By Tricia Berwick
High gas prices and a weak economy have forced many American families to reevaluate their vacation plans this summer. Instead of traveling many miles to amusement parks and other popular tourist attractions, more people are opting for a “staycation” instead. This new type of “vacation” has become quite the buzzword during these troubled economic times. Some decide to turn their backyards into a vacation paradise and really get into vacation mode by cutting off contact with the outside world. Others stay local and visit the sights in nearby towns. However you decide to enjoy your “staycation” this summer, the important thing is to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation without spending a lot of money.
If finances are really tight and day trips are not possible, simply enjoy all of the comforts of home without the distractions and responsibilities of everyday work life. In order for this type of “staycation” to be successful, it requires a lot of effort and willpower to really unplug yourself from outside connections. The computer and the phone both need to be turned off. Your office also needs to know that you really are on vacation and that you cannot be disturbed! Now start changing into relaxation mode and let the “staycation” begin! Make yourself a fancy breakfast of homemade waffles and fruit. Have that second cup of coffee you always want but never have time to enjoy. Read entire newspaper articles instead of just scanning the headlines. Take time to do the small, daily things you normally don’t have time for as you are rushing out the door. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even decide to go back to bed after breakfast. It is your “staycation,” so take time to lounge and relax as you would on a normal vacation.
After breakfast, decide if you will enjoy your backyard and sit by the pool with a drink and a good book. If you don’t have a swimming hole, maybe it’s time to invest in that hammock you’ve always wanted. Instead of going away, some people are turning their backyards into an oasis. Cindy Harrison of Point Pleasant spent a few extra dollars this summer to maximize her outdoor living space.
“My husband and I have fixed up the backyard so we have a sitting area with an outdoor rug” says Harrison, who is the mother of two-year-old twins. “The kids have a small pool that they love, too.”
While you are outside, maybe you’ll order in some lunch for a special treat. Or perhaps you won’t even make it onto your patio or deck. Maybe you’ll decide to have a “pajama day” and watch movies, pop popcorn, and have some pizza delivered. Since you’re on vacation, really let loose and abandon all chores for the week—no vacuuming, no making the bed, cleaning out the closets, or pulling weeds. You wouldn’t do those things on a regular vacation would you? Whether you are outside or inside, the important thing is to detach yourself from your daily work life and relax.
In fact, for many parents, having a “staycation” is more relaxing, especially if they have younger children. When you are at home, you don’t have to pack up the pampers, bottles of formula, and special toys. Everything is right at your disposal. But, in order to fight off the crankiness, it’s best to keep the kids busy with planned activities. Create different games and activities, such as a horseshoes or hopscotch. Let the kids make sno-cones as a special treat. Maybe you could even rent a movie and a projector from your local library and show the film on the side of your house or on a large sheet. Invite the neighbors over with their kids and hand out candy and popcorn for the kids to enjoy while watching.
Talk to your kids and ask them what they would like to do on the “staycation.” Let them plan a list of daily activities they would enjoy doing. Kids love when they are provided a say in how the family spends free time. Maybe they want to stay up late and catch fireflies in the dark. Then set up a tent and spend the night camping in your own yard! That certainly doesn’t cost a lot of money and definitely helps in preserving the “staycation” budget.
If you do have some money in the bank and would like to venture out, try researching some local points of interest. How about a museum or a new restaurant? What about visiting a new park, bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying a good book? For the ultimate in relaxation, how about visiting a day spa for one or two of their services?
Harrison is certainly feeling the economic crush this summer and had to alter her plans accordingly. However, with a little ingenuity, she is still planning on enjoying a great summer with her family.
“We had originally planned to fly down to North Carolina and stay with friends but the airline prices are as high as ever because of the fuel costs. So we had to nix that idea and be more creative,” says Harrison. “We are actually going to a Yankees game with friends and leaving our twins at home. Luckily, my parents have a house down in Cape May so we will go and spend a few nights there with the twins. They have a pool and we plan on taking them to the Cape May Zoo. We also visit Bay Head beach a few times a week. My husband and I will be going to a concert in August, too. So even though we aren’t packing up and heading to an exotic location we have managed to fill our summer calendar with some fun family and couple activities.”
All of these ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. Ideas for how to enjoy a restful and relaxing “staycation” are virtually unlimited! With a little planning and creativity, it can be accomplished. The important thing to remember is to treat it like a regular vacation, as if you were traveling somewhere. Remember to take pictures, too. You wouldn’t forget taking your camera on a vacation, would you? Your “staycation” should be no different. You are enjoying yourself and making memories with the ones you love.
