Well, it is only January, but 2009 is shaping up much more to be my style. We already said no to a free vacation to Florida. I just want a CALM year. I an NOT a vacation person. I don't want to go on long trips every year. I just don't enjoy them, overall.

I think last year was a step in the right direction. Hopefully this year will pan out. We already told MIL we did not want to go on such a big trip this year. I should probably tell my dad the same. They are into last minute trips lately, as they near retirement and all.

What we did do was book our camping trip this summer, and one weekend away.

Our "vacation" plan is this:

One weekend in San Francisco (mostly free with timeshare)

One weekend in Monterey (Spring or fall? Mostly free with timeshare)

Family Mini-Camp near Tahoe (3 nights) $580 - includes food, lodging and activities

Season passes to amusement park and water park in Bay Area - $275 (free parking)

More weekends at the family cabin (snow weekends, Tahoe weekends, lake weekends in the summer, etc.) FREE

Not to mention, our neighborhood pool opens in May and will be open through September. This is where we spend much of our leisure time in the summers.

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In years past I have had friends pity us because our vacation budget was the first to go when we had small kids. Um, somehow I think we will survive. Obviously we have a lot of free perks, but I overall enjoy having a lot of 3-day weekends and stuff like that. I really look forward to a relaxing year.

In fact, this is the first year since my maternity leaves that I am planning time off without going anywhere. Not THAT is a vacation. (I think it's somewhat of an accountant thing. Most of my co-workers never really go anywhere for vacation. We just like the opportunity to lounge around at home). I'm swinging 2 weeks at home with my vacation time this year. So I am pretty happy. I guess to me there is no place like home. But I see plenty of fun & excitement in my year as well.