Trying to rein in spending this summer? This year, forgo the pricey vacation and opt for the cheap and cheerful staycation. Staycations can be a surprisingly fun alternative, if you put a little planning and effort into it. Dial down the day-to-day drudgery and schedule in loads of exciting activities – and your vacation will be a success!
Drop the Routine:
- Treat work the same as you would, when out of the country. Can’t avoid being ‘on call’? Keep it to emergencies. Otherwise it isn’t a vacation.
- Take care of household chores beforehand, or afterwards. A relaxing holiday doesn’t include laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping.
- Clear the family calendar. Take a break from regularly scheduled obligations, classes and sports. Replace with fun-filled, group activities.
- Set appropriate expectations within your social circle i.e. you’ll be unreachable for the duration, or responding to urgent issues only.
Switch Off Electronics:
- Utilize ‘out-of-office’ settings on computers and phones. Others will be less likely to panic when you don’t respond instantly.
- Turn off the idiot box. DVR your favorite programs and catch up afterwards; Or better yet, prove that you can live without TV for a week or two.
- Ditch the video games. Leave the virtual world behind and enjoy some real fun for a change.
- Put the smart phone down! Make a pact to minimize calls (work and personal) and set up a system for family members that circumvent the rules. Spend the extra cash on local adventures.
- Avoid surfing the net. If you need to look something up, pop online quickly, then shut down. Email and the internet can be all consuming. Don’t get sucked into the vortex.
Focus on Fun:
- What activities would you suggest to out-of-towners? Grab a local guidebook and re-discover your city’s top attractions.
- Add a little drama to your life. Attend a summer blockbuster, a drive-in movie, a live theatre show, or devour a much anticipated book.
- The sporty type? Take in a major league game, find a pool, water park or recreational area, or map out a personalized hiking or biking tour of the city.
- Enjoy some cerebral relaxation at local museums, art galleries, historic properties, science centers and zoos.
- If you’re near open water, consider a boating excursion. Rent kayaks, take sailing lessons, or book a ferry tour, for a great day on the waves.
- Gather family and friends for a good old-fashioned picnic or BBQ at a community park. Bring along refreshments, toys and games to keep everyone occupied and content.
- Foodies will gobble up the chance to visit new or favorite restaurants and social butterflies are likely to appreciate concerts, pub crawls or clubbing.
- Schedule a day trip to explore beyond city limits. Find cheap thrills at the amusement park, savor a regional wine tour, bask at a nearby beach, or nibble your way through your local farmers market.
Staycations aren’t synonymous with deprivation. Break from your regular routine, channel your inner tourist and don’t waste a moment! You’ll return to work refreshed and recharged – and still have money in your pocket. It just might be the best vacation you’ve ever had.
