Summer break is right around the corner and if you don’t have the time, budget or inclination to go on an elaborate vacation this year, you might want to embrace the idea of having a summer staycation. A staycation is basically a vacation at home. You get to relax and recharge while you sleep in your own bed and explore attractions that are right around where you live. Because you’ll save on hotel and travel expenses, many staycationers splurge on summer treats and local attractions that they may not have had the time or spare cash to visit before.
Plan the Perfect Staycation
So what’s the secret to having a truly spectacular staycation? Planning. Treat your staycation like a typical vacation and make lists of things you want to do each day. That way, you’ll have activities planned and you won’t just let the days slip by without experiencing anything new. Even if you just want a little time off to relax and recharge, it’s a good idea to plan your days so you can get the most out of your staycation.
Start your staycation plans by nailing down your timeline. Will you take time off of work or just a long weekend? Will your staycation align with a school break or holiday weekend? Once you have your dates nailed down, you can start looking for local events to either attend or avoid depending on what you want to accomplish with your time off.
If you’re energized by crowds, check out a concert, head to a summer carnival or find a Fourth of July event near you. Summer is also the peak season for food festivals and other outdoor events. If crowds make you cringe, plan events that offer more solitude. Spend a day at a quiet lake, plan a movie night or look for the closest drive-in movie theater to take in a flick under the stars. If your friends will be in town, plan a small barbecue and staycation with them too. Another great idea is to make a bucket list of local attractions that you’ve always wanted to go see or experience, but never had the time to enjoy.
Take a Break
A vacation offers a break from your everyday life. You get to skip out on work, pass on household chores and enjoy having someone else handle the meal prep. Enjoy all of these same perks on your staycation by consciously taking a break from your everyday life.
Go ahead and use your vacation days and put aside the heavy cleaning for a little while. If your budget allows it, call in a cleaning service and give yourself a break from household chores. Resist the temptation to check your work email while you’re off the clock. After all, you wouldn’t be responding to emails if you were on a tropical beach. If you love trying new cuisine, be sure to plan at least one meal out. Hit up your favorite restaurant or try something completely new.
Just because you’re staying close to home this summer doesn’t mean you can’t have a fantastic vacation. Plan a staycation to save money on travel costs while still enjoying a relaxing break from your everyday routine. If you’re planning a staycation this summer, be sure to visit AlohaFunWear.com for more fashion tips and money-saving tricks along with a full selection of fun vacation apparel.