Brandy Metzger
strawberry picking
"Staycation" is the term given to a period of time when one is out of work or school and chooses to stay home but participate in vacation-like activities. Many families choose a staycation because it is less expensive and less restrictive than a vacation out of town. Here are 5 ideas to make the most of a staycation.
- Come together as a family and determine what local attractions should be on the itinerary during the staycation. Make sure that everyone has a say and that all ideas are considered before drawing up the final agenda. This way everyone feels that they have played an important role in the decision-making process.
- Leave work and school behind. If possible, parents should try to avoid working and children should not think about school work. Just because you haven't gone anywhere for vacation, you must retain that vacation mentality and leave the day-to-day grind behind.
- Plan to eat some meals out. Use this time to check out new restaurants in your area. Going to new restaurants and experiencing different cuisine will make you feel like you are away from home.
- Get outdoors. In addition to the attractions that your family has selected to visit, make sure to include some natural settings. Spending a day at the beach, lake or on a farm can be just the change of scenery you need to relax and rejuvenate.
- Reduce household chores. If you were out of town, you wouldn't be worried about laundry and dirty dishes. Make a plan to get all the household chores done before your staycation begins. Then, get creative to deal with daily chores. For example, use recyclable paper plates for meals so that you don't have to wash dishes.
The most important part of a staycation is spending quality time with your family. However you and your family choose to spend your days off school and work, you are sure to enjoy the change of pace that a stay-at-home vacation offers.
