Got plans this summer? Even if your budget doesn’t have space for out-of-town travel, you have options: With a bit of creativity and some fun staycation ideas, you can turn your hometown into a vacation destination.
If you’re up for enjoying a top-shelf “stay-cation” this summer without busting your budget, here are some creative ideas:
Dig into local history. Every town and city in America has spots where history has been made. But while many people check out historic sites and museums when they visit an unfamiliar place, we don’t always give much thought to places in our own communities.
So think like a tourist: Are there any local museums or historic spots in your area that you’ve never visited before (or haven’t seen since you were a kid)? Plan two days of sightseeing to discover more about the place where you live and see it through fresh eyes.
If you’re not sure what might be available, start your quest at the local library or historical society. They can likely point you toward information about places where key moments in the history of your community happened. You might be surprised at the interesting things you find!
Make a calendar of free local events, then build vacation days around them. Get details on all the free outdoor concerts and movie nights happening in public parks, along with any other local celebrations coming up. Then, plan to take a couple of vacation days that line up with something you’re looking forward to attending.
Pack the perfect picnic to bring with you to a live performance or a movie, then enjoy the fact that you can sleep in late the next day.
Spend a few nights at a local campsite. Many of us go camping when we travel, but we rarely think of doing it closer to home. It can be a lot of fun to spend a few nights sleeping under the stars without the expense of filling your gas tank for a long drive.
An even more creative option that kids love: Plan a couple of nights camping in your own backyard.
Design a few DIY spa days at home. Sometimes the best “stay-cations” happen if you don’t leave home at all. Treat yourself to some luxurious spa products — maybe facial masks, deep hair conditioners, and bath bubbles? — then plan a couple of days devoted entirely to self-care.
You can even mix in one or two health or beauty treatments at a local spa or salon.
Along with choosing some great spa products, map out a plan that includes long walks, stretching, and maybe even a few midday naps. Top it off by planning a few easy meals (to make at home or have at a restaurant) that will leave you feeling fueled and refreshed.
Get a day pass for a local hotel or spa. You don’t have to rent a room to enjoy a fabulous hotel or luxurious spa in your area. Through ResortPass.com, you can book a few hours or even a full day lounging at a fancy hotel pool or relaxing in the sauna at a spa for a fraction of the cost of staying overnight.
Treat yourself, but with a solid plan in mind. Is there something you’d love to do locally — maybe take the whole family to a nearby amusement park with high ticket prices or splurge on a few meals at the best restaurants in town as your summer treat?
If you don’t have spare cash but it feels important to invest in a few days of fun this summer, consider this strategy: Look into applying for a small personal loan from 1st Franklin Financial to help enhance the experience without running up a balance on a high-interest credit card.
If you plan thoughtfully, you can choose a small amount that will be paid back with a fixed interest rate. That way, you’ll know exactly what your monthly payments will be and exactly how much time it will take to fully pay off the loan.
You won’t have the worries (or the ballooning interest payments) that you’d have if you put your summer fun on a credit card. And applying is easy. You can start the process online, then finish up with help from our Friendly Franklin Folks at your local branch.
Summer fun can come in all different shapes and sizes. With some fun staycation ideas, we hope you and your family create some moments of joy and memories that will stay with you long after the final summer sunset.