I refuse to give up summer fun just because the bank account is low. And now I know I don’t have to. The other day I was listening to some students making plans, and I noticed something: They don’t use the word vacation. They say travel, trip, going away. Some use experience, place, journey.

That’s when it hit me: In order to find a rejuvenating, fun, and affordable change of scene this summer, the first thing I needed to do was change my narrow definition. I couldn’t think vacation. Vacation conjures a gentle beach with someone serving me pina coladas while I dig my toes in the sand and read mystery novels. But I don’t have the frequent flier miles, hotel money, etc. etc.

But if I think adventure, try something new, simple change of scene so I’m inspired again, ideas come pouring out. What I really want is to feel rested, happy, and with a new perspective. And better still: to teach the kids that it doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun. Nor does having a relaxing time necessarily mean doing nothing, or be waited on.

So here’s a recession list of things to do during your vacation time that may be life changing. You never know.

1. Swap houses with another family. You can get ambitious here, depending on what you’ve saved up in frequent flier miles. Go online and look for families in Paris. Remember, university professors and teachers have the summer off, so you can Google search on them. Being in another person’s house, in any other location, will give you a new perspective. Also, if you swap houses, then you know the other family has just as much at stake as you do, and you don’t have to spend your time worrying that your house is being trashed.

2. You and your husband/wife leave the house for the weekend, but the kids stay home. Fnd friends who are out of town who would let you use their house or apartment, or go camping, and let your older teens have the house to themselves. Let them throw a party even.

Yes, you guessed it, my husband does in fact think I’ve lost my mind. But it could be summer fun for everyone. Your kids will remember it forever, and if you set up ground rules and they’re not sneaking a party, your house won’t get wrecked. You can even move the breakable knickknacks out of the way.

I am bringing earplugs on my camping trip if we do try this though, because my husband is going to worry obsessively that someone will break his TV.

3. Camping. I truly believe this is always a great idea. It brings out the best and the worst in everyone, but it always makes me feel younger to come home smelling like a campfire after a couple of days. Take the whole family camping. You’ll definitely get to know your kids in a different way. They can take charge of so much. If you have smaller kids and are really tightly budgeted, even for gas money, camp in your yard. The campfire is what’s key. And the point is to get out of your routine.

4. Festival camping. This is camping with a music oriented festival in mind. They’re happening all over the country all summer long. You can research your area online for music festivals nearby. If you want a fun communal experience, it’s the way to go. And your teens will love it. They’ll have freedom, meet lots of people, think you’re cooler than they’ve ever imagined. Even better, you’ll remember what it’s like to go celebrate endless possibilities at a weekend-long concert. These places are usually extremely kid-friendly.

5. House sit. There are ads all the time for wealthy people who need caretakers. It’s like being in a Victorian novel. Could be fun, especially if you cast your net widely for your search.

6. Think about renting someone’s houseboat if you live near water. It could also be a boat with sleeping quarters that’s not really a houseboat. Either way, it can often be far cheaper than hotels, and if you’re a water buff, it could be fun and relaxing.

7. Volunteer to work for a cause that will take you somewhere. It may be on an organic farm, or in a Mexican village. Mind you, this is an adventure, not a relaxing vacation, but the experience of doing something so completely different might give you more energy than you dreamed possible.

Do you have any recession adventures you’d be willing to share? I’d love to hear from teens who first rolled their eyes at some wacky idea their parents had, and ended up having the time of their lives.

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