Vacation is the mainstay of the summer season, much like iced beverages and backyard barbecues. This year, however, many Americans are opting to stay home. A study by CreditCards.com found that over half of those surveyed don’t plan to take a vacation, while a report from AAA found that only 35 percent of Americans plan to travel 50 miles or more this season.
[See: 12 Frugal Ways to Save on Vacation.]
While vacations are typically a welcome reprieve from the day-to-day bustle, they come with their own stresses. From packing and parking to rushing and waiting, the “travel” part of vacation can be incredibly draining. Earlier this year, for example, extra-long TSA wait times resulted in travelers waiting over two hours to get through security; many folks missed their flights.
A staycation — or a vacation where you stay at or near home — is a good alternative for those looking for time off without the hassle of travel. Popularized during the Great Recession when fuel prices were at their peak, staycations are typically much less expensive than traditional vacations and can be just as memorable and enjoyable.
Still, it’s much easier to be distracted by everyday concerns when you don’t physically relocate yourself for rest and relaxation. Without proper planning and commitment, staycations can quickly turn into a few days of chores and work check-ins with very little rest in between. To avoid sabotaging your staycation, follow this guide for a meaningful and affordable experience.
Create a Budget and Set Aside Funds
While taking a staycation will save you money compared to a traditional vacation, it doesn’t have to be an exercise in extreme frugality. Balancing frugal events with one or two splurges can help make your experience more memorable.
[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]
Outline your ideal staycation, whether it’s a full-day pamper session at a local spa or a multi-day excursion to a nearby town. Research prices for things you want to do, including hotel rates, meal prices and event costs. If your ideal day exceeds your budget, start swapping fee-based activities for free alternatives. City websites and Facebook pages are great resources for free event and activity listings, while a general search for ” free things to do” followed by your destination city will also offer some ideas.
Schedule Strategically
In addition to scouting out free or low-fee things to do, look into upcoming events and schedule your staycation around activities of interest. A weekend festival, Saturday morning marathon or midweek concert featuring a favorite band can help you determine the best days to take off from work.
[See: 6 Ways to Treat Yourself on a Budget.]
Prep Your Home
When your staycation is true to its namesake and you’re actually staying home, it’s important to unplug from devices and avoid household chores so it feels like you’re really escaping for a bit. If you have such tasks as laundry, cleaning and landscaping nagging at you, your staycation will quickly turn into an average day. Cross these items off your list before your scheduled time off so you can enjoy yourself fully. Alternatively, you can treat yourself to a professional house cleaning to kick off your staycation with a literal clean slate.
Unplug From Devices
Your smartphone may come in handy for navigation, restaurant reviews and other activities related to your staycation. However, it should absolutely not be used for work-related purposes or anything that might disrupt your relaxation! Set an out-of-office email notification to reduce any stress associated with being away from the office. Avoid news feeds and social media during your staycation as well, since negative headlines and collages of other people’s exotic vacations can put a damper on your experience.
Keep It Simple
For those with hyper-busy lifestyles, a day or two spent lounging poolside with a good book can be just as rewarding and rejuvenating as a weeklong vacation. Sometimes the simplest escapes offer the most benefits, so consider the circumstances in which you find yourself the most relaxed. Whether it’s a day hike, a spa day or a poolside pilgrimage, don’t assume a staycation has to be chock full of activities to be enjoyable.
Try Something New
Since you’re not changing your surroundings, you can still create a sense of adventure by trying something new during your staycation. Whether it’s climbing a rock wall at your local gym, signing up for a paddle-board yoga class or hiking a fourteener, staycations represent the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself. In addition to crossing something off your bucket list, the experience will be inherently more memorable than just a few quiet days spent at home.
Visit Tourist Attractions Midweek
Theme parks are a big draw for families over the summer, but the experience is often tainted by big crowds and long lines. A midweek staycation offers the opportunity for families to enjoy these parks with far less people. While some parks offer discounts for midweek admission, the best way to save money on tickets is to order online. For example, an online ticket for Six Flags in Chicago costs $52.99 on July 13, compared to $69.99 if you were to purchase tickets at the park. You can also opt for half-day passes or two-day passes for additional savings.
Combine Productivity With Relaxation
Depending on how much time you take off for your staycation, you can balance your time with productivity and relaxation. If there’s a project that’s been nagging at you — whether it’s organizing your garage or attempting that stained-glass craft — use your staycation to finally tackle it. Creating a sense of accomplishment will make downtime all the more sweet.
Regardless of your staycation plans, these steps can help you and your family ensure you have an enjoyable and memorable event without the added costs and headaches associated with traditional vacations.
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How to Create a Memorable Staycation This Summer originally appeared on usnews.com
