We’re in the thick of vacation planning season. Lake or ocean? North or South? Domestic or abroad? Wherever your trip takes you, it’ll be a blast, but for those of us sticking to our own neighborhoods, we can have fun too! Budgeters who are getting out of debt might be axing the expensive travel temporarily, and that’s okay. You can still have a wonderful vacation by touring your own town.

 

Here are a couple ideas if you’re scheduling a staycation during the summer months ahead.

 

 

 

The Zoo/Aquarium:

 

Okay, tell me you don’t like checking out the animals at the zoo? Don’t be fooled thinking it’s kid amusement; the zoo can be plenty of fun for adults.

 

The zoo has become a day trip for me and my husband since we started dating. For one, you get your daily steps in, but it’s also something fun that you don’t get to do everyday. Look up their calendar and catch the zoo or aquarium on special event days in the park. The kids will love it, and if it’s just you two, you might just have fun too!

 

Day Park:

 

Parks have so much to offer: biking and walking trails, cookout stations, and sometimes beaches. Bring your friends along, and start a volleyball tournament. Chill out in lawn chairs or in the pavilion. Use the entire day as if you were camping but with the freedom to go home at night.

 

For dinner, bring a cooler of your favorite snacks and drinks and charcoal for grilling burgers or dogs. Spending the day at the park will feel extended. Plus, it’s free!

 

State Parks:

 

If you have a little cash to spend and you don’t mind roughin’ it, camping at a state park is a great way to get your vacation in while staying within a budget. You aren’t going to spend nearly as much as you would on a hotel room, and your restaurant budget envelope won’t suffer since eating around the campfire is only the cost of the ingredients. Getting creative with entertainment might save you some cash, as reading in a hammock and playing at the beach are free.

 

Spend the day at the beach or throw around the Frisbee. Bring your fishing pole and settle in for the fish to bite. Consider bringing a kayak or boat, and enjoy the peaceful quaintness of nature.

Even consider camping in your backyard!

 

Road Trip Exploring:

 

Something I love to do is hop in the car and drive with no specific destination. I love exploring and discovering new areas or towns. You can have fun just getting to know your surroundings and walk the historic districts of neighboring downtowns. Crank up the music and discover someplace new.

 

Be a Tourist:

 

Do you live in a tourist area? Do you avoid it because of the chaos from out-of-towners? Why not stop avoiding that section of town and become one of them? See a show or visit the local shops. Try a new restaurant that you haven’t been to.

If you’re not in a tourist area but live within a day’s driving distance, make the trip. Check out festivals in your vicinity, craft shows, or concerts.

 

 

It is possible to enjoy a vacation without leaving home. All it really takes is unplugging from technology and enjoying the people around you. If you’re willing to skip the extravagant trip for the sake of getting out of debt, there’s no doubt you’ll find ways to stay entertained.

 

What are some activities you’ve done on your stay-cations? Let me know in the comments!

 

Cheers!