Ready to consider alternative vacations - something a bit out of the ordinary? Maybe you don't want another trip to an amusement park, week at the beach or ocean cruise. Try one of the following instead.

There are monasteries, spiritual centers and retreats all over the country that will rent you a room. Some require that you participate in certain activities or events, or help in daily chores, while others require nothing of you. Some are very inexpensive, others expensive, and some just ask for a donation. You do not need to share in their beliefs to stay at these places.

I stayed at a Zen center in upstate New York a few years ago. For less than $20, I had a simple bed in a plain room. Two meals daily were included, and there was a good library and a hot tub. During the day I walked the trails on the property to sit by the pond, or to collect butternuts on a hill overlooking a valley. It was very relaxing.

If you want a peaceful vacation, these are the places to look for. They are usually quiet, and in beautiful settings. Whether a monastery full of catholic monks, or a Hindu meditation center, most of them now have web sites, so you can find them online.

There are always people looking for others to stay in their houses, water the plants, and keep an eye on things. Look for these care taking jobs online or in one of the few newsletters that have listings of this sort. Sometimes you can get a house on a lake for a month, and occasionally you can even get paid for your services.

Locations include every part of the United States and most other countries. If you have any experience with house sitting or care taking it can help. Get letters of reference from those who you do house-sit for, so you'll have a better chance at getting the next position.

How much of a vacation this is will depend on how much work the owners require in exchange for the use of their home, of course. It definitely is a cheaper alternative than most vacations.

An outdoor vacation doesn't necessarily mean backpacking or hunting. Friends of mine recently took part in a week-long bicycle tour in Michigan, for example. These tours take place in many areas, or can be done anywhere if you want to do your own arranging. They can include camping, or a stay at a nice hotel each night.

Another outdoor vacation that can be done in comfort is hiking hut-to-hut in the mountains. Although there are some places in the United States where this can be done, it is much more common in Europe. No tent or sleeping bag is necessary. You hike a few hours from one hut to the next, through beautiful mountains. Food, wine, beds and bedding are available at each hut.