Experts say that this Memorial Day weekend will put an additional 48% cars on the American highways. This is the beginning of the busy summer travel period where many families are choosing to drive to nearby locations rather than paying airfares. Last year’s gas prices forced many people wanting to take a vacation to stay at home and enjoy the sites their cities and hometowns offer to tourists. The word “staycation” became a buzzword for last summer’s would-be vacationers and has held on strong for yet another summer. The New York Times defines a staycation as “"a neologism used by those who prefer to unravel the mysteries of the world from the comfort of their living room couches." One major benefit of planning a staycation is that it doesn’t involve stressful air travel and luggage restrictions. However, a successful staycation demands much of the same structure as a regular vacation.
Book a Hotel
If is in the budget, book a local hotel in another part of town that isn’t part of a daily commute. Hotel rates are already down by 17% in the big cities and even more in smaller, charming towns. Many hotels offer “resident discounts” to locals. Checking into a local hotel will also reduce the feeling of obligation of doing chores. Let someone else spread the bed for a change. If a hotel is not in the budget, then make the house feel like a hotel room. Put fresh new sheets on the bed and fresh cut flowers in the bedroom. Get all the chores and errands done before the staycation begins.
Schedule Staycation Dates
This will make the time off seem like a more regular vacation and not just free days that a sting of things just happen. Schedule a beginning and an ending for more structure. Also inform friends and family members about the vacation. Plug out the phone to limit contact at home.
Plan Activities
Buy a guidebook such as Frommers or Lonely Planet. These books give great local history as well as hotspots to visit written by local travel guides. Join a museum’s mailing list to receive the latest information of upcoming exhibitions. Newspapers and city magazines will advertise events, art shows and musical performances that can be penciled in on the staycation.
Record the Staycation
Start a travel blog, post pictures and videos online. There are many cool things that can be discovered about one’s hometown. Remember, tourists shell out money to witness what goes on in the backyards of many American towns.
