When was the last time you took a vacation? With all of the economic drama that has been taking place within the United States over the past couple of years, the word 'vacation' has seemed to turn into a distant memory of something that families and couples once did a long time ago. Nowadays, many people are opting for something called 'staycations' in which they opt out of the long car rides across the country and decide, instead, to spend a little more time getting to know their hometown. For instance, just because you couldn't afford to take that Disney cruise or fly to Europe doesn't necessarily mean that you are restricted to travel anywhere within a five block radius of your home. Instead, this is your chance to put on your creativity cap and flex your Internet searching fingers to find the best deals for things that are happening right in the immediate area where you live. For instance, when my boyfriend and I first started dating, money was a little tight, but we still found free performances that would take place in the surrounding area where we lived. There were also plenty of last minute deals on shows and theater performances. One example was when we went to see a ballet for a fraction of the original ticket price. One word of advice: don't limit yourself to only doing the things that you are familiar with and that you know you like. Instead, branch out and try new things, taste new foods and see new performances or shows that you may have otherwise never thought to have seen. After all, how are you ever going to know whether or not you truly like something if you don't at least try it out first? There are plenty of local restaurants to each area, and there is more than likely a restaurant or two that you haven't been to before. Going to a local restaurant is often a great idea because they are usually located close to home, which means less money that you have to spend on gasoline. Have friends that live locally? Find out what their plans are for the holidays or whatever time period you are planning on taking off. Get together and have a potluck dinner or host a dinner at your place. Home made dinners are almost always a hit because it is another cost-effective way of saving money as well as giving you a chance to socialize and flex those culinary muscles! In addition to hosting dinner and/or lunch at your place, consider the hotels in the area that you live. With all of the money that you will be saving on not having to pay for gasoline expenses and/or plane fare, etc., why not splurge on yourself a little by getting away or spending a night or two at a local bed and breakfast. Even the cost of a babysitter plus the cost of staying at a local hotel for a night wouldn't come close to what you would spend on a 'typical' vacation.
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