Labor Day Weekend Getaways

I can't get through my morning coffee without reading about pain at the pump. In fact, CNN has a dedicated section where coverage is updated constantly. Just in case we don't know how painful our gas prices and subsequent empty wallet phenomenon really is.

But with a 3-day weekend quickly approaching, some of us are left feeling wistful for years past. Back when gas felt plentiful and barely brushed past a single dollar. We can take comfort knowing we're in a unique position to creatively conserve to help not only our bank accounts, but also the environment. To help the conservation effort, consider a staycation this Labor Day Weekend. A staycation is a vacation in your own city, state, or even backyard. It's also a new buzzword that the media likes to use for our travel worry woes. But ultimately it's a way to give ourselves permission to stay home and splurge while saving the money we saved had we gone on a vacation.

If the idea of sticking around home sounds less than underwhelming, you're not alone. Recently www.msn.com referenced a study showing that people who consistently skipped vacations were at higher risk for heart attacks. So getting away from it all isn't necessarily an indulgence you can do without, but imperative to your health and well being.

But instead of moping around over a half-hearted backyard Bar-B-Q, get innovative with your plans. How many times do we complain that we've never seen the museums, theater, parks, and concerts in our own town? We're either too busy or choose to save the money to put towards a real vacation. Look at your budget for a normal vacation and take 1/4 of that to put towards your own mini-vacation. You'll find splurging at home can be just as fun.

Here are a few tips to get you started for your Labor Day Staycation Celebration

*Plan a decadent spa day with massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure. You can also opt for a combination package for a day of indulgence. And if you're in a relationship, it won't be too difficult to convince your guy to join in a relaxing couple's massage. With just a little prompting, men actually enjoy being pampered.

*Purchase a city pass to local attractions or drop in at museums, art galleries, and special events in your own town.

*Book a table at that fancy restaurant you always felt was too expensive to splurge on and order whatever you want.

*If an expensive meal just isn't in the budget, treat yourself to a heavenly dessert instead.

*Book a luxury suite at an area hotel with a friend or loved one and enjoy champagne and room service. Hit the jacuzzi, pool, and fitness room while you're there.

*Get box seats to see your favorite baseball game and spend the day eating hot dogs and sipping on ice cold beers.

*Order front row tickets to that concert you'd been dying to see.

*Indulge in an afternoon of spending time with friends at the park or movies.

Remember that a staycation should be relaxing and fulfilling, but not necessarily expensive. While it's okay to use some of your vacation budget to splurge a little with fun activities at home, sometimes it's just about giving yourself permission to have fun. Most of us put off spending the day with friends and family in favor of errands, catching up on work, or hitting the gym. But a day with friends playing catch and eating burgers in the park may be just the staycation you need.

It's also a good idea to take your savings of a staycation away for next year's vacation. This year's sacrifice might be staying home and enjoying everything your town has to offer, but next year's budget could leave room for that trip to the beach you've been hoping for.