How to Vacation in Your Own Backyard

Although you may not have the time or the money for an exotic vacation, with a little planning you can create a fun and relaxing destination in your own backyard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sunglasses
• Barbecue Grills
• Gliders
• Hammocks
• Insect Repellents
• Sunscreen
• Magazines
• Badminton Rackets
• Children's Sleeping Bags
• Children's Tents
• Croquet Sets
• Sleeping Bags
• Swing Set
• Tents

1. Clear your calendar of obligations so you can completely relax.
2. Buy something new that you anticipate will be fun or relaxing. This might be a hammock, a porch swing, a croquet set, an above-ground pool, a barbecue grill or an expensive pair of sunglasses.
3. Choose the backyard activities you most like to do. These could include barbecuing, gardening, playing croquet or badminton, or just lying in the sun with a good book.
4. Decide whether you want to relax by yourself or include friends.
5. Set up everything you will use or need during your vacation.
6. Indulge yourself by buying food and beverages you don't ordinarily purchase, or get takeout if you don't want to cook.
7. Consider throwing a vacation-themed party for friends. Try a luau, a Mexican fiesta, a Mardi Gras night or an evening in Paris.
8. Rent movies, check out books or buy a pile of interesting magazines to snuggle in if it rains.

Tips & Warnings

• Do requisite yard work - or anything else that has to be done - at the beginning of your vacation period so it's out of the way.
• Vacationing at home is impossible if everyone knows you're in town. Put the word out that you'll be away on vacation - except to those who need to know in case of emergency. Let your answering machine pick up all calls and turn off your pager and cellular phone.
• If you have kids, you may have to be a bit more creative. Consider a family backyard campout complete with tents, campfire cooking and singing songs around the fire - or ship the kids off to Grandma's and enjoy having the time to yourself.