10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Staycation

If I had my choice, I would pack my suitcase and jump on a plane every week. However, my bank account may not feel the same. So what can we do while we’re not traveling? A good alternative is a STAYCATION. It’s the perfect solution because you can do as much or as little as you want…it’s all about your comfort level. No need to worry about getting on a plane, staying at a hotel, or renting a car. The key to a fantastic staycation is to deviate from your daily routine. Here are 10 tips to planning a fun staycation:

Plan Daily Activities

Just like you would never go on vacation without plans (well…maybe you would but I would NEVER), it may be best to plan out your days before your staycation starts. Make a list of things you could do.

OUTDOORS: ice skating, rollerblading, swimming, mini golf, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, biking, parks, zoos, fishing, a day at the beach.

INDOORS: museums, planetariums, movies, ice cream parlors, bowling, paint pottery, cooking classes,

Be a Tourist

Use your imagination and pretend to have just come to town for the first time. How will you get to know the town? Take a hop-on-hop-off bus, do a walking city tour, ride on a Duck Boat. A self-guided tour is great for people who like to do their own thing.

Stay in a Hotel for a Night

Choose a hotel that has plenty of things for the whole family to do. Choose a hotel that is in a good location do there are lots of options for activities and restaurants. Eat dinner at the hotel restaurant or order room service. Try a new hotel or go back to one of your favorites.

Explore a New Town

Get in the car and go check out that adorable town you’ve been wondering about. Walk the downtown area, grab a latte at a café, go into some cute shops, and eat somewhere new for dinner. Find outdoor areas like hiking trails, beaches, walking paths, and parks.

Go Camping

Don’t want to go out into the woods? Try camping in your backyard. Make s’mores by the campfire and tell ghost stories. Too cold (or terrified…like me) for the outdoors? Build an indoor campsite. Pitch a tent in the living room and use your imagination.

Use your Library Passes

Many libraries have passes that give free admission or a big discount on attractions. Try going somewhere you’ve never been.

Let the House Chores Go

Put your blinders on and forget the laundry, messy bathrooms, and dirty floors. And don’t even think about pulling out that iron.

Cooking In or Eating Out?

Decide whether you’re going to eat in or dine out most days. If you decide to cook, choose easy meals for breakfast and lunch. This is the perfect time to try a new restaurant or to make a meal that the whole family prepares together. Try new kind of meal like home-made pizza, fondue, or roll your own sushi. Think of unique places to eat, like a beach or a picnic.

Limit Electronics Time

Set up an ‘out of office’ message and try not to respond to work emails. No need to put the phone away completely…maybe only use electronics if you are doing it together as a family. Make a funny video together or take some fun family selfies.. Play a game on an app like Heads Up or Would You Rather.

Have a Spa Day

A day at the spa can be pricey, but there are many ways to bring the spa to your own home. Do a yoga video on YouTube or find a video to learn to meditate. Do a hot oil treatment on your hair. Do a facial with ingredients you have at home. Do your own mani/pedi session. Make your own bath bombs or just relax in a warm bath.