Most communities put great effort into attracting visitors and tourists. When vacationing out-of-town we all use marketing materials, websites and other information resources to plan our special get-away. For an equally fun and memorable “staycation” in your own town, you just need to think like a tourist. By approaching your own community with a new spirit of discovery, you are likely to find many fascinating things you regularly overlook.
1. Planning - The key to a successful staycation in planning. Approach your hometown vacation the same way you would when visiting a place far way. Go to your local visitors bureau website to research attractions, events and other suggestions for tourists. Use travel websites such as travel.yahoo.com and tripadvisor.com for advice and reviews about traveling to your city. Pick up tourist brochures in the lobby of a local hotel. Many ideas may be places you pass by regularly, but in a vacation mind-set they offer plenty of opportunity for adventure and fun. Together with your staycation group of family or friends, use this information to create an actual itinerary. Plan at least one new activity each day to spark the anticipation so central to any successful vacation.
2. Attractions and entertainment: Many museums and attractions have special rates on one or more weekdays, when most locals are busy working. Visiting a historic location or gallery mid-week can result in fewer crowds and a more leisurely experience. Check out, not only the major museums, but plan visits to smaller, specialized galleries and attractions. Be sure to look for resident discounts on attraction websites. A staycation also provides a great opportunity to experience lesser-known and local artists, often playing clubs on weeknights. Some theatrical venues have great mid-week specials.
3. Eating: As in all areas, the key is to change your routine. Choose a neighborhood (other than your own), and find small, locally owned restaurants that you’ve never tried. Switch up your routine and have your large meal of the day midday, when many restaurants offer daytime specials. Then in the evening, opt for light or hearty munchies over a game of cards or a family movie. In many areas, farm tours, food factory experiences and wine tasting rooms cater to visitors. Take advantage of them. For the more adventurous, visit an ethnic deli or grocery and try eating (or even cooking) a new cuisine.
4. Transportation: While it may be tempting to simply rely on the family car as usual, consider taking other types of transportation for some of your activities. Does you community have bike paths? Park the car and take public transportation for your day of museum hopping. Some communities even have trolleys, ferries and other local transportation geared towards tourists. Adding these to your itinerary can provide a whole new perspective.
5. Shopping: While the mall or suburban superstore may be the daily standard in your normal routine, vacations (and staycations) are perfect for discovering and browsing locally-owned specialty shops. Determine a small budget and then go souvenir shopping, picking up trinkets that are unique to your area.
6. Create a photo tour: Choose a theme, grab a camera and set out to see things you haven’t noticed before. Go downtown and look up. Many older communities have buildings with beautiful architectural details that we rarely take time to see, but are wonderful subjects for creating an artistic photo collection. Or visit the local zoo and have the kids snap photos of the animals to use in creating their own zoo guide. Visit the local history section of your library, get the back story about local landmarks and then set out on a photo scavenger hunt.
7. Making your home seem like a home-away-from-home: Think about the types of activities that are part of past family vacations at the lake or out of town family reunions. Jigsaw puzzles, board games, and taking an after dinner walk can bring back those feeling of leisure. If you really feel like splurging, hire a week of maid service. A once a day visit for making beds, vacuuming and general straightening up would leave lots more time for exploring and give you a bit of pampered hospitality.
A staycation can be a fun and memorable experience for you and your entire family. Without the stress of “getting there” and the expense of out-of-town lodging, you might just find that your new favorite vacation spot is your own hometown!
