How to Vacation Cheap with a Staycation

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By cheapcindy
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Staycation

Vacations are a time to get away from it all and relax. This doesn't have to mean an expensive trip to the Caribbean. In fact, you can vacation without leaving your home town. Here are some ways to vacation cheap with a staycation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Plan your staycation just as you would any other vacation. Decide where you will go, what you will do, how much money you have to spend etc. Also take into consideration the types of meals you'll eat and where they will be eaten. This can depend on the type of staycation you choose.
Step 2

Consider staying at home for your vacation. You can go sightseeing or enjoy activities during the day, but return home for your main meals and to sleep at night to avoid the expense of food costs and a hotel.
Step 3

Another option would be to look for inexpensive hotels in your area or nearby towns. Hotel stays are usually cheaper midweek than on weekends if you can arrange it. Make food costs cheaper by avoiding expensive restaurants that cater to tourists or pack snacks with you and picnic in local parks.
Step 4

Check with your local chamber of commerce or tourist center for ideas on local sights to see and special events that may be happening locally. Many communities provide concerts in the park, community movie nights, arts and crafts fairs, local festivals and other inexpensive or free events that you can attend as a way to vacation cheap with your staycation.

Many local attractions also provide free admission days, such as museums or local factory tours. Check to see what's available in your area.

Some examples of free attractions can be found in the resources section below.
Step 5

Decide if camping is an option. Check for local campgrounds or state parks where you can pitch your own tent or rent an inexpensive cabin. The costs are usually much cheaper than a hotel and food costs can be kept to a minimum with groceries brought from home and cooked over a campfire. Spend the days hiking, discovering nature or just relaxing at the campsite. Some campgrounds provide recreation centers including swimming pools, indoor and outdoor game facilities and more.
Step 6

Use your imagination. You might want to turn your own backyard into a vacation resort. Splurge for comfortable lounge chairs and a nice BBQ or outdoor fireplace if your budget allows. Just make sure you leave to work and worry behind. This might mean turning off the phone and staying off the computer.

Gather the family together and see what fun ideas you can come up with. You'll find there are several ways to vacation cheap with a staycation.