The last year has certainly been a new experience for all of us, especially for families like ours who enjoy traveling. But one thing that travel-loving families have done to cure their travel woes is planning a staycation. Sometimes constant travel outside of our hometown or state can lead us to forget the fun activities and places to visit that we have at home. When you’re used to traveling internationally or hundreds of miles away from home, a staycation may sound boring. You may not even know where to start. But that’s where I come in. I’ve put together some tips to help you successfully plan a staycation.
Set a budget
Like with anything travel-related, a budget matters when planning a staycation. Staycations are traditionally the more economical option versus an international vacation, but with things in demand for some of the best locations, you might find that prices have started to creep up. Consider how much you want to spend and set your budget accordingly. This will help you highlight the perfect accommodation and areas that will be within your spending limit. You might also want to factor in how much you want to spend during your vacation, as you may find that you need to organize things to do.
Related: Printable Safety, Preparedness, and Budget Worksheets
Pick a Staycation Location that Suits your Needs
The next thing to consider is location. Location always matters. It matters for your budget, activities, dining, and more. It’s important to take into consideration the interests of everyone with whom you’re traveling, too. Trust me, you don’t want to go somewhere people won’t enjoy. Whether it is walking or hiking, relaxing, or even being active, make sure it’s the right choice for everyone. Choosing the location isn’t just about where you are going to stay, it is also about what you can do when you get there. So knowing what interests you all means you can factor that into the decision-making process.
Related: Travel Tips for a Successful Family Vacation
Think Outside The Box
There is no denying that with a staycation you are presented with the opportunity to do something a bit different. So don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. If you have never camped before maybe now is the time to do it? As a family who often road trips, we have often toyed around with the idea of renting an RV. RVs are a great option because you have your “hotel” and dining all in one. If you’re used to beach vacations you should consider a city break or even time out in the country. Remember to use your staycation as a chance to try new things.
Related: Road Trip with Baby: A Survival Guide for Parents on Long Car Trips
Be Mindful of What You Pack
Staycations mean you’ll be using your vehicle for transportation, a quick nap, or a quick change of clothes. This means you won’t pack as you would normally do for a regular vacation. In addition to the clothing and toiletries you need, you may also need to pack things you ordinarily wouldn’t. Perhaps bed linen or towels, food if you plan on cooking versus dining at a restaurant. You may even consider bringing along things that you want to do while you are at your destination there such as water sports equipment, things for hiking, or board games. considering all the things you need to bring, the space you thought you had gets taken up rather quickly. Be strategic when packing for your family staycation.
Plan for the time you are away
Finally, a great way to ensure that you enjoy your staycation this year is to plan your itinerary of things to do. As a Virgo, I am “big” on planning. Without some kind of structure, it’s easy to slip into your average weekend routine. Make sure you research your destination(s) to ensure you make the most of every minute you have with your family. Don’t worry about knocking off everything from your list. Remember, the point of a staycation is to relax and have fun.
