Close-to-home Vacations Replace Summer Travel for Budget-conscious Families

Between the rise of food and gas prices and decline of housing values and job security, many families are foregoing family travel and instead choosing to take a "staycation" and explore their community offerings.

"Staycations"

"Staycations" have entered the American lexicon as families find creative ways to save money by foregoing the traditional family vacation and remaining close to home. Fortunately, a staycation can be the perfect opportunity to participate in nearby activities, organizations, and destinations that families are otherwise too busy to attempt.

Staycation destinations can be anything from a state park, the local museum or aquarium, or any of the seasonal community offerings such as art fairs and festivals. Cook elaborate meals, sample from the local winery, or spend a week walking along the beach. Everyone's vacation style is different and the staycation should match it.

Buy Local

Even well-traveled individuals often have not been to the many cultural institutions in their own backyards. The staycation is the ideal opportunity to take advantage of the local culture where you live. Visit the local museums to which the tourists flock. Purchase a membership or visit the library and check out a discount or free pass. Buy a state beach or park pass and explore surrounding nature sites.

A quick perusal of the local paper or town website will likely provide different ideas to explore. During the summertime many communities have festivals and special happenings, such as car shows, farmer's markets, or even dockings of cruise ships and other sites. The destination can be impromptu and the planning minimal, which both lessens vacation stress and expenses.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Whether the staycation is a week or season-long, the vacation is a perfect opportunity to try new things or experience old favorites, for a fraction of the cost of a destination away from home. Additionally, because the vacation does not have to be time-limited, families can add in new activities whenever they like.

Create a contest to determine what is the best local ice cream parlor, you-pick-them fruit farm, beach, etc. and visit as many as possible. The promise of yet another perfect sundae is enough to make even the grumpiest "staycationer" smile. Every weekend let a different family member choose the destination and at the end of the month declare what establishment has the best lobster roll.

Regardless of whether or not the country is entering or in the midst of a recession, most families have less disposable income than in recent years and vacations are early on the chopping block. The important thing is to maintain the vacation spirit by stepping outside of day-to-day drudgery. Ignore the laundry and household chores during a staycation and focus on family time and fun, and enjoy the satisfaction of a less expensive vacation.