Budget Travel Tips: Stay Local And Keep It Short

Lots of us are cutting back on our travel budgets this year, but that doesn't mean you can't get away. You might be surprised to find what a relaxing getaway you can get without going very far and by not staying away for very long.

Taking a brief, semi-local vacation means that you won't have to take a full week from work, which can bring in some more cash, or it can mean you have some time to finish the nagging household chores that you've been putting off. The peace of mind that comes with finishing something like that is priceless in itself.

Instead of planning a week or 10-day bank-breaking excursion, try scheduling your next adventure for a simple four-day weekend. With all the money you'll save, you'll be able to plan another getaway as soon as you need one, rather than waiting until next year.

First, visit your local Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's Center to discover if there are any tourist attractions, dining, or activities that you haven't tried in your own town or region. Play tourist and explore the place you're living during a "staycation." Try a new restaurant each day. Hike or bike new trails during the day and, in the evening, go to plays or other events that you wouldn't ordinarily have time for.

If you exhaust the local options, see what you can explore within the distance you can reach with a single tank of gas. What destinations in your state have you not yet fully explored? Make your short trip even more exciting by inviting along a group of friends that you just don't see often enough. With the money you save on airfare and by cutting the length of your trip, you can probably afford a luxury hotel for a night or two and perhaps a couple of spa treatments.

The Internet has so many great resources for planning trips close by. Try the Road Trip Finder by Hotels dot com. Just enter your zip code and this online tool will give you information on destinations between 1 and 6 hours of your home. Then you can read about entertainment options, lodging, dining, and other area attractions.

More Budget Travel Options:

Now that spring is here, you can enjoy the ultimate budget vacation: a camping adventure. Pack the tent, van or motorhome and take off for some R & R in the woods or on the beach. Make sure to bring the bikes, the fishing poles and a pile of good books.

If you don't enjoy tent camping, and you don't have an RV, many campgrounds now offer cabins. These are generally fairly rustic, but can be a nice middle ground for people who don't want to sleep on the ground but do want to enjoy the great outdoors.

Another way to save money: take the kids to grandmother's house and plan a getaway for just the two of you. Book a couple of days away in a romantic bed and breakfast. Find one with a hot tub or Jacuzzi right in the room.

This short time away might be all you need before hurtling back into life again at full speed. With the time and money you save, you'll be able to take frequent mini-vacations whenever life gets overwhelming.