The recession may be receding just a little bit, but many families are still looking at an extra small vacation budget. With a little bit of effort you and your children can have a fun weekend in your Class C motorhome right in your own backyard.

Choose a theme for your vacation at home

Try planning your “getaway” for a holiday weekend, or close to a special day. Include the children in making some themed decorations. Take St. Patrick’s Day for example. Make some shamrocks, leprechauns, and a rainbow with a pot of “gold” at the end. (You might hide some treats in the pot for a dessert or snack.)  Set a shillelagh in the corner for atmosphere.

Food to set the mood

Choose food to complement your decorations. Logically, corned beef and cabbage should accompany the wearing o’ the green. Or, you might be adventurous and make some green eggs and ham. Add some Irish soda bread, and burnt oranges for dessert. Don’t forget the Irish coffee at the end.

Bring in an Irish poet or musician

Look up some Irish poetry on the Internet, and bring it on your Class C to read. (Make sure you get the English translation for ease of pronunciation.)  Read the lilting lines aloud to the family, or take turns reading line by line.

Perhaps learning to do an Irish jig would be more to your family’s liking.

You may not ever see Ireland, but with imagination and enthusiasm, you can bring a little of Ireland to your motorhome.