A staycation is a newly coined term for a period of time in which an individual or family stays and relaxes at home, or vacations in their own country, possibly taking day trips to area attractions.  Many of us are so busy working and keeping up with family needs that we do not take the time to enjoy what can be found in our area.

For my family, we live in Central Ohio.  Within 2 hours of us, we have the largest Amish Community, Hocking Hills with great camping and hiking, a very nice zoo, two water parks, one of the Great Lakes, and more that I do not even know about!  Staying home is a wonderful way to enjoy getting some good rest, enjoying family, having cook-outs, inviting friends over, and taking some day trips if we would like.

In its summer vacation survey, the American Automobile Association said the average North American vacation would cost $244 per day for two people for lodging and meals. The priciest destination would be Honolulu, where room and food for two adults will average $673 a day.  That is a lot of money to spend.  If you stay home, you save the cost of the food and lodging and can use the money to enjoy the sites in your area while enjoying an overall savings.

Here are a few ideas to enjoy a wonderful staycation…

• Turn Off The Phone, Computer, Television, and other electronics.
• Don’t be afraid to try something new or visit a place you have never been.
• Remember to not over-book yourself.  A key to a great vacation is to feel refreshed not exhausted when it is over!
• Do not be afraid to splurge.  This is where you can take a bit of your savings from not traveling to enjoy something you would not normally do.  Just remember to balance the splurges with savings!
• Ask your friends and family in the area some of their favorite places to visit.  They may enjoy somewhere that you have never been to and would make a great spot to visit.
• Check out the local chamber of commerce or visitor’s bureau.  They have lists and guides to attractions of every type in your city.  They will often have an excellent website to help you plan your staycation.
• Be sure to take advantage of special offers.  I would encourage you to check out the places where you plan to visit.  See if they offer specials certain lower traffic weeks that would allow you to enjoy more savings.  If your vacation time is flexible, plan to take advantage of these less expensive times.

Most of all, remember that a vacation of any type is about relaxation and family along with fun!  Saving money only adds to the relaxing and fun!!!