Summer vacation is coming up, and we all know what that means! Fun in the sun, beach bummin’, and vacation time!
Well, maybe.
If your budget allows for a summer getaway, way to go! Have a fun and safe trip! For the rest of us, though, there’s the staycation. For those of you that don’t know, the staycation is the vacation’s frugal cousin. Instead of jetting off to exotic locales, you stay home and unwind.
Just because you aren’t able to get away for a real vacation, a staycation can be just as fun! It’s really what you make it, and your staycation can be just as fun as a traditional vacation. Properly unwinding during a staycation, though, does require a little planning.
Here are a few handy tips to help you plan and get ready for a staycation of your own!
Check Your Finances
The staycation may be the frugal alternative to the vacation, but that doesn’t mean that you should wing it when it comes to your finances. During your staycation, you’ll still want to participate in some fun activities and some of these may cost money.
Your budget will determine what sorts of activities you can plan. If your budget is extra small, you’ll want to stick to free and cheap activities in your area or right in your own home.
Stock Up on Necessities
Snacks, drinks, toiletries, activities, and other stayacation goodies should be purchased in advance, before your staycation even starts. After all, you don’t want to be stuck heading to the store when you should be relaxing and unwinding at home.
Research Local Activities
Check your local community calendar for local cheap and free activities. You may even want to plan your staycation around any events in your area. Other great places to look into include local museums, libraries, and state parks.
Sticking to your local area will help you save on travel and accomodation costs. However, if your budget allows a short day trip, don’t overlook neighboring areas.
Get Your House in Order
During your staycation, the last thing you’ll probably want to do is housework. To truly enjoy your staycation and get in some downtime, it’s a good idea to take a day and clean house. Finish the laundry, vacuum, and clear out clutter. Get the whole family involved and make an afternoon out of it.
Cook up a Storm
Finally, everyone needs to eat, but cooking may be very low on your list of fun staycation activities. To avoid the temptation of expensive restaurant meals and takeout, get several meals ready ahead of time. You can keep it super simply and pick up fixings for subs and sandwiches or pick up some frozen pizzas, or you can cook and freeze whole meals or casseroles.
Will you be taking a staycation this year? What other tips do you have for getting ready for a staycation?
