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A staycation is a type of a vacation. Specifically, it is one where no, or very little, actual vacating takes place. What exactly constitutes a staycation is not clearly defined. It can mean both a vacation spent relaxing at home or a vacation to nearby and local attractions. There is no set limit on how far a staycationer can travel before it is considered a vacation. We could sit around and quibble over how far one may travel on a staycation, but that, my friend, is no fun.
Staycations are popular in times of high gas prices and of rampant unemployment. Today, for example, would be a good day for a staycation. A family living in these uncertain times would be wise to take a staycation.
Staycations are also great for the environment. Staying off an airplane will save a few thousands pounds of carbon per person. Driving, lodging and eating on the road also take their toll on the planet.
Choosing a Money-Saving Staycation
I find vacationing very stressful. I am a perpetually impoverished grad student. Somehow, I was in Belize a few months ago. I only had a few hundred dollars to my name. I remember handing my last bit of money to a tour guide on the day of my flight, so I could see some caves in the rain forest. At some point, I realized that if I got lost or my tour guide left me, I pretty much became a de facto resident of Belize. I made it back, but traveling around the world on a shoestring budget can lead to more than a few "brown trouser" situations.
You'll never end up lost in a cave in a foreign country on a staycation. You'll never have to sleep on the floor of the airport, because you couldn’t afford a hotel for the night. Staycationing to save money is just plain smart.
Ways to Staycate From Home
Karaoke
Invite over your pals to sing a little Karaoke. If that's not your bag, that new Rock Band video game is a party favorite. If you can't sing, you can at least try your hand at fake guitar.
Backyard
If you are lucky enough to have a pool, why go anywhere? Grill up some food. Set up the hammock and play outdoors with your family. Invite the neighbors over. Have them bring some pie.
Movie Night
Set up a movie night at home. Dim the lights. Pop some popcorn. Get your family together and rent some of the blockbusters that you missed out on.
Book Club
Everyone reads the same book over a week or weekend. There is no shortage of great literature. Once everyone has read the book, everyone gets together to discuss what was read.
Game Night
Board games are a fun, inexpensive way for families to interact. There are literally thousands of games on the market for all tastes. You don't have to play the old, tired standards, like Monopoly or Sorry!. Looking for something new? I recommend Settlers of Catan. It's a great board game out of Germany, highly addictive, extremely fun.
More on Staycations:
7 Local Vacation ( Staycation ) Destinations
Try These Staycation Vacation Destinations
Untravel, Take a Staycation at the New England Aquarium
Are You a Green Globetrotter?
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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