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Save Money By Taking a Staycation Instead of a Vacation!

July 13, 2017 by jlpenner 2 Comments

Skipping the vacation this year?

I don’t blame you, and many Americans are joining us! There are so many ideas for having a vacation in your own town – also known as a Staycation. There are a few ideas in this post, but I also love this site that gives you ideas for Staycations, so be sure to check it out!

When staycationing, treat it just like a real vacation. Forward your calls, put an auto-responder on your email, and if you can, just put your phone on silent so you aren’t interrupted. You want your family to realize this is just like a vacation. Tell your friends and extended family that you are on vacation from this day until this day and ask them to respect that. No calling and asking favors just because you’re vacationing in town.

Be a Tourist

Wherever you live, get a Visitor’s Guide, look up the closest big city and search online for tourist attractions. Visit the St. Louis Arch if you live in Missouri, the Empire State Building if you live in New York, or the Willis (Sears) Tower if you’re from Chicago. It can be so much fun to be a tourist in your own town. You’ll find things you never even heard of before, if you dig deep enough.

Also see: 9 Ways to Save Money on Your Next Road Trip

Take a Different Route

If you’ve already driven downtown a million times, try taking a bike – or riding a train. See your city through new eyes. Pack your camera, backpack, and other tourist-y gear and get going. Eat at restaurants you’ve never tried, and check out things (like local parks, vineyards, or even a garden) that you may have missed in the past.

Hop On Over

If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, hop over to the next big city and take a tour. Chicago is only five hours from St. Louis, so as a compromise, instead of staying at home – or taking a 6 day cruise – it would be like taking a mini vacation. Chances are, there are a few big cities worth checking out within a few hours of where you live. Do some research, and talk to the kids about it. Maybe they can help you decide! If you’re deadlocked, flip a coin. πŸ™‚

Stay Home

If you are on a really tight budget, stay home and have a Movie Day. Rent some movies from Redbox, get some snacks, and make a day of vegging out in front of the tube. Let each family member pick a movie and snack. Order pizza for dinner, and continue vegging through the evening. πŸ™‚

What is your best staycation tip?

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Filed Under: Series on Frugal Living Tagged With: Travel

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Comments

  1. lalas57 says

    May 11, 2014 at 10:46 am

    We let the kids "camp out" on the living room or when it's warm enough on our screened in porch. We let them invite their cousins or a friend each - there isn't too much of an age difference so all get along pretty well. They pack their backpacks with their must haves, we give them flashlights & the battery lanterns & a cooler with drinks & snacks. We have moved the big tv for them so they can watch a movie like at the drive-in & make popcorn or Chex mix... We have had nights of meteor showers or other astronomical events & have the telescope &, binoculars for them to get a better look, We have listened in & laugh as they make up stories they think are scary or tell their jokes, & they know we are a holler away 'just in case" We live in the country, we have coyotes, bear, bobcats & many other critters that make it unsafe for us to let the kids camp out in our yard, but if you live in an area where the kids are safe outdoors over night how about a tent & a real camp out in your backyard? With a little imagination & little money you can let the kids have a great time!
    Reply
  2. Melanie says

    June 2, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    I don't have young kids but am planning to enjoy my staycation by working on a couple fun projects I want to do, taking a couple day trips to small towns I haven't been to and lounging by the pool. Looking forward to it!
    Reply

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