of the year. I also know that our area is rich in history because we are in the heart of Lincoln country. Some attractions in my area that highlight the early life of Abraham Lincoln I regret not taking the time to visit.

Do you pass a historical home every day on your way back and forth to work? The best day I ever had was when my youngest son picked me up and took me to one of the historic old homes in my own hometown. There are still homes and sites I would like to visit. I didn't know for a long time that there is a very nice bed and breakfast. That would be wonderful for an overnight stay and there's basically no travel involved.

Do you have museums in your area? There are sure to be some in your town or nearby and only need a little research to uncover them. Thinking of that, I can immediately bring to mind at least five museums within a 50-mile radius that I haven't taken the opportunity to visit.

Have you taken the opportunity to explore all of your city's parks? I found that one of our parks has a beautiful bike and walking trail. Take advantage of free events. Your local paper would be a good resource to find out what is happening in your area. My city has a Local Arts Council that has activities going on all the time. Have you checked out your local library? Why not take the kids for a visit there; it would be a good experience for them. Let them sit at a table and browse through the wonderful world of children's literature. My library also has exhibits during certain times of the year that are both educational and entertaining.

Search your area for attractions that are within a set radius from your home. Day trips are an easy and fun way to get away from it all and spend quality time with your family. You don't have to spend a lot of money; you can pack snacks and drinks in a cooler and just take off. Come home at night, sleep in your own bed, and go again the next day. The important thing to remember is that you are getting away from your regular routine. It should be fun and not stressful. Choose attractions that you know your family will enjoy and give everyone in your family an opinion about what they want to do or see.

Three-day vacations can be a relaxing and refreshing time for a family. You just need to use a little imagination to make it a great family time and memory.