Money Saving Getaways: Vacation vs. Stay-cation!

On Saturday morning, my husband and I are taking our youngest two children to Los Angeles, even though we debated canceling the trip for some time. Stephen called our hotel and mentioned that we were considering cancellation because of the economy. They drastically lowered our hotel bill and invited us to call back before arriving to see if they could do more. By the way, Stephen has now done this three times at the same hotel and our rates have been reduced by almost 40%! Hotel and airline deals abound right now and last-minute great deals are abundant. We are planning drives through Beverly Hills to see the tall palm trees, the home where Stephen grew up, where he dined out with his godfather Frank Sinatra, and the park where he played football with Elvis and his bodyguards. Stephen is also indulging us by driving past both the PlayboyMansion and Rodeo Drive, but he has warned us that he will not stop the car! Of course, there will be a few visits to Coffee Bean where they serve the best ice-blended mochas on the planet. We will spend an entire day just relaxing, visiting the Santa Monica pier, walking the esplanade, and swimming. There will also be some cherished visits with old friends, including my first meeting with the gifted writer Richard Matheson. For that, I am beyond honored. Please note that the most expensive item on that to-do list is the ice-blended mochas! Our one splurge will be to take the kids to the Universal Studios tour; however, I did have to promise Stephen that I will not mention to anyone on the tour that Stephen was responsible for both SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT and SOMEWHERE IN TIME, two huge Universal hits. NOT! I love vacation! I love sleeping in a little, without being awakened by our adorable yellow lab Lola because she needs to be fed BEFORE 6 am sharp every single morning or a strange conversing-in-howling ensues. I love the fact that my husband brings my tea to me in bed on vacation and that there is a magical fairy that cleans up after us and a house elf that turns down our bed. But, no matter how we cut corners, traveling is expensive. I began thinking that it actually would be possible to enjoy a stay-cation at home by utilizing the mentality we have while we are on vacation. That means sleeping in a little and having your partner bring you juice and coffee in bed. Visiting local attractions that we take for granted simply because we live here such as the PortlandArt Museum and Multnomah Falls would be a good start. It might also mean having the ultimate vacation luxury, to have someone else clean and cook. When I snap back to reality, I realize that’s what vacations are for—so off we go! You can, however, adopt a vacation mentality at home that allows you the permission to simply slow down and read a good book and nap or take a soothing bath when your body calls for it. I have such a hard time doing that but I can always learn. Have you ever had a fabulous stay-cation? DO you have money saving vacation tips? We would all love to hear! www.spiritoflivingwell.com