Staying home this summer and enjoying the local sites during your vacation is a great way to save money and also to save on stress and travel time. It is also an excellent way to help local businesses and community venues that may be struggling in these challenging times.
Planning a staycation can be a lot of fun for the whole family. As with any type of vacation, taking the time to plan what you want to do ensures you don’t miss out on anything.
Consider a Theme
Themes are fun for the whole family and help to create a definite holiday feel. You may want to choose the theme of a tropical island vacation, a trip to a mountain cabin, or perhaps a trip to a luxury hotel.
A bit of redecorating and some low-cost themed accessories and items can add to the spirit of the holiday. It may even be possible to rent accessories or party types of decorations to turn your home into a vacation destination.
Research the Local Area
You may be surprised at all the low-cost or free activities and events that are going on right in your community. Consider searching the internet, browsing local papers and magazines, and even calling your community center to find out what is going on.
There are often a lot of places you have always wanted to visit, but perhaps never had the time. This year make those a priority and develop an itinerary that allows the family to do something new and different every day. Taking in favorite locations is also a perfectly acceptable way to spend quality time.
Get into the Tourist Spirit
Being a tourist in your city or town is a fun activity. Dress up like tourists, bring your cameras, and plan to see your community from a completely different perspective.
This is the time to browse the shops, try out new restaurants, or even take a walk through a new neighborhood. It is amazing the different features and attractions you find when you look at the world around you with the focus on something new.
Take it Slow
Part of the benefit of a staycation is that you can relax and unwind in your own home and backyard. While having things to do throughout the day is part of the fun, taking time to unplug, sit back, and enjoy your summer is just as important. Schedule time to relax, enjoy the sun, read a good book, or play with the kids or hang around and do something that makes you happy.