Idea #3: Get lost in your own city.

Step one: Put on some comfortable shoes. Step two: Walk out the door. Step three: Resist the urge to develop a plan. Instead, just wander. Usually you're rushing to work, or the grocery store, or yoga class, but try to appreciate the joy of having no idea where you're going. If you see an interesting store, walk in. If you pass a tempting hot dog stand, indulge. Because when you're on vacation, the best way to discover a new city is to wander around for a few hours. It turns out it's also not a bad way to go on vacation in your own town.

Idea #2: Be impressed with local architecture.

You don't need to go to Rome to be wowed by buildings. Even 1980s high-rise apartment complexes can be impressive, if you look at them the right way. I recently overheard tourists on the Washington, DC metro ooh-ing and aah-ing over the amazing underground florescent lights that enabled plants to grow behind the subway grates. You get the idea: If you want to be impressed, you will be. Notice the way a redbrick storefront glows in the setting sun, or how the colorful mural you pass everyday was painted by someone with some serious skill. It might be almost as impressive, and at least as relaxing, as gushing over those ancient ruins.