Staycations
Staycations, Daycations, Day-Tripping. Whatever you choose to call it, it’s a practical way of saving some money and enjoying your nearby surroundings. Travelers come from far and wide, visiting historical sites, museums, parks, lakes, and seaside areas in our own backyards, places that we just take for granted as being there, but rarely visit.
- No need to travel far from home. Try staying at a local hotel for one or two nights to get in the "vacation" mode. Choose one with an indoor pool and spa if you want to pamper yourself a little. Pick up some of their sight-seeing brochures to see what they suggest would be of interest to a tourist.
- Don’t overlook your local library for ideas. Check out the historic sites, forgotten ghost towns, museums, one of a kind antique shops, nearby Farmer's Markets.
- Try some new restaurants that you’ve been meaning to get to.
- Have you ever checked out the free concerts in your local parks? Many towns across the country have them. Also, look for the seasonal festivals around the holidays for family fun, boat races on the lake, fireworks displays, arts and crafts shows, Christmas shows.
- Take the kids to a local ballgame, bicycle ride through the local trails, do some hiking, visit the zoo and nearby nature centers, have a picnic in the park. Remember, it’s the quality time that matters.
- Are you close to any wineries that you’ve always wanted to visit, but never found the time? Now’s your chance.
- Try a new shopping outlet or mall.
- Take a scenic drive with the intent of stopping at small parks, lakes, or places of interest that you never really noticed before.
- Hop a bus or train to take you to your destination for a change of pace. The kids will love it.
- Live near New York City? When was the last time you visited the Statue of Liberty? See more inexpensive New York City Vacation Ideas.
- Are you close to Washington DC, Chicago, or San Francisco? Check out our pages for free and inexpensive vacation ideas.
- For those of you lucky enough to live close to the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean - an off-season walk on the boardwalk can be a very relaxing and enjoyable day trip. See our page on Jersey Shore Vacation Ideas.
The bottom line - a vacation is something to be enjoyed. Use your imagination in choosing things to do with your family that will leave a lasting impression of fun and family togetherness.