Although autumn days are near, that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to summer just yet! Make good use of the lingering pleasant weather and support your hometown too by taking a staycation. The term was first used in 2005, but if you’re not familiar with it, the word just means having a good time without straying too far from the community in which you live.
Some people might avoid taking vacations at all because they find it’s too difficult to plan schedules or budget for something that’s too far in the future. Others are also discovering how traditional vacations don’t fit their ideals of environmental sustainability. All these problems can be handily bypassed by taking a staycation, as explained by CJ Pony Parts, Inc. in their new motion graphic. Check out the video below to find out how to have one of your own and make memories that’ll last a lifetime.
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Depend on Local Resources
Options for fun things to do will vary depending on where you live, but community newspapers, websites and magazines are great ways to kickstart the planning process. Some of those information sources may specifically group activities types together by age appropriateness or price range, making your task even easier.
Team Up with Your Neighbors
If you have a good relationship with the people who live around you, why not ask them to join you on the adventure? By carpooling to your destination, you could save on the cost of fuel and toll prices. Also, there’s usually more fun to be had in groups, especially when all participating families have kids who appreciate spending time with playmates.
Be Aware of Weather Forecasts
Camping, nature walks and tours of notable historical sites are all possibilities for staycations that occur outdoors. Be practical and monitor the weather forecast for the days up to and including when your staycation will take place. If Mother Nature throws a curveball, don’t despair! Just be flexible and come up with a few indoor alternatives.
Look at Your House with a Fresh Perspective
Although a staycation might take place in the area you live, one can also happen at home. Improve an open plot of land by planting a modest vegetable garden, settle in for a movie marathon or realize how your spacious kitchen offers ample room for hosting a cocktail party for close friends. There’s a good chance your house already has plenty of opportunities to pursue, so you won’t even have to buy anything to get your staycation started.
Clearly, a staycation offers an appealing way to steer clear of rising airfare costs, hotel room booking hassles and a shortage of vacation days that make it hard to plan extravagant getaways. Decide to take one now to enjoy the last days of summer in a fun and environmentally conscious way.
Adrienne Erin is a freelance writer who enjoys her vacations with a side of sustainability. She writes about travel for a variety of publications, including local newspapers, Ask Miss A, and From a Traveller’s Desk. To see more of her work, follow her on Twitter at @adrienneerin.
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