With summer right around the corner, vacations are on everyone's mind. Unfortunately, the country's current economic troubles have lead many families to feel hesitant about spending money on travel. I've recently read two great articles giving tips on how to create a fun and worthwhile "staycation" for your family that will save money and still create great memories. Here are a few of my favorite tips:1) Plan and research ahead of time. Ask around and do some web searches for local attractions. It's so easy to overlook great destinations right around the corner from you! Try something new - maybe you've never taken the kids to an art museum, water park, pottery painting studio, or zoo - you may find a new favorite activity! If you live near a big city, there is a website called citypass.com through which you can buy a pass that gets you into multiple destinations in certain cities.
2) Schedule your time. When you're at home, it's easy to slip into the normal routine. You want to avoid this to make it a special time with your family. Know where you are going at what time so you're sure to get out of the house. Don't forget to schedule some down time too. Just try to break out some new board games or videos, maybe make your own ice cream sundaes and watch the stars -- relax in a new and different way!
3) Make an Effort to "Vacationize" Your House. Buy/borrow cheap decorations, turn off cellphones and computers, maybe even set up a tent and camp out in the backyard! Roast marshmallows on a fire pit or BBQ and make s'mores under the stars, or dress up for a tropical themed BBQ. Borrow backyard toys, bikes, or water toys that you don't normally have for the kids.
I hope that if you're considering a "staycation" this year, these tips will help you out in planning your trip. Make your familiar surroundings not so familiar and enjoy new experiences close to home. This may be your most memorable vacation yet!
Resources for this article: http://www.dealseekingmom.com/ and Long Island Parent magazine
3 comments:
Great ideas, Caitlyn! Trading houses with someone can be an inexpensive way to vacation, too. We've had friends stay at our house while we've been away, and they say it's been like a vacation for them.
I like these ideas Caitlin! With summer around the corner, I can definitely use these ideas for my family with spending less :)
Trading houses is a great vacation idea, Sharon! Although I have never personally done this, I know there are many websites through which you can swap houses with another family (even internationally) for a certain amount of time...(like in the movie, "The Holiday.")
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