While many are already planning their annual family road trip, some of us either can’t afford a large vacation or don’t have enough time off from work to make that happen this year. A great alternative is to create a staycation for your family that allows you to do a lot of fun touristy things while coming home each night to your own home and bed which keeps costs down. Here Are Tips For Creating The Ultimate Staycation that will save your budget, keep your stress level down and give your family a ton of great things to put in your memory books.
Tips for Planning the Ultimate Staycation
Contact the Chamber of Commerce: Check your own city as well as other cities within a 2-3 hour radius of your home for great information and visitors guides from the Chamber of Commerce. Not only will these have fun activities suggested you might not have known about, they also include coupons and discounts that could help make your staycation even more affordable.
Go Camping at a Local State Park: If you live near one of the many state parks nationwide, you can easily load up your car with camping gear and go rough it for a few days. Plan nature walks, time in the lakes swimming or check with the park rangers for fun activities they may be arranging during the summer months.
Tour your State Legislature: It may seem like a boring thing to do, but it can actually be not only educational but lots of fun. Check with local tour schedules and see if you can sit in on a day of actual legislation. Setup meetings with your local state Representative or Senator to find out more about them and thank them for their service to your state.
Spend a Night at a Local Bed and Breakfast: While you may not have the funds to head out for a week long road trip, you may be able to swing a night in a local bed & breakfast or even hotel. Ordering in room service and taking a dip in the hotel pool can make you feel like you are on an adventure even if you are only a few minutes from home.
Go to a Mid-Week Matinee: Load up the family and go to the movies in the middle of the week. Not only is it cost effective, it’s a fun way to enjoy the new summer movie releases with your family without the crowds.
Unplug Electronics: Spend a day at home playing games, watching a movie marathon or cooking together. Unplug the video games, laptops, tablets and smart phones for the day and connect together as a family.
Go to a Local Zoo or Park: Lots of communities have special parks or zoos that are inexpensive but allow you to have a day away with the family. Visit an area you’ve never been before, and learn something new with your family.
Set Realistic Goals: Although a staycation can be tons of fun, there are still realities with staying at home that can interfere. Kids may want to hang out with their friends. Animals have to be tended to and the Internet is always calling your name. Talk with your family ahead of time to set realistic goals and rules for your staycation and stick together to make them happen.
No matter where your staycation takes you this year, allowing yourself the time to get to know your own area, neighborhood or state is not only a great way to save money on travels but a way to connect deeper as a family. Often the little hidden gems like waterfalls, underground caves, outdoor movie nights or museums that hide treasures of your states history will end up becoming some of your families most treasured memories for years to come. Follow these tips for creating the ultimate staycation and take the stress out of your time together as a family this year.
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