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Health & Fitness

A Frugal Vacation: Is It Possible?

Vacations are all about taking a breather, a sabbatical. Is it worth all the hassle it takes to be frugal on a vacation? I say yes, most definitely!

Everyone needs some down-time -- some time to get away from the daily routine, work, and worries and just relax. It’s the best medicine in the world for clearing a cluttered mind and rejuvenating your spirit. Not to mention a chance to rest more and participate in activities you can’t possibly squeeze into an already crammed daily schedule.

With the economy in the toilet and so many of us struggling financially, how do we make that happen?! Is it possible to be frugal and still manage to squeeze in a holiday for yourself? I think it is, but you need to do some soul searching, some planning, and be determined to treat yourself. The mind and body need to vacate from worry and hustle in order to better serve you!

First on the list is determining what you can afford, no matter how small. The smaller the budget the more creative and determined you must be to create an environment that ‘feels’ like vacation. Just keep reminding yourself, it’s all about relaxing. If you’re looking at the backyard, then spruce it up a bit. If you’re traveling by road, tune up the engine and change the oil to maximize your fuel. Do these things ahead of your actual vacation in order to spread the costs. Here’s a link to help you with those matters http://beingfrugal.net/2008/06/03/frugal-vacation-ideas/

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Food can gobble up a budget so warn everyone you need to tame this lion! Healthy snacking will help you avoid restaurants gobbling away at your budget. For lodging away from home, consider camping, but know there are good deals if you’re willing to scour the Internet and hunt them down. Don’t hesitate to ask for specials and negotiate the rates based on nearby prices.  

Staying home? Freshen the sheets and add some flowers, dig out the classical music and set schedules for kitchen duty. Rent a few travel videos and set the stage at home while you watch them! Raft the "Hooch" or canoe a lake.

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All this sounds like a lot of trouble for what should be "down time" doesn’t it? Is it worth all the hassle it takes to be frugal on a vacation? I say YES, most definitely. I’ve skipped vacations in the past and always regret that decision. I’ve stayed home to paint the house. I’ve stayed home to clean the garage and attic. I’ve stayed home to take care of one issue or another or just to save money, but never has it felt like a vacation. Staying home to vacation seems to be a contradiction in terms…yet I know it could happen if I just put my mind to it!

If you must stay home this year, be determined to vacate your normal obligations and do everything you can to relax. If you can take the time off but can’t afford to travel, turn on those creative juices and invent ways to pleasantly distract yourself. Visit parks, visit friends, visit family…but most of all relax. Duluth has an abundance of activities planned so be sure to watch the Patch for the latest happenings. If you’ve been able to make staying home while still taking a vacation, please, oh, please share your secrets!

For starters, try to explore the unknown territories of your own life and find the ME that gets hidden in the WE. Perhaps there’s a special talent you’ve let go over the years that could be revived. Perhaps you have a knack for comforting others and can reach out to lend an ear or a helping hand. You know yourself better than anyone so make a list of things that make you happy. If you can’t think of anything, go back in time and think of those things that made you happy when you were young. I bet there’s something…one something…that you can explore further.  

Vacations are all about taking a breather, a sabbatical. About three years ago, I realized how much I missed painting. My vacation fun budget went entirely toward purchasing supplies that year. I packed up my box of paints, brushes, and canvas and with much trepidation started to re-discover an old love, a lost passion. This was a gift that keeps on giving. Now I make time to paint and, although I’m not the greatest, I totally enjoy the escape and the outlet for self expression. I refer to the time when I paint as "dipping into the honey pot"...sweet and rewarding.  

Fugal vacations are possible and well worth the effort it takes to plan ahead! Get your family on board, think positive thoughts, and make it happen. You might find the deal of the century or discover a new (or renewed) activity that you will look forward to doing again…and again.

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