How to Enjoy a Vacation Without Venturing Too Far Away From Home

If you’re one of the many people who need a break from stress that’s starting to weigh you down, you’re not alone. According to the American Institute of Stress, 80% of U.S. workers suffer from work-related stress. So don’t let the decision to take a vacation if money is tight add even more anxiety. When you want to take a vacation without venturing far, you have to get creative. This doesn’t mean you have to give up fun family outings, enjoyable dinners, or seeing new sights, and you don’t have to stray too far away to make it happen. 

Here are a few tips from Tesla Owners Club New York State member Lacie Martin to help you keep your vacation budget in check.

Road Trip

Even when the price of gas is up, you don’t have to worry as a Tesla owner. When you take your own vehicle, you can load up on snacks, and you aren’t pressured to be in any particular place at a certain time.

No matter where you live, there are great places to see, Love My Trips’ Route 66 driving tour is a great example of this when you can start in Chicago (or go backward from Los Angeles). A quick word of advice here is to make sure that your car insurance is up to date and that you have adequate coverage before you hit the road.

New York State is much larger in land mass than most realize, you don’t even have to leave the state boundaries to be amazed by the beautiful creations. New York boasts the Adirondacks which is home to over 6,000,000 acres of preserved natural beauty. If nature isn’t quite your thing, head downstate for some strong energy and grab tickets for the NY Yankees. There are plenty of great matchups left this summer, and seat view lets you preview your sightlines no matter where you want to sit. Come cheer on the Yankees to another division title!

Understand WHY You Need Time Off

Even if you don’t plan to travel, you should take time off for a staycation. Although you’ll probably spend some money on your activities, taking your vacation time is one of the best ways to beat stress. Time away may even help you sleep better, which is especially important for small business managers and entrepreneurs. Time off the clock also gives you a chance to engage in meditative practices, like deep breathing and sleeping. Remember, as the Mental Health Foundation notes, stress can take a significant toll on your mental and physical health, and you can’t put a price on the benefits of improving either area.

Don’t Dine Out

Eating out can be pricey, and, according to the Marin Mommies blog, even burritos for a family of four will set you back upwards of $50. If your family has more of a taste for steak or pasta, you’ll probably spend at least double that for every meal out. But, if you learn how to cook, you can prepare healthy meals each day much cheaper compared to what you would spend going out.

Pretend You’re a Tourist

No matter how long you’ve lived in your hometown, you probably haven’t visited the tourist attractions. We get so caught up in the annoyance of traffic and tourists that we tend to forget that there is a reason people want to visit where we live. But, remember that each city has something unique to offer, whether it’s an attraction, cultural event, or killer food scene. These “tourist traps” shouldn’t be overlooked. Spend a day acting like a tourist, and you may see your hometown in a brand-new light.

Your next vacation doesn’t have to be cross-country to enjoy a little time off. Whether you stay home and cook, act like a tourist in your own hometown, or simply get in the Tesla and go, time off work is crucial to your health. Perhaps most importantly, each moment that you spend with your family instead of your coworkers is one more memory that will last you a lifetime.