The Stay-cation...

[mousehockey37]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'll ask anyway.

I'm in a non-Disney year or two (just went last fall) and I'm coming into a need for a break from work. I live in a tourist trap town, so to go anywhere will be outside the spending limits, and to do anything close to home, yeah, outside the spending limits...

So what do you do for a "Stay-cation" on years when you can't afford to really go anywhere to "get away"?

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Is there a hotel with a nice pool near you? Sometimes it is nice to just be away from you house. Check in on Friday afternoon, go to dinner somewhere you might not get to go often. Spend Saturday at the hotel pool or maybe a show or concert in town. Check out Sunday but go to a nice brunch before you head home.

 

[Lemurone]

Without knowing where you are it's hard to say, but vrbo is fun to browse locations within a couple hours or so drive away and you can generally find affordable rates. I've found beaches I didn't know existed by looking thru their city listings around me.

 

[bababear_50]

Hi Mousehockey
I've gone from going to Disney twice a year to once a year, I now go for Spring break each year.

I really miss having something to plan and look forward to. I miss Disney at Christmas , BUT I do like
spending time with my family for Christmas.

My idea of a Christmas Break "Stay-cation" is NO cooking-cleaning and I love shopping even if it is just window shopping.

For a "Stay-cation" I am looking for, spa, hot tub, pool, sauna-wet steam room, continental breakfast-I'm an early riser and I want to just hop downstairs and get a cup of coffee in my pj's.
I like a good movie or an evening theatre production.
I hate snow and getting away even if it's a short 2-4 days is a blessing.

Niagara Falls (Canadian) side is only 40 minutes away from me and this year it seemed to fit the "Stay-cation"
must haves and a few I didn't realize I was even interested in.
The indoor Water Park , The Christmas Fireworks ,Outdoor Light Display and Hot Chocloate at the Hershey's store
were a nice bonus.
This is my Non Disney planning page
http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/events/

We may even plan a late Summer Break-"Stay-cation" in Niagara falls.

Best wishes finding your perfect "Stay-cation"

Hugs Mel

 

[MomToOne]

Staycations to me mean staying at home - no hotels allowed. So my answer is based on that.

I'm a big zoo fan, so a day at one of the big ones within driving distance is usually on my list. Knowing our zoos and the food available, in this case I'd just buy food there.

We are also in an area with lots of outdoor activities, so a day hike or two would make my list, with a nice packed lunch break somewhere along the way. Maybe splurge a bit on nicer picnic foods. Another similar activity is a long bike ride at a local reservoir.

I also do stupid things like just getting a wading pool, blow it up in the backyard and soak in that with lots of margaritas flowing LOL BBQ for dinner, followed by a DVD and homemade cookie/ice cream sandwiches (to minimize the work and maximize the vacation feel, just buy those ready to pop-in-the-oven cookies).

An afternoon or evening at the movies is fun too. We now have one of those movie theaters that serves food, we go there when we want it to be more of an "event".

Add all of that to just a few meals out at local casual restaurants, and I'm happy!

 

[mistysue]

Last year was stressful and we just needed extra down time so we actually built a huge sandbox, got a kiddie pool and started hanging out in the backyard beach. We contacted a landscape company to just dump a truck of sand in the backyard so we essentially built a 8'x20' beach for just over $150. We also picked up a $50 fire pit. It was nice to get home some days and think "today sucked, I'm going back to the beach" and just walk out the back door. I hate grass so it made yard maintenance that much less annoying for most of the year. I realize that is not an option for a lot of people because of HOA's and such but we don't have one.

You said you live in a tourist trap, is there any chance your library has a program where you "check out" tickets to local attractions? Mine discontinued it but some libraries have a limited allotment of passes to hand out- it will be like "group of 4 for X place between these dates." That might get you into something more easily.

I always figured a "staycation" would mean just taking time off and hanging around the house doing nothing. I would probably watch some TV show as a marathon, play video games or build some interesting craft. My DD's class had a project this year to make putt putt golf courses. Kids made them out of fabric, boxes, PVC pipe, and random toys and then you play golf on them. You could save boxes for a few weeks and have a family competition for those course is the most fun.

 

[Narnia_girl]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I'll ask anyway.

I'm in a non-Disney year or two (just went last fall) and I'm coming into a need for a break from work. I live in a tourist trap town, so to go anywhere will be outside the spending limits, and to do anything close to home, yeah, outside the spending limits...

So what do you do for a "Stay-cation" on years when you can't afford to really go anywhere to "get away"?

Sounds like you want to try to spend no money or very little. If that's the case you need to become a "freebie" detective. I'd check your local newspaper/TV community calendars for events that are free or very cheap. Our park district does free summer concerts, movies in the park, free museum days, discount pool days, etc... I bet if you look at community calendars, the visitor's and convention bureau, Chamber of Commerce and the public library you'll find several options.
Also, be willing to try new things, especially if they are free. Maybe you aren't the classical music type, but the local symphony gives a free summer concert--give it a try!

Check out Pinterest for backyard party, games and carnival ideas. Try to incorporate them without spending a lot of money. Even inviting friends over for a movie you've seen a bunch can be fun, if you make it a theme night.

Have fun!

 

[brymolmom]

I think it would be good to know your budget OP...Do you have a small amount to work with?

I agree with 'staycation' being a 'no hotels' limit. Not sure what is around you but some ideas if it was mine:
1) State park within 1 - 2 hour drive. Small fee to enter - bring a yummy picnic lunch and do some hiking. Good exercise, usually beautiful scenery and cheap!
2) FREE or CHEAP movies. We have a Movies 10 theater near me - movies are only $1 or $2 - I know during my regular life - I have very little time to go to movies...On a staycation - I would Go to a couple of them here - and spring for a HUGE popcorn!
3) Free music in the evenings. In towns around here - there are free 'music in the park' nights in the spring/summers. Look up some towns in your area - you might find some REALLY GOOD musicians. Go and enjoy for free.
4) Explore something nearby but off the beaten path. Almost everyone has things right in their own town/city that they haven't seen or done, but is right there. Look up GROUPONS in your town and maybe you'll find a deal for half off white water rafting, a hot air balloon ride, or a little-known museum.
5) Take some time to cook something new. I rarely have time for this during regular life...And it can be cheap and fun - and yummy.
6) Also on food - explore someplace NEW for a meal. Look up some reviews online - find somewhere that is inexpensive and surprisingly good!

Most important, for me, on a staycation - NO CLEANING ALLOWED. Pretend you're on vacation - use paper plates if you need to so you can throw them out - but don't spend your time cleaning!

 

[bababear_50]

Well if I have to stay home (no Hotel).........................
I would

1. Set up the tent in the backyard and invite a girlfriend over.

This tent would have to have lots of extra sleeping bags and comfy blankets and extra pillows Can you tell I'm a resort kind of girl.

2. Order in Chinese food.
3. Turn off my cell phone.
4. Open a good bottle of wine.
5. Light the fire pit.
6. Makes S'mores or toast marshmallows
7. Watch a good movie .
8 Chat with a friend.

I may actually try this with my Grandaughter, minus the wine.


Hugs Mel

 

[StitchBuddy]

If you have a lake near by, go to the lake. We by floats and attach them to an anchor and play around in the water. Eat a picnic lunch or just a bunch of snack foods. it's a fun relaxing day. Go play mini golf one day, we always get coupons in the mail for it. Our schools also give out bowling vouchers for the summer. Look for anything cheap.

 

[leebee]

We are always trying to come up with ideas of what to do in our area. There's all kinds of things, but we seem to do the same few things over and over. Check Trip Advisor or go to AAA and see if they can help you find some fun, interesting, different, affordable things to do.

 

[hsmamato2]

hmmmm usually a touristy town means there is a lot to see and do...and frequently there are cheap and free bargains in such places.... have you googled for options? If you're staying home then you mean day trips,right? Otherwise my fave cheapest to do is go camp for a couple of days with friends, somewhere the kids can enjoy themselves, like a beach or fishing or canoeing area..... I think it depends on your kids ages too...what they enjoy. Libraries are great resources for free fun,discounted bowling and movies, discounted restaurant things like groupon, etc. hiking biking,canoeing,swimming, walking, finding free local tours...picnics, etc etc.Do you have to stay right in your own town,as in no car? sometimes a 30 minute drive can end up being cheaper overall.... in our case if we are really spending nothing we will wait to visit the beach till they stop charging admission later in the evening,etc,or find a spot where it's free to enter.

 

[hsmamato2]

Oh, I forgot.... if you have no $$$ and want some fun, host a picnic in your yard,or bonfire,or outdoor movie,etc etc. Easy,fun,cheap. My fave is bonfire nights- snacks,desserts,and 'fire food' only! Everyone is invited to bring their favorite of the above list,we lay it all on the tables, and enjoy a nice night together! we provide the yard, the fire, the sticks for cooking.... the music.....

 

[worm761]

Google things to do in your area. Act like a tourist and research what there is to do that is free or cheap. Order the tourist information. Go to your local tourist office or welcome center.

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

The most important part of a stay-cation is making sure to "disconnect" from real life as much as possible.

No phones, do not answer the door for the neighbor children, do not do any chores or work! The real world must be eschewed for the slothful bliss that comes from vacation.

For example, during our real lives the kids eat oatmeal, drink water or milk only with meals, and have fruits and vegetables with every meal. Dessert is a once a week treat. We are early to bed and early to rise! Screen time is limited.

On stay-cation we drink soda, eat pop tarts, have a giant bowl of ice cream for dinner, stay up late, sleep in late, and oftentimes spend the entire day in our pajamas while watching marathon sessions of movies!

 

[tarheel618]

The most important part of a stay-cation is making sure to "disconnect" from real life as much as possible.

No phones, do not answer the door for the neighbor children, do not do any chores or work! The real world must be eschewed for the slothful bliss that comes from vacation.

For example, during our real lives the kids eat oatmeal, drink water or milk only with meals, and have fruits and vegetables with every meal. Dessert is a once a week treat. We are early to bed and early to rise! Screen time is limited.

On stay-cation we drink soda, eat pop tarts, have a giant bowl of ice cream for dinner, stay up late, sleep in late, and oftentimes spend the entire day in our pajamas while watching marathon sessions of movies!

Buying food I generally wouldn't buy and NO cooking or very little cooking is my stay vacation.

 

[kymom99]

Is there a state park close enough for a day trip?

 

[texasroni75]

I'm a SAHM and have a crew of kids, so I admit that just plain getting out of the house for a few hours is nice, so some things I list might seem boring to some LOL. In the last 15 years, on non-Disney trip years, we go to zoos, museums, or do short camping trips. We've done a tour of the local Ice Cream factory. We've bought discount passes to our local baseball team games - we'd go on $1 hot dog night and stay for the fireworks. We've gone to local orchestra/symphony events - oldest DD and I are college students, and if you get there early, most places will have the Student ticket window - we've gotten front row seats to amazing performances for $5 a ticket. The local library and college has a lot of great free or inexpensive activities. And sometimes we just pick a town to visit and have lunch and dessert somewhere we haven't been before, and come home before 10pm. Or bowling, or a dinner and movie. I love a good bargain, and weekend yard sale shopping marathons are a lot of fun for us. We give ourselves a very small budget and do our best to get the most for our $$ - we try to pick "community" yard sales where there are enough homes having sales to make it a half-day adventure within a small area of town.

 

[kathy884]

It's not exactly a staycation, but instead of spending about $5000 for spring break, next year we are going up to visit my mom and dad, but on the way first stopping to tour a Frank Llyod prarie style house in a town on our way about 1 1/2 hours into our drive (admission about $10 pp). Then we will spend one night in Chicago (3 1/2 hours further) -- spending money on a downtown hotel and then doing a $20 pp architectural tour. After that we'll head to my parent house, spend three nights and 2 1/2 days there. They live an hour away from downtown Chicago. At my parents they will cover our entertainment and food, and we do love just hanging out and seeing them too.

 

[lauradis]

Is this a whole week stay cation.

Day 1 - 7 as little as possible.

Take out heck yea. Cupcakes for breakfast yep. Naps yep, Stay up all night to watch movies on lifetime why not.

Really I would do as little as possible, for as long as possible.

When do you really ever get the chance to be purely lazy for more then a day or two.

Then when you get back to work and everyone ask what did you do? You can tell them as little as possible! hehe