Vacations in Your Own Back Yard

Dr. Jo Turner, Professor, Family and Consumer Economics

At this time of the year many Floridians are thinking about vacations.  Some families have already taken theirs, others have plans for a future time, but still others think they cannot afford a vacation.

There are all kinds of vacations available to the family who uses creative thinking and planning.  You don't have to take a luxury boat cruise or go on a wild life safari to have a period of rest and relaxation from the daily toils of the job.

If you have $50 to $500 available to fund your family's fun, you can still manage.

Get your family together and make a list of possible vacations.  For instance, you may want to consider one or more mini-vacations.  If you use your home as a base you can eliminate the cost of over-night lodging.  You can minimize food cost by packing a picnic.

Another option some people enjoy is visiting friends or relatives in other locations.  This practice can extend your travel fund if friends or relatives can provide lodging.  This arrangement can work very well if you are sensitive to their needs and don't overstay your welcome.  You can also return the favor when your hosts plan a vacation.

The next step is to determine the amount of money available for your vacation.  Then calculate your transportation cost.  If you have a car that gets fair gasoline mileage you should be able to make a round trip of up to 300 miles for about $30 in gasoline.  After you have determined the money available for transportation, identify what you can do and see within that limit.

One technique you can use to identify possible mini-vacations is to sit down with a map, pencil and paper and mark your home on the map.  Then draw a circle around your home to represent the distance you can travel on the amount of money available for transportation or the distance you can go and return in one day.  Within this circle of say 50 to 150 miles, make a list of all the vacation, recreation, or historical spots that you have not visited or would like to visit again.  Identify cities within the radius; check maps for areas of special interest.  Contact Chamber of Commerce and automobile clubs, or visit your local library for more information on these scenic or recreation spots.

Then rank these in priority order according to places you want most to visit.  You will probably be surprised at the number of vacation ideas in your own backyard.