Pretend to be tourists in your home town or city
You don’t even have to travel outside of your home town or city to have a staycation, so why not explore it as if it’s your first time there? Think of the places you know are attractions, do a quick Google search for activities in your area and spend a few days (or weeks, depending on your timeframe) exploring your home city. You’ll be surprised at how much of your town you hadn’t seen! This way, you can also keep an eye on how much you’re spending and only visit attractions that are within your budget. Alternatively, if your children are a little older and more adventureous, research and book local adventure packages, which often include kayak, canoe, tandem bike and boat rentals.Doing this can also be useful for your children when they return to school because they can create a scrapbook of their summer and show their class.
Rough it up
If you’re looking for a vacation for the family that’s super budgeted, then why not consider camping (roughing it up)? It’s a fantastic way of getting away from home for a couple of days and being at one with nature. Camping equipment doesn’t cost the earth and once you have it, you’ll have the chance to jump in the car and spend a weekend away whenever you feel like it!If you’re not too keen on the idea of camping, or perhaps your children are too small for it at the moment, then why not consider a caravan park? Renting a caravan for your family gives you the ability to take advantage of the amenities around you as well as what the resort offers. Many caravan parks have facilities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis, table tennis, clubhouses, children’s parks, lakes with pedalos, and much more. Signing yourself up to services such as Groupon will help with even more money off your family holiday.
Go to a concert
A fantastic way of turning something cool into a mini staycation is by going to a concert slightly out of town. Look online for band tickets at your chosen venue and turn it into a weekend away by booking into a hotel and exploring this new location. Now all you need to decide is who you’re seeing and when! The great thing about this idea is that it can be done at any time of the year, as many times as you can afford, and you get the chance to see your favorite musicians playing!
Transform your home
If traveling is an absolute no-no this year, then why not begin a project together as a family and improve your home? Here are some quick ideas to consider:- Upcycle old furniture
- Plant a vegetable patch
- Redecorate the children’s bedrooms - with their input
- Repaint fences and sheds
- Use vinyl to transform your kitchen for next to nothing
Donate all those clothes that don’t fit anymore, organize all the Lego or make a fun homework station just in time for back to school.If you’re stuck for ideas for your home, check out Pinterest for savvy and clever ways to upgrade your home together as a family!
Head to a local farm
If you’re lucky enough to live close to a farm, take advantage of it! Did you know that many farms welcome visitors and allow you to take advantage of it with things like:
- Fruit picking
- Tractor rides
- Meet the animals
- Visit the farm shop and try out fresh cheeses and milk
- A plethora of fields and landscape to walk along
After you’ve been to the farm and picked your favorite fruit, why not spend some time turning it into something delicious to eat such as homemade jam or a fruit crumble for dessert? Fridge jam made in the blender instead of on a hot stovetop is another foolproof way to get the kids in the kitchen without the added heat and epic mess.
Pick your favorite things to do
There are many reasons as to why you might not be able to take a vacation this year aside from budget such as being unable to get the time off work to spend together as a family. A great alternative to a vacation is each picking your favorite things to do and when you do have the time, taking days out together. Again, a quick Google search of things to do close to you will give you plenty of ideas to ponder over. Here are some ideas that the whole family will enjoy to consider:- Sea life centre
- Safari park
- Cadbury world
- Legoland
Go hiking with a picnic
Finally, if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with plenty of beautiful scenery, then take advantage of it! Pack a picnic, put on some comfortable shoes and take long hikes with your family! It’s a wonderful way of wearing off energy (mostly for the children) and soaking up some much needed fresh air.As you can see, there are a plethora of different things you could do this year to treat your family without having to go abroad or spend too much money. All you need to do is remember to snap plenty of pictures to fondly look back on in years to come!
K Elizabeth xoxox
*Collaborative Post
