Every summer it seems to happen. We build momentum to the end of school, celebrate a great year and the new beginnings yet to come, and then we make all sorts of plans. We talk about what we’d like to do over summer vacation – all of our grand ideas and intentions. Classic summer fun always makes the list – maybe a trip to a State Park or to a local museum? The girls always vote/beg for a visit to a not-so-far-away theme park. Festivals, summer reading, movies, ice cream dates, camps, and swimming as much as possible. Then somewhere a week (or month into break), I discover that instead of making the most of every minute, our family of four is farmed out in front of the TV, letting the days waste away.
A few weeks ago it dawned on me that I would never find myself in this sort of predicament on a vacation trip to another part of the country. In fact, I spend weeks and even months planning where we will stay, places we will visit, even restaurants where we will dine on vacations. I’d like to suggest that if you don’t have travel plans for this summer (or maybe even if you do), you should make your staycation plans in the same fashion. Don’t just let the lazy, hazy days of summer slip up and then slip by you. No, this is a summer to remember. When school begins again in the fall (or late July), you’ll know that you did it all and made amazing memories. But where to begin?
Research, Research, Research!
I know I’ve spent hours pouring over websites when our family plans a trip to an unknown destination. More times than not, thinking we already know everything about our own backyard paralyzes our staycation planning. Whether you’re plotting the entire summer or just one week of concerted fun, you need to do your homework. The very best way to know what’s going on is to hit the web. Sign on at home or head to the library to begin researching like it’s your job. Visit the websites of Convention and Visitor’s association for your town or a nearby city (In Indianapolis, it’s Visit Indy), don’t forget to see what’s going on at your local library, and of course check the calendars on your city’s website. From free workshops to fireworks, parades, festivals, and more, you may be surprised at all of the options you have.
Consider the Great Outdoors
When you recall magical summers of the past, many of your memories probably find their setting in the great outdoors. From romping on the playground to hitting the trail, there’s much to be seen and done during the summer months. Whether you hit the park just down the street from your house or opt to drive thirty minutes to an hour to visit a State or National Park, you won’t be disappointed. Pack a lovely picnic and enjoy a meal in the shade of a shelter. Better yet, build a bucket list of a number of parks you’d like to visit throughout June and July and cross each one off after logging a visit. Once again, do your research and plot some specifics. Where will you have lunch? Which trails will you trek? Are there local restaurants nearby that will give you a chance to have a quick snack and cool off from the summer sun? Everyone is sure to sleep well after a long day at the park.
Move the Inside Out, the Outside In
Maybe you identify more with my husband. His idea of camping out involves roughing it at a Holiday Inn. If you don’t love the idea of sleeping outside on the ground, consider bringing that experience indoors. Pitch a tent in the middle of the living room and let the kids enjoy a camping experience minus a leaky roof in the middle of the night. Make s’mores in the oven, sing a few camp songs, open the windows and listen to the sounds of summer.
You could also flip family movie night, pulling it off the couch and projecting your favorite flick on a sheet outside. Spread out a blanket and pop some popcorn. You can actually turn your iPhone or other smart phone into a projector with the magic of science, a shoebox, and about one dollar’s worth of supplies. For directions, go here.
Hotel & VRBO Deals
If your budget doesn’t allow for an entire week away somewhere, you may still be able to afford an overnight at a nearby hotel or even a rental cabin or home. I’m a regular Hotwire user to find discount deals on hotels. Be sure you go through the Ebates shopping portal first to look for coupons and get cash back on your purchase. You’ll also want to check out the online forum BetterBidding.com. Here, other customers share the result of their booking experience so that you can crack the code and know where you will actually be staying. You also might have success booking at VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) stay when you wait until the last minute. Check in with the property owner and see if they have flexibility in their budget and are willing to lower their rates. More than likely, they’ll want to have someone in the home rather than leaving it empty.
Meals to Remember
If you were visiting a specific city, you’d be sure to ask a local where you should eat and what restaurants were can’t miss destinations. Most cities have a treasure trove of local establishments. Instead of sticking with the known or the chain you always go to, find a dining destination you’ve never visited. I’m a big fan of the website TV FoodMaps. The site owners compile all of those yummy food television show destinations into a map that you can explore. I found over 20 restaurants near me and was reminded of at least one I’d like to visit this summer (I’m looking at you Zydeco’s!). If your budget doesn’t allow for dining out, then plan a special dinner. Allow everyone to choose a favorite item on a theme – think cereal, appetizer, or ice cream (Ice cream for dinner?! Why not, you’re on Staycation!).
No matter how you choose to spend your summer, make a plan. Write specific dates down on the calendar. Let each family member choose a special outing. Drink plenty lemonade, swing on the swing set, build your own ice cream sundaes, and invest in your family and friends this year. Magical memories don’t have come with a high price tag, but they do require careful planning on your part. Summer is just a season. Don’t miss it!
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
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i am very hopeful that i find more information from you about the Staycation and i can developed it for ever. I have lot of interested about this and i see there are few people are aware about this.