I live in a lovely area, but not my dream summer destination. I want the beach! I want sand, seafood, and nights out on the boardwalk. Unfortunately, a beach trip is just not in our budget for this summer. Sure, we could charge the whole trip on our credit card, but we would just have to pay for it in the end (with interest) so we decided to join the many other Americans who are planning their own staycations this year.
One thing is to make this whole “staycation” okay with us, but how do we make it fly with the kids? Quite simple; our kids don’t need extravagance (although we may be training them differently), they simply want our time. Following are some suggestions to making this summer vacation the best ever and not even touch the budget.
Investigate: Ask your friends and neighbors about nearby parks, playgrounds, nature trails, free factory tours, etc. Check out the national park service for other ideas: www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm or check with your state’s park webpage. You may be shocked what tourists have been visiting in your own backyard!
Plan and be prepared: Pack a picnic lunch, bring along your camera and camcorder, create a scavenger hunt for the nature trails, and have a first aid kit in the car.
Sight-see your family: People spend thousands of dollars traveling all over the world to take in the sights and sounds of distant and unique places. This summer, bask in the smiles and sounds of your family. Could any amount of money truly bring you anything more breathtaking than the happy and content faces of your children?
Don’t want to leave your house?
Have a lock down: Wake the kids up one morning and tell them they are in staycation lock down. No friends, TVs, Computers, or cell phones. They may grumble at first (depending on their age) but when they discover that their parents are in lock down with them, and they discover that it is not what they can’t do, but what they CAN it will be a day to remember. Make sure to plan loads of crafts, games and outdoor activities! You can even do “theme” lockdowns, where you pretend you are in a different country, complete with themed foods and activities.
Being stuck with your family in your home is not punishment for them or for you. Contentment is surrounding you, just waiting to be snatched up. Have fun this summer creating lasting memories for you, not your credit card statements!
Betsy
Please share your clever staycation ideas!!
By Betsy on 08/1/08 in Clutter Busting, Columns, An Organized Life
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