Will You Take a ‘Staycation’ this Year?

By , SparkPeople Blogger
With our economy in a quandary, many of us are choosing to stay at home during our vacation time in order save a little money. This is what has been popularly referred to for the past several years by many as a ‘staycation’.

So what is exactly is a staycation? It is staying at home or close to home during your vacation time. However, this doesn’t mean you have to sit at home all day watching talk shows or re-runs of your favorite television dramas. In fact this situation allows many of us the opportunity to explore our own community just like a tourist would.

So how do you go about taking a staycation?

  • It is important that you set your days up just as though you were on a vacation. Sleeping in until 10 a.m. may sound heavenly, but if you generally don’t do that on vacation, don’t do so now. Plan your days just as you would on your vacation.

  • Fill your days with activities that you would do on a vacation, such as walking historic trails or if you live close to a metropolitan area take in the sights and sounds of the city.

  • Contact your local visitor’s bureau for a list of attractions you are unaware of in your area that you may be interested in visiting.

  • Plan your staycation budget and stick to it. Check with local museums, zoos, amusement parks, or pools to see if they offer discounts on certain days during the week, then plan your week accordingly.

  • Take photos just as you would if you were on a vacation. You still will want to capture all the memories of this special time.

  • Avoid checking in with the office or checking your office email or voicemail. This is a time to relax with your family. Work will still be there when you get back.

  • Keep chores or other household honey-dos to do until after your time off. You would not be doing them while on vacation; same is true with your staycation.

While traveling is nice, being home for your time off can be just as refreshing if not more so. Not only do you avoid the packing, planning, and travel issues that accompany a vacation, many times with a staycation you are more recharged and ready to go when it’s time to return the rat race. And when the economy turns the corner and we are once again enjoying our travel destinations, don’t forget to look back with fond memories of your staycation. You may be quite surprised the memories that a staycation can bring.

Have you ever taken a staycation? Are you taking one this year? What do you find most enjoyable about taking a staycation?