With high gas prices and record inflation, you may not have the funds to take a vacation this summer. The good news is, staying close to home doesn’t have to mean sticking to the same old routines. Here are some easy, cheap and really fun staycation ideas:
Movie Marathon
If your idea of summer fun means plenty of air conditioning and a darkened room, this one’s for you. Pick a movie series – The Marvel movies, Star Wars, The Twilight Saga, The Godfather trilogy – whatever your pleasure, and allow yourself the time to watch them all in sequence. Whip up some fun snacks and drinks, lower the lights, turn off the phones and go to the movies – for hours and hours — in the comfort of your own home.
Backyard Camping
Campgrounds and national parks are going to be packed all summer. Avoid all that and set up a mini campsite right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent, cook over a fire, tell ghost stories – do all the things you normally would when camping, and enjoy the added bonus of having the comforts of home just a few steps away. Plus, it’s a perfect way to introduce little ones to the concept of camping, too.
DIY Waterpark
Skip the long lines, dirty water and overpriced concessions and transform your backyard into a water wonderland. Set up a Slip ‘n Slide, fire up the Super Soakers, turn on the hose, fill up a batch of water balloons and let the kids go crazy!
Spa Day
Gather your girlfriends, whip up some DIY spa treatments and spend the day pampering yourselves. Light some scented candles, play relaxing music, put out a few pitchers of fruit-infused water and enjoy some quiet time and catching up with the friends you haven’t seen much of lately.
Be a Tourist in Your Town
Chances are, there are events and attractions in your area you overlook, simply because they just become part of the background of everyday life. Look at your town through a tourists’ eyes and take advantage of all it has to offer. Refresh your memory on the local parks, museums, and special events, then spend the day experiencing the area as if it’s new to you.
Overnight Escape
If you have a little extra money in the budget, hop on one of the discount travel sites and a grab a hotel room in your town for the night for the ultimate staycation. Be sure to choose one that has a great pool, then pack an overnight bag and head over for a day and night of relaxation. You’ll be amazed at how just one or two nights away can leave you feeling refreshed. Some hotels and resorts even offer special staycation rates and packages just for locals, so be sure to ask.
