STAYCATION SUCCESS
5 Tips for Planning a Stay at Home Vacation
In the past few years, with the slump in the economy and rising gas prices, the idea of “staycations” has become quite popular. Everyone needs to take a break from the daily routine now and then, but if funds are low, vacationing at home can save you a great deal of money. Also, staycations appeal to those who are not fond of flying or road trips, but just need a change from the same old everyday routine. With a little advance planning, you can rest, rejuvenate and take advantage of local amenities. Be sure and arrange to do at least one thing outside of the house each day of your staycation.
Following are some tips to help you plan a fun filled staycation.
- Make A Plan – Before your staycation begins, take the time to prepare a well thought out plan. There are so many things you can do right in your own community that will make your time off feel like a genuine vacation. Visit local museums, beaches, amusement parks, and spas. Go to the movie theater, see a live show, a sporting event, and comedy act. Play tennis, ride bikes, hike, and golf. Relax by the pool, read a magazine or a great book, enjoy some relaxation time. Eat out! Now is the perfect time to try some new restaurants that you’ve never been to before and be sure to check out a few of the fancy ones. You can watch the paper for coupons to save a few bucks. Whatever you do, be sure it’s different from your weekly schedule.
- Create a Budget – Figure out what you generally spend on vacations. Include travel, lodging, dining, etc. You can expect to have a wonderful staycation on half the amount you spend going away. Once you have this amount figured out for your budget, be sure to stick to it. Determine not to spend more, but also don’t spend less. You want your staycation to be a memorable experience.
- No Working – If you were away on vacation, you wouldn’t be doing housework and certainly not office work, so be sure to let the office know you are not taking calls just because you are in town and don’t be tempted to do housework. Consider hiring a cleaning service to come in and clean for you. If you don’t want to spend the money on a cleaning service, then use the last day of your staycation for doing laundry and cleaning up the house, yard, etc.
- Take Photos – Be sure to have your camera in hand as you set out on each day’s adventure, just as you would on a traditional vacation. When you return home, upload your pictures to a photo-sharing service like Facebook of Shutterfly, so you can share them with family and friends.
- Buy Souvenirs – Go shopping; visit some unique gift and souvenir shops, even some of your favorite stores. If you would usually shop while out of town, then don’t deny yourself this pleasure just because you have stayed close to home.
Whether staying in your own home, a nearby hotel, or vacation rental, with a little planning, you can have just as much fun as if you traveled many miles away. Be creative, use your imagination, make memories, and have loads of staycation fun!
Wising you much success and happiness!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
