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August 14, 2008
Posted by: Deb at 8:44 pm
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I know that you are going to think that I am kind of random and all over the place. Last week I was getting the kids back to school and this week I am focused on the last few weeks of vacation. I just know that different parts of the country are on different schedules, and this article in Real Simple Magazine caught my interest.
The reason it caught my attention is because my family has often chosen to vacation at home. It’s great!
Instead of packing and organizing, making flight and hotel reservations – pay someone to come and clean your house. There is something special about walking into a clean environment and knowing the next several days are all about relaxing.
Another fun part about a staycation is that you can pamper yourself a little with luxuries at home that you might not consider otherwise. Some wonderful spa treat that makes a candlelit bath an event, way more than simply getting clean!
With the money saved by staying at home, we have treated ourselves to something new for the house, like dishes or decorations. We have enjoyed some fabulous meals at home that we know cost so much less than they would have if we had hit that five star restaurant – even if we include the price of the cookbook. And we have enjoyed family time as we have prepared those meals together. However, even if you eat at all of your favorite in town restaurants, you will enjoy the familiar and still come out ahead on your overall expenses.
On a staycation we might go to a movie, visit the zoo, plan a picnic, read a book, rent a DVD, or catch a couple of winks on the patio. 
With the current price of gas and the stress involved with planning a getaway – sometimes the best course is the course of least resistance. So, relax and enjoy. If you have a couple of weeks of Summer vacation left in your area before school starts - think of a special way to enjoy it with family and friends. If school has begun already, maybe Labor Day Weekend will provide the time of relaxation you are desiring.
Whatever your plan – we would love to hear about it here. Let us know how you have enjoyed a staycation in your “neck of the woods.”
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1. For me this is an old idea. Growing up my family didn’t have a lot of money, and with four kids big trips were out of the question. So for the two week school holidays we would each choose one thing to do together over the two weeks – a movie we wanted to see, a trip to the ice rink or zoo – and a book.
Even though that was four events for six people and six books it still came out cheaper than just one night away.
It’s also left us all with great memories since we all did the things together.
by Louise — 8/25/08 at 9:33 am #
2. Louise,
Thanks for sharing your comments. What a great idea. If each person selects one thing to do and a book to share, the time will get filled rather quickly. In a time when many of us are thinking about ways to save here and there, enjoying the wonderful activities in and around our own cities can fill family time with wonderful memories . . . and isn’t that what we are all looking for anyway?
Thanks again!
by Deb — 8/25/08 at 4:26 pm #