Spring Staycation Ideas

Experience vacation-like activities without the expense of airfare, car rentals or hotel stays. After all, have you really experienced everything there is to offer in your area? So many of us dismiss the fabulous options near our own homes by simply assuming that we will get there eventually. Here are some ideas.

Things to Remember

• Plan ahead.
• Make a commitment to being on vacation even though you are sleeping at home.
• Research local destinations and activities, and plan an itinerary.
• Let chores go, power down the computer and start acting like a tourist.
• Charge the camera and take photos.

Tip: Though it may not be the destination of your dreams, it could be the perfect destination to create a lifetime of memories.

9 Staycation Ideas

Vacations are for getting away from the monotony of the daily tasks that drain us, so let that be your staycation mantra.

1.) Backyard Camping: Pitch a tent in your own backyard. Use your own camping gear or borrow from a friend. Have dinner by the fire pit. You can even bring out board games or a portable DVD player and watch a movie in your tent.

2.) Indoor Camping: Turn off all the house lights and use only flashlights to find your way. Build blanket forts to sleep in.

Tip: Make it extra special by roasting marshmallows in the fireplace.

3.) Hit the Beach: Perhaps you live near the coast, one of the Great Lakes or a small lake. These are all terrific destinations even on cooler days when you can take a long walk in the sand and enjoy the sound of the waves. Be sure to bring a book, beach chairs and items to play in the sand.

4.) Picnic: Picnics are always a happy way to spend time relaxing outdoors. You can bring lunch to the beach with you, find another local site or picnic on a blanket in your own backyard.

5.) Take a Cruise: If there’s a body of water close to your home, there’s a good chance you can find a sightseeing or sunset cruise. Many even serve delightful meals while on board.

6.) Scenic Train Ride: Is there a rail line near your home? If so, consider taking a train to your next destination. You can also look for rides that circle back to their starting point with train robbery or haunted themes.

7.) Water Parks & Pools: There is bound to be a water park within driving distance. Even cold weather cities often have indoor parks or recreation centers with swimming pools. Take a towel and head out for a swim.

8.) Zoo, Aquarium, Museum, Observatory or Planetarium: These may seem like obvious suggestions, yet if you were visiting another region you’d probably consider visiting the museums or zoos there. The destinations in your own backyard may be just as special as the ones in another city.

Tip: Call to inquire about behind-the-scenes tours and special events such as sleepovers.

9.) Regional Amusement Parks: If it has been a while since you visited an amusement park, consider spending the day taking in all the excitement it has to offer. What makes you feel more like a kid than eating cotton candy, playing games and going on a Ferris wheel?

Tip: If there aren’t any within driving distance, check your local county websites for regional festivals.

Other Staycation Ideas

For other ideas, think about activities you would do if you had taken that expensive vacation to a luxury resort or destination. Many of those activities can be done near your home as well. Consider these activities that can be done on a staycation:

• Go on a culinary tour or to a vineyard.
• See a show.
• Play golf or tennis.
• Visit a spa.
• Hike or ride your bike in a local park.
• Try a new exercise class.