Five Great Ideas For A Stay At Home Vacation

Families used to count on going on vacation once a year, but many are finding it too costly to travel on holiday these days. Even if you can’t afford a get-away this year, there are still many exciting activities you can indulge in for fun. Vacations might not be an option this year, so try a staycation. Here are some ideas to whet your appetite.

You’ll be amazed at how much fun you can have during a “renovation staycation.” Pick one room to make over completely and go to work with paint, polish up fixtures, and rearrange furniture. Try turning your bedroom into a romantic retreat by adding inexpensive touches like fuzzy pillows and cashmere throws. Updating lampshades and minor accessories can really make a world of difference in your decor.

Get out and explore a museum, library or local art gallery for a day of culture. Check out historic sites near your town and investigate what it is that makes your city or state special. New Jersey is the “Garden State,” and Missouri is the “Show me State,” so go to the bookstore and find out why this is so. Not only will you learn something about your state, you’ll have fun doing research as you do.

Schedule a day of you-time by going to a day spa, perhaps even getting a manicure and pedicure. Make time for a massage, and get your hair done in a different, dramatic style. You might consider changing the color of your hair or adding highlights. If you’re open to the idea, you may want to try out a henna tattoo.

Each night of the week of your vacation can have a theme, such as “picture day.” This could be a day for you to see a film at the theater, then rent a movie for later on at home. Get out your camera and take a picture of the sunset, nature, or some other beautiful scene to complete this themed day. Another theme could be “animal day,” and, on that day, you can take your family to the zoo, then watch “Animal Planet” at home later on. “Sports day” could involve going to a local sports game, and then renting “Rocky” later on that night.

Check the local weather forecast and, if it’s going to be a nice day, get outside and get physical. Consider hiking, which will get you out into nature and will get your blood pumping, or camping out under the stars. Try to gather a group of friends who will camp out with you without the technological gadgets we’ve all come to rely on so you can be in touch with nature and each other while enjoying a night under the stars.

Money is always a factor when we think about a vacation, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to find fun during your time off from work. With a bit of research, you can find interesting sights to visit in your town and you can have a fabulous stay at home vacation you’ll really enjoy.

Ellen Parsons has written dozens of articles on accredited online colleges and online universities for mid-career professionals.