Summer is coming! You know what that means… a nice, relaxing vacation awaits!
Except…
You don’t have any money to spend, your car can barely make it out of the driveway, and you just can’t seem to find a reliable pet sitter for your 14 dogs.
Whatever your reason You don’t have to forgo your much-deserved summer vacation; simply make it a staycation!
Now, what in tarnation is a staycation?
It’s exactly what it sounds like, a vacation where you stick around (your home, your town, your neighboring city… etc.). And no, it doesn’t mean you sit on your couch for a week binging Netflix in stained sweatpants binging Netflix (uh, but it totally can!).
Just because you’re staying local doesn’t mean your vacation has to be boring. To get a head start on planning your summer staycation, read these tips and get brainstorming!
1. Get out of That Box!
Even just switching up your routine can make your average day feel like a staycation.
Go see a double feature at the movies or go to a neighborhood pool. Do something different and break up your ordinary. A summer staycation doesn’t need to be lengthy and intricate to be enjoyable!
2. Be a Local Tourist
At first, it may not seem very vacation-like to go out in your own city. A quick internet search is sure to uncover a plethora of undiscovered places ready to explore.
You can make a totally different experience for yourself as a tourist in your city versus a townie. Go to that famous restaurant that always has a winding line of visitors or the free art museum you’ve never gotten to check out.
Look at your local stomping grounds with new eyes and a tourist’s brain and it’ll feel just like you’re exploring a new area!
The benefit of being a local tourist is that you already know the ins and outs of getting around town. It may not seem like it, but knowing where to park, where NOT to eat, and what streets have construction will save you a lot of time and unnecessary stress.
3. Preparation is Key
When you’re on vacation the last thing you want to do is stop your fun to put away the dishes or make dinner. Pausing your staycation to do something tedious will bring you back to reality way faster than you want.
Plan ahead of time. Go grocery shopping, prepare some meals, clean your house. Whatever helps! Doing chores before can keep you stress-free and make your staycation feel a little more vacation-like.
It also wouldn’t hurt to budget for your staycation so you know from the start what types of fun you can afford!
4. Motel, Hotel, Holiday Inn
If you have a budget that allows it, check into a nearby hotel.
Order room service, get that pay-per-view movie, and soak in the hot tub! Maybe even hit up that hotel bar.
Sleeping in a different bed and getting pampered (and not having to clean up after) can make your staycation seem just as fabulous as any old vacation!
5. The OG Staycation
If you’re still drawing a blank, there is always the staycation classic – backyard camping.
No need to hire a gabby travel agent or waste time bus booking for this trip!
Staying right outside your house all night may seem rather silly, but there is something about sleeping under the stars that transforms the whole experience.
Grab some friends or family and it is a good time waiting to be had. Plus, it is so easy to put together. A tent! A campfire! Some smores!
The Ultimate Summer Staycation Awaits!
A relaxing and fun summer staycation is not out of your grasp! With some basic planning and preparation, an exciting at-home vacation can be right around the corner.
As always, you can always turn to your lifestyle guru for more guidance, tips, and life hacks.
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