Vacationing in Your Local Community

Editor: jensstore

Is your tight budget depriving you of a much needed vacation? Your local community may have undiscovered potential for a nearby getaway.

You say that you can't afford a full scale vacation. Don't fret; fun is just around the corner.

So you say you want to get away but you can't afford it. Why not consider taking a mini vacation in your own area? There are so many wonderful places in the good old U.S.A. Places that you wouldn't even consider even though they happen to be in your own backyard.

Let's face it. We live in a great country that has many diverse climates, landforms and natural resources that are just waiting to be discovered.

There are just tons of exciting places within a 100 miles or less of where any of us live.

I'll give you an example. I live in Massachusetts and I, fortunately, have driving access to some of the best places in the country. I'm talking about Boston and Plymouth which are rich in our country's history. How about Lexington where the first shot was heard around the world! I definitely can't forget about Cape Cod.

The great state of Rhode Island has beautiful coastal beaches for swimming and fishing. Newport has mansions from the late 1800's that are just waiting to be toured. We can't forget about Providence which has been called the Renaissance City. Providence was the first city to start the widely popular Water Fire which attracts hundreds of people. Federal Hill is also a wonderful place for restaurants offering authentic Italian cuisine and culture.

What about New Hampshire? It has some of the best ski resorts, mountain ranges, and amazing coastal beaches, all in one small state. So many beautiful Bed and Breakfasts are available and the cost doesn't have to break your wallet. If you book in advance and not during a holiday week, you can really get some great rates.

I find that many of us don't realize what wonderful areas we live in. Tourists come from all over the world to visit Boston, Newport and the slopes of New Hampshire. Many people I know that live in my state wouldn't even consider any of these places for a mini vacation. There are so many gems in our areas just waiting to be discovered.

Mini trips around your area don't have to be expensive, either. Go on-line and Google your state, and you'll find so much information. Things like museums, restaurants, fairs, carnivals, local events and all kinds of other attractions. A little bit of homework can really pay off.

When you find where you'd like to take off to, it's always easier and more affordable to pack a lunch with drinks and snacks. Who says that you have to eat every meal out? Save that extra cash for tickets to a great museum, aquarium, or carnival. Don’t forget the souvenirs!

Also, check out your local main library. If you're a member, you may have access to either free or reduced fee entrance prices to local attractions. An example of this would be that, because I'm a member of my local main library, I can reserve passes in advance for The New England Aquarium in Boston as well as other museums. I can use the library's pass to get my family into Roger Williams Zoo, which is in Rhode Island,at a reduced price. What I'm saying is, it is completely worth looking into this. Many libraries have such passes and, if you don’t use them, then who will? That's what they’re there for.

I hope that I have inspired you all to get out into your local communities and discover them. Everyone lives somewhere great and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to explore.

Categories: Recreation | Travel