What is a staycation anyway?

An increasingly popular way to get away from it all is to go nowhere. Believe it or not, you can have plenty of fun by staying in your own neck of the woods. It’s called a “staycation,” where you pack zero bags, never fight traffic and don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to fill up the gas tank. For those who just want time with their families or a break from the office, the staycation is a great way to relax without busting the budget.

How do you take a staycation?

Just like when taking a real vacation—you need a plan. When you go on a week-long vacation out of state, you don’t take work with you, and you enjoy time spent relaxing and making memories with family. When you take a staycation, do the same thing!

Don’t check in with work or worry about what you’re missing at the office. Turn off all your devices and limit the TV binge watching—this is your chance to focus on quality time with no interruptions and enjoy not having anything looming on the to-do list. You’re on staycation, after all!

Don’t forget to budget!

A staycation is budget friendly, but be sure you do make a budget for what you want to spend beforehand. Devise a meal plan and budget for how often you’ll be eating out. Unexpected costs add up quickly, and you don’t want to deal with that kind of stress on your staycation! There are plenty of ways to be creative (and thrifty) without losing the fun factor.

So, what do you do on a staycation?

Take a nap

Start your staycation off right with a little rest and relaxation. How many times do you get the chance to close your eyes and catch some ZZZ’s in the middle of the day? Set up a hammock and take a snooze outside!

Read a good book

How many books do you have collecting dust on the shelf? Sure, you’re always wanting to read one, but there never seems to be enough time in the day. Now is your chance to dive into a good read—or several!

Get outside

Take a hike in the great outdoors or enjoy a peaceful walk in a nearby park. Pack a lunch for the trip and enjoy a picnic with your family, or even grab your running shoes to work in some exercise!

Explore your city

Visit free museums, bookstores and that coffee shop you’re always meaning to check out. Are there any historic sites or tourist spots you’ve never been to? Use this opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of your city!

Have fun in the backyard

If the weather is nice, why not enjoy the beauty of your own backyard? Create some fun family memories! Put up a tent in the backyard, light the fire pit and make s’mores, or even spend an afternoon having a water balloon fight. If you supply the water and a sprinkler, the kids can even turn it into their own water park!

Have a movie night

You don’t have to leave your house to catch a good flick. Rent a movie—or even better—check one out from the library for free. Buy some popcorn, chips and candy from the dollar store and you have all the makings for a great (and cheap) movie night.

Plan a game night

Monopoly, Battleship, Clue—these games never go out of style! Dust off the board games and invite your family and friends over to enjoy the simplicity of a game night. Need to add a new game to the rotation? Check out Act You Wage—the first player to become debt-free wins the game!

Take up a DIY project

Family bonding and bowling go hand in hand! Who can resist a little friendly competition? Going to a bowling alley during the middle of the week can be surprisingly affordable. Did you know many bowling alleys even let kids bowl for free? Check out the deals during less popular hours.

Of course, these are just a few ideas to get your gears turning. Sit down with your family and come up with your own list of things you can enjoy together while on staycation!

Whatever you plan to do during your staycation, make sure it fits within your budget! Download our budgeting app EveryDollar, so you don’t overspend while on your staycation!

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