Trying to spend money this summer? This year, forgo expensive vacations and opt for a cheap and joyful stay. Vacations at home can be a surprisingly fun alternative, if you put a little planning and effort into it. Reduce the drudgery of everyday life and schedule lots of exciting activities, and your vacation will be a smashing success!

Leave the routine:

• Treat work the same way you would when you were out of the country. Can’t help but be ‘on call’? Save it for emergencies. Otherwise, it’s not a proper vacation.
• Take care of household chores sooner or later. A relaxing vacation doesn’t include laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping.
• Delete the family calendar. Take a break from regularly scheduled obligations, classes, and sports. Replace with fun-filled group activities.
• Set appropriate expectations within your social circle, i.e. they won’t be able to contact you for the duration or will respond only to urgent issues.

Turn off electronics:

• Use “out of office” settings on computers and phones. Others are less likely to panic when you don’t respond instantly.
• Turn off the idiot box. PVR your favorite shows and catch up later; Or better yet, show that you can live without TV for a week or two.
• Put down the video games. Leave the virtual world behind and enjoy some real fun for a change
• Put down the smartphone! Make a pact to minimize calls (work and personal) and set up a system of fines for family members who break the rules. Spend the extra money on vacation adventures.
• Avoid surfing the net. If you need to search for something, quickly go online and then go offline. Email and the Internet can be all-consuming. Don’t get caught up in the vortex.

Focus on the fun:

• What activities would you recommend to outsiders? Take a local guide and rediscover the main attractions of your city.
• Add a little drama to your life. Catch a summer blockbuster, drive-in movie, live theater show, or devour a highly anticipated book.
• The sporty type? Catch a big league game, find a pool, water park or recreation area, or schedule a personalized walking or biking tour of the city.
• Enjoy some mental relaxation at local museums, art galleries, historic properties, science centers, and zoos. In Toronto, free tickets are available at your library.
• If you are near open water, consider a boat excursion. Rent kayaks, take sailing lessons or book a ferry excursion for a great day on the waves.
• Gather family and friends for a good old-fashioned picnic or barbecue at a community park. Bring snacks, toys, and games to keep everyone busy and happy.
• Foodies will jump at the chance to visit new/favorite restaurants and social butterflies are likely to appreciate concerts, pub crawls or clubbing.
• Schedule a day trip to explore beyond the city limits. Find cheap thrills at the amusement park, enjoy a regional wine tour, enjoy a nearby beach, or make your way through the local farmer’s market.

Holidays at home are not synonymous with deprivation. Break your usual routine, channel your inner tourist and don’t waste a moment! You’ll return to work refreshed and recharged, and still have money in your pocket. It could be the best vacation you’ve ever had.

What is your favorite vacation activity? How do you plan to enjoy your hometown, in the summer of 2013?