If the return of sunshine to your cubicle has you dreaming of the French Riviera, but the chances of you getting there are as slim as your maxed-out credit card, keep reading. In a single afternoon you can escape your demanding life without suffering jet lag, packing for the kids or negotiating with your partner. Take one of these five ideas and adapt it to fit your cash flow, stress level and lieu hours. Any one of them is guaranteed to tide you over until the French Riviera is just a little easier to get to.

There's a reason you live where you do. Rekindle the romance with your hometown by visiting it with an open mind. Stop in at your local visitor's bureau and pick out a tour. If you're near Vancouver, let local shopping expert and former Tourism Vancouver associate Donita Dyer and her team of shopaholics introduce you to the best deals in the city's trendy Yaletown on one of her personalized shopping tours. In Toronto? Head to Cabbagetown for a city history tour or, if you're closer to St. John's, admire the architecture of the houses along Military Road, including the moat surrounding Government House. No matter what part of the country you're in, there's sure to be a tour or neighbourhood you have yet to explore. This is the day to do it.