By Tom Fuszard

With gas prices in the stratosphere and the job situation still dicey, many families are forgoing their usual week-long vacations. They still want to get away--indeed, many need to--but seem lost for ideas. It's a version of the "not seeing the forest for the trees" concept: You fail to realize, or perhaps forget about, the valuable destinations that are so close to home. The following steps will help you change your perspective on vacations, and with any luck, get you motivated to get away.

First, understand that you don't need to be away for seven or 10 days to relax and recharge. I spent three days in another city once, and it felt great. I had a purpose for traveling--genealogy research--and although I spent a lot of time at the courthouse and driving to the cemeteries, it felt great to be away. By late afternoon each day I was back at the hotel. After spending some cooling moments in the pool, I'd relax in the lobby with a cool drink. Nothing fancy, you see. But that's OK. The key is to escape to a new environment. You need to get away from the four same four walls you see 24 hours a day. So any change, even to a modest hotel, can do wonders. Some tips to consider:

1. Stay close to home - You don't need to drive far. How far is far? That depends on your tolerance for driving, but considering that you'll be gone only two or three days, keep it to within three hours' distance. (I prefer two hours.) Grab a map and draw a circle representing that distance from your home city. Look at what lies within. Could be dozens of communities you never visited before. Literally point to a spot on the map and say, "Let's go there." Then what, you ask?

2. Do some research on the 'Net - Every community of any size has a Web site. Check them out for attractions, accommodations, and upcoming events. Don't get too wrapped up in planning, however. Part of the fun of taking a vacation comes from winging it once you've arrived. I like making the hotel reservation before leaving for some peace of mind. But beyond that, just make a list of possible activities. They can include:

- Checking out a craft fair or county fair

- Touring a noteworthy business, such as a brewery, winery, furniture manufacturer, or other firm. You'd be surprised at how interesting a tour can be, especially if the group is small.

- Visiting or participating in a local event. These are usually tied to the history of the community, and could be farm- or industry-related. One community in southwestern Wisconsin holds a cow chip-throwing contest each summer. Hey, how often do you have that opportunity?

3. Consider all options for accommodations - I prefer staying at hotels because I like lounging in a pool, but there are other options. Some people enjoy the coziness and family environment of a bed and breakfast. If gambling is your thing, consider staying at the adjacent hotel. If you plan to be out a lot, a simple and clean motel will suffice.

Occasionally you will find homeowners willing to rent a room for a weekend or other short period. This happens most often in conjunction with a major event in the area. Hotels are booked, and homeowners take advantage of the huge influx of visitors. Milwaukee-area residents experience this during the reunions for Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.

As you can see, a trip to a nearby community can be fun and relaxing. You're not going far, so you won't get stressed out from driving. It's also a lot cheaper than a standard vacation. Best of all, you return home refreshed. You left your usual confines behind (along with the laptop and other electronic gadgets), and immersed yourself in a new environment for several days. You may find you and your family enjoyed the trip so much, you'll do that several times a year. Bon voyage!

Tom Fuszard has enjoyed a number of vacations over the years, including some very relaxing weeks along the sunny and sandy beaches of the Caribbean. He blogs on Squidoo about travel and other topics. As you plan for your next vacation, learn how best to prepare for your vacation. You're welcome to review all his lenses (columns) while there. Do you like to travel and help others do the same? Check out this exciting new opportunity. Feel free to contact Tom through either site.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com