For an Inexpensive, Memorable Getaway, Try a Staycation

A Staycation offers all the comforts of home with no work, obligations, or jet lag.

While it’s true that a great getaway can provide a lifetime of memories, an at-home vacation can be just as memorable at a fraction of the cost and hassle. And besides, with a year full of school vacations, not every week off can translate to a week at an exotic destination. Enter the STAYCATION. Where you can enjoy life at home without the stresses that everyday life can sometimes impose. And you can remember what drew you to settle down in your current location in the first place.

The benefits are many – no travel costs, a fully stocked kitchen, comfortable beds and no packing, just to name a few. The down-side is that you may have to plan just as carefully as you would a vacation away – cancelling standing plans for the week, finding events and activities to keep everyone busy and engaged, and fighting the urge to conduct business as usual since you’re at home.

A few weeks ahead of time, do some research at your local AAA and library for coupons, events and resources.  Check your local newspaper for upcoming concerts, events and shows in your area, making reservations in advance where you can so you’ll be forced to stick with the plan. Check with museums, skating rinks, bowling alleys, parks and other nearby venues for hours and special events.

Get together with all family members ahead of time and talk about what you enjoy but never get a chance to do. Come up with a list of must-do activities and day trips as well as a wish list of restaurants, must-see movies and games to play.

Create a schedule, planning a mix of together time and break time. Vacationing at home together doesn’t mean you always have to travel in a pack, With that in mind, if you have younger children, hire a favorite babysitter for a night or two to give kids and adults a night off from each other,

With the money you save on airfare, lodging and meals out, set some aside to hire a cleaning service at the beginning and end of your non-trip.

And of course, a staycation is still a vacation, so take photos and videos, and even send postcards. Who knows: if all goes well, this could become an annual event!

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