It feels like there are always new reports and studies about money and savings coming to light. This information is useful in the abstract, but it does not always give you insight into how to manage your day-to-day life. Very often, the advice leans toward extreme changes like no-buys or complete austerity. There are very few sources of realistic ways to save money without negatively impacting your lifestyle. Here is a new tip to add to the mix: turn your vacations into staycations. Consider any one of these fun staycation ideas.
Restaurant Tours
Food culture has exploded in recent years. If it’s been a few years since you were eating out several times a week, it’s likely that you aren’t aware of everything that your city has to offer. Commit to visiting at least three new restaurants a week. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, make them the types of foods that you normally wouldn’t eat. You could also visit old favorites during your usual working hours. Enjoy that lunch special that you’ve always wanted to try but never got around to.
Sculpture Gardens
Sculpture gardens are popping up all over. There are massive tourist-oriented ones as well as smaller ones set up by university art departments. These attractions present unique ways to spend a day outdoors. You get to see an unconventional kind of art in an environment that’s a little more kid-friendly than a typical museum. Sometimes sculpture gardens are combined with actual botanical gardens, making them a day trip worth taking.
Hiking
You don’t have to live in a mountainous or rural area to go hiking. Your county most likely maintains a local parks system that includes beautiful trails that you never even knew about. The best thing about visiting trails on your staycation is that you’ll have them all to yourself. The best part about hiking is how good it makes you feel. You don’t have to be super athletic to walk a short trail. Your parks system’s website may even point out which trails are suitable for beginners and kids.
Day Spas
If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon without going far from home, a spa staycation may be just what the doctor ordered. Imagine a day of manicures, pedicures, massages, steam rooms, and hot tubs. This is a better activity for you and your partner, or you, your partner, and older kids who will enjoy the relaxation and could use some stress relief from the daily troubles they face.
You don’t have to feel guilty about taking PTO days just to stay home. Just call it a staycation! Sticking to a tight budget forces you to find creative ways to enjoy yourself. Start with these ideas and you just might discover even more ways to have fun where you already are.
