In this day of tightened budgets, some of us cannot afford to take a vacation of our dreams. Memories can still be made right at home though. One of the newest trends is a stay-cation. With a bit of simple planning your children will have something to right about when asked to describe what they did over the summer.
The first step is to coordinate schedules. Find a time when both you and your spouse can take time off at the same time. It might only be a long weekend, but that is ok. Make sure that time also coordinates with your children’s summer schedules. You will not want to interrupt your vacation for a basketball camp or even a doctor’s appointment.
Next, contact your local chamber of commerce or tourism website to find any local activities happening during your vacation. You might find time to visit a new exhibit at the local museum or even check out the farmer’s market. You will want to plan something to do as a family each day just as if you were on vacation somewhere. I would plan at least one day for a family day at the pool. There might be a movie debuting that everyone would enjoy.
While we are on vacation, we don’t want to cook. Stock up on some donuts and juice for your continental breakfast. Now is the time to use up some of those fast food coupons. My local town has a website just for places to eat in town that offers some great discounts. Since you are not spending money on fuel or lodging on this trip it might be fun to check out a restaurant you haven’t tried before.
I would suggest, especially if you have teens, that at some point during your vacation that you announce that you are out of the signal area. Go device free for a set amount of time. Take the time to actually talk to your children and spouse without the interruption of the cell phone or computer. You might get some protests, but the tome you spend together will be worth it.
I think there is some quality fun time to be had this summer. Remember it is not about the money or the destination. With a little advance planning, you will be making memories this summer. Enjoy time with your family!
About Janelle Pooler
Great tips! We have done these kinds of things before. In fact, I compiled a list (well, 2 lists now) of fun and cheap things to do over a school break (spring break, summer break, etc.). We’re a road-tripping family, but this year, with gas prices, we won’t be going much of anywhere. We’re planning to visit a different city park every day, many of which will require very little driving to get to. Our city has great walking trails and green space connecting everything, so we’ll have lots of places to walk to and through. Looking forward to it, actually! Not having to run around everywhere or pack for long trips. Sounds nice to me for this year! Thanks for these thoughts today. GOOD stuff!
~ Raylene @ It’s OK to be WEIRD!
I am having fun locating lots of free or nearly free things for my children to do this summer. Have a great summer, Raylene!
Gas prices are changing many people’s vacations this year. We do not have lots of state parks near our home but we have lots of nice bike paths. We are going to enjoy them this year as my 10 year old can go long distances.
Have a great holiday
Olfa