Add water
A vacation calls for water. Invoking beach getaways and lounging by the seashore, water in motion adds an aural sense of escape. Reflective and soothing, it can even veil the sounds of nearby traffic or too-close neighbors. Scott installed waterfalls to bring the benefits of water to his yard, left, but you can use a self-contained fountain for a similar effect at less cost.
http://www.midwestliving.com/garden/ideas/how-to-make-your-backyard-a-vacation-oasis