Staycations have become the hot new trend in holidaying, beloved of those on a budget and the environmentally conscious alike. Rather than going abroad for two weeks in the sun and dealing with the usual associated stresses of airport queues, inflated prices, accommodation shocks and travel worries, staycations celebrate all that is great about our home and encourage us to view our local neighbourhoods in a fresh way.
Staycations aren’t just fun, they’re easy on the wallet. Budget in advance by finding the best online banking accounts and opting for a decent interest rate without penalties for withdrawal. Bear in mind that you won’t need to factor in expensive travel and accommodation costs – just expenses for local trips, food, treats and entertainment.
Home or Away?
A staycation can be booked and organised in next to no time. You may opt to have a staycation at home or you may prefer to head to a camping site in the countryside or near the coast. You’ll be amazed what’s in offer in your local area if you start viewing it as a tourist rather than a resident.
Preparing for Your Staycation
To make the most of time spent with your family, make basic preparations for the holiday. Get your finances in order so that you have money to spend without worry. You can find the best online banking accounts by carrying out a price comparison and put some money away every month in the run-up to your break.
Have a basic first-aid kit in the car and bathroom at home. Carry ID and your driving licence and other essentials just in case a breakdown on the road occurs. Keep blankets, water and food in the boot of your car at all times when heading out on daytrips.
Planning Your Holiday
Get the kids together and plan your time as a family. Preparation is one of the great joys of a break and, unlike trips abroad; you won’t be worrying about taxi pick-ups or baggage allowances. Look at local attractions such as leisure centres, amusement parks, cinemas, parks, National Trust properties, bike trails, canal boats, museums and other places of interest. If you’re on a tight budget, look for activities run at libraries, schools and museums. These are often subsidised by local education authorities and councils.
Plan to spend time in your garden if you have one or take a picnic to the local park. Head for a morning swim at the leisure centre, or go for an overnight camping trip at a nearby beauty spot. Look at options such as canal-boat trips or seaside campsites. Keep money aside for ice-creams, fish and chips, souvenirs, treats and other enjoyable little things that you wouldn’t usually indulge in during the regular week.
Switch off your phone and other devices! The staycation is as much about the family spending time together as it is about the destination, so avoid checking work emails or doing regular admin tasks. Get them all out the way beforehand and treat your holiday break with the respect it deserves.
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