With mental health professionals reporting a significant increase in patients complaining about depression during the festive season, and one North American survey confirming that 45% of respondents dreaded the festive season due to the pressures to spend money on gifts and incur increasing debt, Explore My World Travels Victoria Ugarte encourages travelers to consider inexpensive Nearcations as a Valentines alternative.

(PRWEB) January 10, 2013

A relatively new term which refers to vacationing to a location relatively close to home, but just far enough away so that one feels they can relax and decompress, the key to a Nearcation is to keep costs low without sacrificing the experience.

Author and travel writer, Ugarte says,Its ironic that supposedly the most romantic time of the year, Valentines Day, falls at a time when everyones funds and energies are depleted from the festive season, putting relationships under more pressure. It is for this reason that I recommend inexpensive Nearcations for Valentines Day.

Ugarte offers some cost cutting Nearcation suggestions:

Consider Driving Holidays: While there is more brag value in exotic overseas destinations, travelers may want to consider destinations closer to home, perhaps in a neighboring state. The countryside, mountains or coastline make ideal getaway spots.

Check Out Bargains Via On-line Booking Sites: Technically, a destination that's under two hour's travel time away from home can qualify as a Nearcation. The cost savings in domestic flights, accommodation, and tour packages have never looked so good since the recession. If choosing to fly for your Nearcation, its advisable to book way in advance in order to take advantage of attractive rates and packages. Its important to be flexible with dates, carriers and choices of accommodation.

Consider Less Expensive Accommodation: From pensiones and hostales to Bed and Breakfasts, serviced apartments, and vacation rental by owners, smaller properties offer a substantial saving on accommodation and provide a more authentic travel experience.

Take Shorter Breaks More Frequently: New research suggests that a number of short trips leave people happier than one long one, proving that less is more. Nearcations offer travelers the opportunity to recharge their batteries more often without incurring large travel expenses.

Ugarte adds, Romance is a state of mind. One can have an equally romantic Valentines on a caravan in the soft curve of a tranquil lagoon, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine during the day and savoring a delicious candlelit dinner under the stars at night. No need to spend big money on Valentine's travel. Just get creative!

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Explore My World Travel Encourages Travelers to Consider Nearcations for Valentine's