How to Plan a Fabulously Fun & Inexpensive Staycation

Maybe your funds are limited, or you just don’t want to spend the money on an extravagant summer vacation this time around. You’re not alone. Many American families are electing not to go on a high-priced trip this season. However, that doesn’t mean you have to forget vacationing altogether. You can go on a staycation (vacationing close to home), forgoing the expensive traditional vacation. Vacationing locally also has the added benefit of placing money back into your local economy.

Unfortunately, experts predict the price of gas will rise this summer; however, not nearly as high as last year. And that's good news, especially for staycationers that want to do a little driving. You can have a fabulously fun and inexpensive time in your backyard, exploring your own city or state.

Backyard Staycation Ideas

• Rent a fun jump over the weekend. There are so many different themes to choose from—regular jumps to water park themes.
  
• Have a field day. Rediscover those childhood games you use to love as a kid and set up croquet, badminton and sack races in the backyard.
• Plan a Movie night. Rent and watch several funny movies together with the family. Don't forget the candy and popcorn!
• Host a theme party. Have a Mexican patio party, a Hawaiian luau or a New Orleans Mardi Gras Party.
  
• Go camping. Have a fun time camping in the backyard.
• Set the mood with lighting. String lights or Chinese Lanterns in your backyard.
  

Local City Staycation Ideas

Visit a local tourist center for ideas on where to go and what to see in your hometown.

• Become a tourist in your local city.
• Spend a day picnicking at a local park.
• Go biking on local biking trails.
• Have a scavenger hunt.

Local State Staycation Ideas

Pick a destination within your state that would involve only using one tank of gas—round-trip. Stay overnight in a motel that has a pool and a free continental breakfast. Visit an attraction nearby and pack an ice chest with cold drinks and do-it-yourself sandwich fixings. Here are some attraction suggestions:

• Sightseeing
• Caves
• Cultural areas
• Historic houses
• History exhibits
• Landmarks
• Candy Factories and Bottling Plants
  
• National Parks
• Nature Trails
• Museums
• Zoos
• State Capitol
• Botanical Gardens

Pack your staycation full of fun time activities — Schedule when your staycation will begin and when it would it just like you would do for a regular vacation. Make it fun and memorable. And don't forget to take videos or photos to commemorate the fun time you had on your staycation!