LesTout: Five Tips for a Relaxing Staycation

A “staycation,” which simply means to vacation at home, is a great way to save on food, gas and lodging while still having a relaxing vacation. And with gas and food prices on the rise, the “staycation” is the vacation of choice this summer. In fact, statistics show that two-thirds of Americans are either taking shorter road trips or no road trips at all this summer.

Here are five tips for a relaxing “staycation” so you can feel refreshed and ready to go back to work:

Plan an itinerary

Plan your staycation as you would any other vacation – with start and end dates. Make sure to plan trips to nearby beaches, museums, amusement parks, etc. – places that you and your family have always wanted to see.

Avoid chores

This is your holiday so only do the minimal amount of chores. Instead, spend lots of time outside enjoying your backyard and neighborhood. On rainy days, do what you would do if you were in Hawaii – rent some videos or go shopping at your nearby mall.

Do something adventurous

You will want to have some great memories to talk about for years to come so plan an outing that is adventurous and fun. Some ideas are boating or scuba diving (if you live near an ocean or lake), backpacking in the mountains or bike riding. Even a camping in the backyard can be a fun activity for the whole family.

Treat yourself

Spend one night at a local hotel, eat at a posh restaurant or go to a day spa. For those on a tight budget, try turning your bathroom into a spa! You will want to go back to work feeling refreshed so make sure you leave time to pamper yourself.

Take photos and videos

Just as you would on a regular vacation, take lots of pictures
and videos to remember the wonderful memories from your 2008 staycation!

Remember that the goal of your staycation is to relax, make great memories and go back to work refreshed.