A relaxing and memorable family vacation
doesn’t always require journeying to exotic destinations or embarking on
a excursion to foreign lands, or the resulting costs. You can create
lifelong memories for your family, stay close to home and save money at
the same time by planning an unforgettable staycation. A successful
staycation requires more than skipping work and heading to your favorite
neighborhood restaurant, however. To make your local exploration truly
memorable, research your destination—even if it’s a familiar one—and
identify unique activities that appeal to your family’s interests.
Pull Out the Map
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of your city or a transplant, you probably know the ins and outs of your area pretty well. Pull out a local map and look for nearby cities and towns that you have yet to explore. Chances are you’ll find some hidden treasures when you take the time to research your area. Perhaps you’ll discover that a nearby town features the state’s oldest diner known for its delectable milkshakes. Or you’ll uncover a historic landmark in your city that you’ve never taken the time to visit. Set aside some time to discover what your area has to offer.Talk to Locals
Even though you’re a local yourself, take some time to chat with friends and coworkers who might be able to offer helpful suggestions when planning your staycation. No matter how long you’ve called your city home, you certainly haven’t explored every nook and cranny of your region. Gathering suggestions from your local friends will allow you to uncover those yet-to-be-explored areas. Your neighbor might tell you about a park on the other side of town where you can rent paddle boats and kayaks. A coworker might encourage you to plan a family hike and picnic on a nature trail one town east. This valuable input can help you discover a staycation activity that you might not have otherwise considered.Check the Event Calendar
Simplify your staycation planning by checking out the local event calendar before your exploration begins. Fairs, festivals, craft shows, live music performances and kids' activities can make an ordinary day out in your town extraordinary. Find out what’s happening around the city as you create your staycation itinerary. Many nearby fairs and festivals are tied to the region’s history and tradition, giving your family a history lesson while you enjoy a taste of local culture.Make It Special
You might return to your familiar bed every night during the staycation, but that doesn’t mean your day has to end on a typical note. Plan some special moments during your staycation, even when you return home. Set up tents in the backyard for a night of sleeping under the stars. Let the kids stay up past their bedtime to make a special dessert. Surprise your spouse with a romantic, late-night dinner after the kids fall asleep. Your staycation can be unique, even from the comfort of your home.Be Flexible
Even if you’re just vacationing across town, create a flexible schedule for your getaway. A day of apple-picking at a local orchard might be rained out, and you need a backup plan so that your day of family fun doesn’t go to waste. Plan both indoor and outdoor activities, and choose your daily journey based on the weather. If shows and festivals require tickets, snag them in advance so that you don’t have to worry about a sellout. If you can’t land a ticket to the big event, consider the other area attractions that might be less crowded because everyone in town is at the sold-out show.Cheat Sheet
- Research local areas you’ve yet to explore
- Seek out tips from local pals
- Explore local events taking place during your getaway
- Create memorable fun even when you’re at home