Need to save some money this year, but still want to share a typical vacation with your kids? Consider vacationing at home! What does "vacation" mean to you? What does it mean to your kids? Personally, I think of sleeping a little later than usual, eating well, and enjoying family time with my kids. Once you have an idea of what everyone in your household has in mind, it becomes easier to see how those ideas can be worked into some local activities that you can enjoy during a "Vacation at Home."
Before Your Vacation Begins:- Pretend you're a tourist and make a list of all the local sights you'd like to see on your vacation. For us, this means visiting a larger zoo that's a bit of a drive from our neighborhood, and spending at least one full day at the beach. Try to plan on doing at least one activity on each family member's list - including yours!
Suggestions:
- Visit your state's tourism Web site for ideas
- Pick up local tourist guides and pamphlets at your local library or various establishments around town
- Focus on locations that are within a one-hour drive of your home
- Take advantage of coupons and special pricing opportunities. You might be eligible for special pricing at various attractions in your area through work or through your child's school. Also consider the benefits of any organizations you belong to. For example, your local single parents support group may participate in half-price days at your local zoo or children's museum.
Suggestions:
- Check your local newspaper for coupons
- Utilize local "Entertainment Book" coupons or "booster club" coupons sold by your local high school
- Find out whether membership in any organizations you already belong to might give you free or reduced admission costs to local attractions
- Transform your home into a vacation-like atmosphere. What would you need to do in order to make your home feel as comfortable and welcoming as a choice hotel? Do you need to clear out some clutter, hire a cleaning service, or stock up on your favorite coffee and chocolates? What would you do if you were preparing your home for guests? Try to do this a couple of weeks before your vacation at home.
Suggestions:
- Prepare your home ahead of time so that you can spend your vacation week free of cleaning, chores, and grocery shopping
- Do exactly what you would do for out-of-town guests
- Then treat yourselves like you are those guests!
- Go to the library and check out several books and movies for your vacation. Treat yourself to a typical "beach read," as well as several movies that your whole family can enjoy.
Suggestions:
- Consider picking up a few classics
- Don't forget kids' books, too
- Consider selecting one chapter book to read aloud together
