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The beauty of travel is that it allows us to relax, have fun, and try new things. Sometimes though, because finances are tight or life gets in the way, we can’t get away for a trip. But don’t fret! Just because you can’t leave town doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some travel adventures. A staycation is a great opportunity to try new things in your own hometown. Here are some tips to help you plan the perfect staycation for your family!
Tip #1: Think Like a Tourist
The trick to making a staycation feel like a real vacation is your mindset. Go into this “trip” thinking like a tourist instead of a local. Plan the trip like you would any other. Look at your hometown like you have never been there before. Make it your goal to see how many new things you can do during your time. To add an extra sense of fun, pretend your family is from somewhere else and you are on an exotic vacation! This will help you to look at your city with a fresh set of eyes.
Need some help doing this? Check out my tips for becoming a tourist in your own hometown.
Tip #2: Do Your Research
You may think you know everything your city has to offer, but do you really? Are there some hidden gems that you don’t know about? Do you know all the specifics on the touristy things to do? It’s important to do your research before taking a trip. And this is no different. Look at guidebooks. Search Tripadvisor for things to do and restaurants to try. Is there a festival or special event going on that you didn’t know about? You may be surprised by what you find! Research may help you find discounts on local attractions. Plus, researching your staycation will help you to think like a tourist.
Tip #3: Hotel or Home?
One of the biggest decisions to make when planning the perfect staycation is whether to stay at your home or in a local hotel. If the budget is super tight, then staying at home is a smart move. However, if you can swing it, try staying in a hotel. It will help you feel like you are actually getting away. Your kids will have fun sleeping in a hotel so close to home.
Staying in a hotel will add to the sense of adventure for the whole family. We once stayed in a downtown hotel in our hometown on July 4th. Our primary reason for doing so was to avoid fighting the traffic after the fireworks. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable holiday weekends we’ve ever had. Staying in a nice hotel made the whole experience extra special.
Tip #4: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Traveling to some place new, by definition, pushes you out of your comfort zone. This, in turn, brings with it the desire to explore new things. To have the perfect staycation, you need to create that same adventurous spirit. Get out of your comfort zone by planning things you never considered doing before. Explore a new neighborhood. Visit an attraction you have never been to before. Try a new activity that sounds interesting. See your city from a new perspective.
Tip #5: Try New Restaurants
We all have our favorite restaurants around town. But, if you were traveling to a new place, you would probably eat at new-to-you restaurants. So, eating during your staycation should be no different. Make a point during your “trip” to eat at places you’ve never been to before. If there is a restaurant you have been wanting to try, now is a perfect time to do so. If there is a place you have never considered before, take a chance. You may find a new favorite!
Conclusion
Traveling is a wonderful way to connect with your family while getting away from the rut of ordinary life. But, sometimes, getting away just isn’t possible. You can still break out of the grind of life without getting out of town by planning the perfect staycation for your family. Think like a tourist, get out of your comfort zone, try new things, and I guarantee your staycation will feel like a real vacation. Whether you venture across town or around the world, have fun! For more staycation ideas, see our creative staycation ideas for kids, what to do when you can’t travel, and how to enjoy the Disney parks at home. Happy travels!
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