Be at Home with a New Getaway
I keep hearing about staycations. We haven’t “taken” one yet, but many families have since times are tough and summertime vacations may be out of the question. A staycation is a vacation that’s spent in one’s hometown (and/or home) enjoying regional recreation. The bonus: It’s less hassle with little kids, too (no packing, planes, etc.).
Here are some tips for staying put:
1. Set a budget – just a portion of your average va-cay expenditures; however, once you've set the budget, don’t budge. Avoid overspending and underspending, too. To feel as though you've really had a break, you should include a few luxuries and lots of fun.
2. Resist the temptation to literally stay at home by planning at least one daily activity. You don't change the sheets or do the dishes at a hotel, so don’t do chores on your staycation either. Be clear with bosses that you won’t be available.
3. Do research ahead of time like you would before any vacation. Read restaurant reviews on yelp.com and zagat.com, then try places you've meaning to check out. Before beginning your time off, buy a small photo album to fill with staycation snapshots.
4. According to travelinsider.com, at 6 p.m. every evening, hotels take stock of vacant rooms and often are willing to sell them at significantly lower prices. Couples should at least arrange for a one- or two-night stay (sans tots) at a local hotel.
5. Find summertime adventures within driving distance, such as new parks and hiking trails; you can even bring along the family dog.
6. Go to the places you’ve been recommending to visitors. Many cities offer residents discounts on local attractions; check your local library for free museum passes. If you enjoy spas, check out spafinder.com or spaweek.com to find area specials; visit beauty schools for frugal pampering. Also, some hotels will allow use of their amenities (pool, gym, spa, etc.) for a discounted fee.
7. Generally, the best days to find reduced theater tickets are Wednesday and Thursday nights. If you’re not a theater lover, check out stubhub.com or fandango.com for deals on live concerts or movies.
8. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of shopping if that's your standard vacation MO. Seek out boutiques you don’t normally frequent and remember the souvenirs!
