Can’t afford to go on holiday? Struggling to keep the kids busy and out of mischief?

Then live like a tourist. You could make your ‘holiday’ a week, ten days, or even two weeks! Here’s how…

First step, grab a coffee (or any beverage you drink on holiday..cocktails aloha!)

Step two, grab a pen and notebook (I prefer notebooks…but a piece of paper will do!)

Ok, start closest to your home and think of things you could do that you would usually do on holiday.

Set a budget, either daily or for the duration of your ‘holiday’.

Here are some ideas to get you started;

Swap sunbathing at the pool >>>> to sunbathing in the back garden

Photo by Flickr user ndrwfgg

Swap swimming in the hotel pool > >>> for the paddling pool (or leisure centre if raining)

Photo by Flickr user timmenzies

Swap walking/exploring for >>>> a nature trail or farmers market

Photo by Flickr user djrue

Swap sightseeing for >>>> a visit to the local castle, museum or art gallery

Photo by Flickr user PhillipC

Swap the beach >>>> for the seaside or your local docks

Photo by Flickr user AlexPears

Swap Disney >>>> for Alton Towers, Legoland, Chessington or your local…
alternatively go to the zoo or fairground!

Prefer adventure holidays?

Try horse-riding, ski-ing, quad-biking, ice-skating, canoe-ing or paintballing.

Mix it Up

Let the kids choose the itinerary…..put them in a hat….or be guided by your budget.

Have fun….and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

6 Responses to “How to Live Like a Tourist”

1. paul merrill says:

   July 27, 2006 at 10:23 pm

   I’m not a mum, but I enjoyed looking at your site.

   Great tips on taking a holiday without great expense or time commitment. (Wish there were castles near me, though!)
2. Little Mummy says:

   July 27, 2006 at 11:24 pm

   That’s great, I’m glad you are enjoying Paul.

   You should come visit Scotland, there are plenty here.
3. Pewari Naan says:

   July 28, 2006 at 10:21 am

   I remember just after I got married and we were spending all our available income on a small flat, Akra and I had a fantastic holiday milling around our home town, spending the money eating out at restaurants every night as a break from cooking.

   Was a great way to try all the restaurants nearby and felt very extravagant – bonus was we could afford to because we weren’t spending money on flights or accommodation! (Our new flat was still a novelty, so felt like we were holidaying anyway!!)
4. Mommy the Maid says:

   July 31, 2006 at 10:44 am

   I never thought to look at it like a vacation. I\’ve always viewed it as a scramble to keep the kids entertained and me from going crazy. LOL I like to take the kids to tourists spots here in our home town. We have a really nice Candy Factory Tour that we did twice this summer already.
5. Kailani says:

   July 31, 2006 at 12:32 pm

   What a great idea. I think we all need to learn to appreciate our own cities uniqueness. I try not to take mine for granted. It also helps our kids learn more about where they grew up.

   Here via Carnival of Family Life
6. Little Mummy says:

   July 31, 2006 at 12:37 pm

   I know, we live in Edinburgh and it’s so easy to take it for granted. It’s not until you start writing down what’s on your doorstep that you realise how much there is actually to do.