In times of financial difficulties, the thought of family vacation abroad or even driving over to a camping site at a national park may seem too stressful rather than relaxing. You cannot afford jetting off to an exotic island, but you still need some time off. May be it is time to look for fun activities nearby so you don’t have to travel and incur unnecessary expenses.
One idea for an exciting staycation is to pack a picnic and go to the local park. You can prepare chocolate chip cookies, home made potato chips, macaroni salad, fudge cake, or anything that’s your kids’ favorite. You can bring a ball, fly a kite, play board games or cards – there are plenty of possibilities. If you are planning a winter staycation, organizing an outdoor picnic will hardly be an option. A game night or home tournament will be a better way to spend your time. Some relatively inexpensive and fun ideas for your at-home vacation include spending the afternoon at the aquarium or the zoo, touring local museums, and going to the local library. You can check out your kids’ favorite books (and a couple of yours) and spend the day reading.
If there is a water park or amusement park nearby, why don’t you spend the day having as many rides as all of you like to. Try the ones you never dared before.
You can plan adult-only activities if the kids will be away (or you don’t have children yet). Look for cruise offers if you live close to a lake or river or plan winery tour with wine-tasting. Check for historic home tours or have a ski-lift ride off season. You can also combine in-town bed and breakfast with a visit to the community theater and a romantic dinner.
Camping is another idea for a low-cost vacation for the two of you. Look for a camping site that is well-connected with some major attractions in your area.
Even if you are afraid that your staycation will be a boring one, think of the benefits. You will spend less money (your credit cards need some rest 
), support the local economy and tourism, and spend more time together. Moreover, you will be in control of the vacation plan and the itinerary rather than planning your vacation to match flight times and train schedules. You will not wait in line at airports, having to respond to questions like ‘have you packed your bag yourself’. Body search and baggage inspection are other unpleasant procedures you will avoid on an at-home vacation. You have surely heard your friends and relatives saying ‘I need another vacation to recover from this one’. That is because travel comes with hassle.
Although you will spend your vacation at home, try to treat it as a traditional vacation. Plan a start and end date and devote as much time as possible to spending time together, having fun, and relaxing. You have to do your best to unplug from work and your daily routine – from the compulsion to have everything done – as to have a great at-home vacation.
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