Three Inexpensive Getaways -- Take a Long Weekend to Relax

Sometimes adults get so wrapped up in the routines of their daily lives that they forget to take care of themselves. A great way to let go of the humdrum daily grind once in awhile is for adults to schedule time away, just for them. No kids allowed, no work allowed--nothing but relaxation and fun. This time away doesn't have to be an expensive week-long trip or an elaborate vacation. A few days away would be just as rejuvenating and can be done very inexpensively. Here are three affordable options:

Explore your own town. By choosing to stay in your town (or a neighboring town), you save a lot of money because you do not have to worry about buying airline tickets. And, because you have saved so much on transportation, you can splurge on a great hotel! Find a really luxurious and swanky hotel and book a suite. Look for one with features that you and your spouse will enjoy, such as a Jacuzzi tub in the room, a flat-screen television, an in-room coffee maker, a down comforter, and a private balcony.

Staying in your own town gives you the opportunity to try nearby upscale restaurants that you have always wanted to try. You can also explore your town as if you are a tourist, checking out local attractions and museums that you haven't seen in years. And, you will be able to do all of these things by using your own car-you don't have to worry about the expense of a rental car.

Use a map and the two-hour rule to plan. Figure out how many miles you can comfortably drive in two hours. Then, take a map of your state and, using your city as the center, draw a big circle to show how far you can travel from home in two hours. Take a look at your circle in all directions and see which area of the circle catches your interest. There are likely to be at least a few choices of cities to which you could travel within that two-hour circle.

Why two hours? Well, you don't want to spend all of your time away from home driving, and two hours is plenty. Plus, by traveling two hours away from home you will likely find a new city or town to explore. It may be a small town where you will stay in a bed-and-breakfast and go hunting in antique stores. Or, it could be a larger town where you can go to see a musical theatre show and visit an interesting museum. Whatever you find, it will be fun to journey somewhere totally new with your spouse.

Rent a cabin at a lake. Most of us could probably drive to a lake with cabin rentals within an hour or two-if not a natural lake, look to see if there are any man-made lakes in nearby campgrounds. Yes, you could go camping in a tent, but cabins are more relaxing because they have bathrooms and beds. Spending time away with your spouse at a lakeside cabin is quite romantic, too, because you can focus more on each other without lots of other people around. Taking hikes in the woods is great exercise, and who wouldn't love to walk along the beach in the moonlight under the stars?

As for the practical side of renting a cabin, you do have to think about meals. You can probably find a cabin with a kitchen, but you probably do not want to spend your entire getaway cooking, right? Thankfully, most cabins are located in towns large enough to have several dining options. You can get carry-out and take it back to the cabin or dine out. It may be a good idea to stop a grocery store for some snacks to keep at the cabin, though.

Wherever you decide to go with your spouse for your time away from home, remember that your reason for going is to relax and rejuvenate. Yes, you do want to enjoy some activities and visit some attractions near your destination, but don't over-schedule your days. You need to have plenty of time just to kick back and relax with your spouse, spending time together as a couple. Don't stress about your trip-just go with the flow and let your worries go. If you do this, you will come home refreshed and invigorated, totally ready to jump back into your regular daily life.