Vacationing in Our Backyard

United States
March 28, 2009 6:08pm CST
This year we are not going to go on a vacation that we have to travel to. We cannot afford the luxury of travel or renting a room somewhere. So this year we will be spending time in our own backyard. Why not enjoy your own surroundings when you can? People spend a lot of time and money to put in flower gardens, decorations, and lawn furniture. Will you spend more time at home this summer or do you plan on vacationing elsewhere?
7 people like this
25 responses
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
28 Mar 09
Most summers we spend alot of time at home in our backyard. We dont travel in the summer because thats haying season. If we do camp we go to the local lake and its only 10 minutes from home so we get a monthlong site and we all take turns using the site and all pitch in for the cost of camping. I usually go see my boyfriend once in the summer but this year he says its his turn to come here so We'll see if he gets his passport otherwise i ususally do work on the side and save my on line earnings to go see him for a week or so.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (157050)
• United States
28 Mar 09
So Saundy, where does boyfriend live? I wish we were as close to a lake as you are. We are at least forty five minutes in either of two directions to get to a lake.
@saundyl (9783)
• Canada
29 Mar 09
He lives in minneapolis. The closest set of lakes here is 5 minutes from my house - they're all interconnected it makes for a good weekend trip to canoe them all and get back around to the beginning!
1 person likes this
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
28 Mar 09
I do spend lots of time in my yard. I have a pool and a garden. I am hoping to take a trip with my mom to see my sis. We want to then take a short trip together, but that will depend on money. Right now there is a problem with money, or lack of it. I am so hoping that our economy gets better and soon. Gas needs to come down more and then stay down. That will help so much, get people traveling again. Even if its just days trips, at least its something. I hope you money situation improves too and you get to take a trip, even if its a short trip. Its nice to be able to get away, unwind and relax.
2 people like this
• United States
29 Mar 09
We have a pool too. It isn't anything to brag about, but it does the trick.
@GardenGerty (157050)
• United States
28 Mar 09
We have not had the money to take vacations for about three years. We did manage to go see my daughter last June. We will go this June, because of a new baby. We will be more able to afford a vacation this year, but hubby wants three. LOL. I told him that with my job I cannot afford to take that much time off.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Mar 09
Three vacations! Wow. I would even settle for a 3-day vacation! My preference would be to go to the beach.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157050)
• United States
29 Mar 09
Two would be to see family. My daughter in Minnesota, and his sister in New Hampshire. We will go to the lake on occasion all summer, just as soon as it is warm enough. Inexpensive fun.
1 person likes this
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
29 Mar 09
We don't usually go on vacation. I'd have to find a babysitter for all my four legged fur babies. LOL. Last year we went on many day trips but I don't see that happening this year. We just don't have the money.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Mar 09
Money is so tight for everyone. Even though we stashed away a few dollars we had to use it for other bills.
• United States
29 Mar 09
Brendalee, I know how that is. We have 3 large dogs and we have to go on trips seperatly , so someone is here to take care of the dogs . I'm taking a trip back to see family this summer ,and hubby will probably make a trip next time , Ohh money is another problem of ours , it seems there is never enough .
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
28 Mar 09
I have saved up to go see my daughter in New York....I can't go a year without seeing my kids...and my son and his wife and I bought a used camper...it's about 45 minutes away from here so we'll be spending time there.....we used to drive 6 hours or more to stay at a resort...this is much closer so we can actually spend more time there...right on the lake.
2 people like this
• United States
28 Mar 09
My daughter lives 3 hours north of us. We may do a day trip to visit them. Not certain if we will spend the night or weekend though. Time will tell.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Mar 09
I think we'll end up camping in our back yard. There is a spot that naturally just is bare and it makes for a great place to set up a tent. Then two sides have trees and one side has raspberries and the other blackberries. Camping in your own woods is cool. Two years ago we did that. We forgot a bunch of stuff, we walked home, got it and went back. Last year we were going to do it, but things kept coming up and we never got to it.
• United States
29 Mar 09
Our kids have asked us on a couple of occasions if they could pitch a tent in the backyard. I don't have a problem with it. It would be fun to have the kids over for breakfast!
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Mar 09
That does sound like fun! Hope you get to do that, too. Take care
1 person likes this
@KrauseHome (36449)
• United States
5 Apr 09
Well, due to some Health issues that have come up and we are planning on taking care of, I think we will only be doing something close to home this yr. as well. We would have Loved to have done something more, but due to the Economy, etc. it seems like it will be impossible at least for now as well. And hey, who said you need to go somewhere nice, and aways away to have a Great time as well?
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18164)
• Orangeville, Ontario
29 Mar 09
We'll be on the road with both girls playing soccer, but other than that we will be staying home this summer. Even though when we go to the in-laws' we stay at their price, the trip is too much physically and financially.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Mar 09
There is really no place better to relax than within the comfort of your own home. You get the best bed in the house!
• United States
29 Mar 09
We are taking a small vacation, but mostly just doing things around here. I have been lucky to get some free tickets for events the kids greatly enjoy. So far we have went to Disney on ice, Next is the Shriner's Circus, then the Barnum and Baily Circus. We also have free tickets to Thomas and Friends as well. Oh, and we hit the zoo on half price day which is only $14 total for myself and all 3 children. I hope to take them all camping before it gets too hot.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Mar 09
We often go for rides to different locations such as a cheese factory, a local flea market, a farmstand, etc. You needn't spend a lot of money to have a good time.
@Shaun72 (15959)
• Palatka, Florida
3 Apr 09
I will proberly do about the same thing stay at home. I can't afford to go on vactions myself. In plus I like staying at home around my family.
• United States
29 Mar 09
I have spent two very nice vacations at Balconia when I lived in an apartment and Terrazio now I have a house. I hope you will have a much fun as I did.
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Mar 09
My only wish is that the weather will be warm and sunny. What more can you ask for?
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
30 Mar 09
That sounds lovely. You can try different types of picnic type lunches or perhaps even bbqs. If you have a sun lounge you can position yourself in a shady spot and read. I used to do that every Sunday when I worked full time and my chores were done. Particularly in winter. The 2 dogs would curl up under me. It was heavenly. Vacations are out for me. I have no money and no-one to go with. I'm not one to holiday alone.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Apr 09
We will probably do day trips to local places that aren't too far away. We love to hike on the nature trails. Bringing a picnic basket would be ideal.
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
30 Mar 09
I saw soemthing like this on NBC this morning but they had it so expensive. Yes, enjoy our garden and have cold food etc or just sanswiches. make everything easy and turn on the wwater hose to cool down. have a barbecue with neighbours and evertyone sharing the cost. enjoy it. Love your attitude
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
29 Mar 09
I'm not sure yet if I will travel or not. I stayed home last year. I love to travel but would also enjoy my time spent here. I was thinking of having an above ground pool put up..you know they are very reasonablt priced right now...and staying at home. My girls would love it. Me too..lol
1 person likes this
• United States
29 Mar 09
I wish that we had invested a bit more money into a pool before we bought the one we did. My brother got a great above the ground pool and paid so little for it.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
29 Mar 09
We will still be going camping, but that is all, we spend alot of time at home. With my son having this surgery, I don't know if we will even get to use the camper much. We just have to wait and see.
1 person likes this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
29 Mar 09
Can I use your idea? I will bike a lot this year and maybe I will finely build my secret garden. I have so much to do. Painting and photography will keep me busy and happy without traveling...
1 person likes this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
30 Mar 09
We have not been able to afford a vacation in years. We will be staying home this year also. We will spend our time working around the house also and possibly swimming a little.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
30 Mar 09
I haven't had a vacation for more years than I care to remember, Elusive, but I agree that it makes sense to enjoy the fruits of your own labor. I am a stationary kind of person who does not enjoy a lot of traveling and running here and there. If more people stayed home during vacation it would do wonders for their local economies and the climate.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
29 Mar 09
planned to have a vacation at home. have to replace old things in the house which was not taken cared during the school days. to spend it with the kids. enjoy the hot summer breeze. waking up late. watching movies till midnight. spend more quality time to be with the children as they grew...
1 person likes this
• Canada
29 Mar 09
I will be spending the summer at home here in the beautiful okanogan in british columbia b.c. Why not Penticton is situated between two lakes with awesome beaches. Winter leaves alot to ask for, but summers here are great.
1 person likes this