Trying to rein in spending this
summer? This year, forgo the pricey vacation and opt for the cheap and cheerful
staycation. Staycations can be a surprisingly fun alternative, if you put a
little planning and effort into it. Dial down the day-to-day drudgery and schedule
in loads of exciting activities – and your holiday will be a resounding success!
Drop
the Routine:
·
Treat
work the same as you would, when out of the country. Can’t avoid being ‘on
call’? Keep it to emergencies. Otherwise it isn’t a proper vacation.
·
Take
care of household chores beforehand, or afterwards. A relaxing holiday doesn’t
include laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping.
·
Clear
the family calendar. Take a break from regularly scheduled obligations, classes
and sports. Replace with fun-filled, group activities.
·
Set
appropriate expectations within your social circle i.e. you’ll be unreachable
for the duration, or responding to urgent issues only.
Switch
Off Electronics:
·
Utilize
‘out-of-office’ settings on computers and phones. Others will be less likely to
panic when you don’t respond instantly.
·
Turn
off the idiot box. PVR your favourite programs and catch up afterwards; Or
better yet, prove that you can live without TV for a week or two.
·
Ditch
the video games. Leave the virtual world behind and enjoy some real fun for a change.
·
Put
the smart phone down! Make a pact to minimize calls (work and personal) and set
up a fine system for family members that circumvent the rules. Spend the extra cash
on holiday adventures.
·
Avoid
surfing the net. If you need to look something up, pop online quickly, then
shut down. Email and the internet can be all consuming. Don’t get sucked into
the vortex.
Focus
on Fun:
·
What
activities would you suggest to out-of-towners? Grab a local guidebook and re-discover
your city’s top attractions.
·
Add
a little drama to your life. Attend a summer blockbuster, a drive-in movie, a
live theatre show, or devour a much anticipated book.
·
The
sporty type? Take in a major league game, find a pool, water park or
recreational area, or map out a personalized hiking or biking tour of the city.
·
Enjoy
some cerebral relaxation at local museums, art galleries, historic properties,
science centres and zoos. In Toronto, free tickets are available at your library.
·
If
you’re near open water, consider a boating excursion. Rent kayaks, take sailing
lessons, or book a ferry tour, for a great day on the waves.
·
Gather
family and friends for a good old-fashioned picnic or BBQ, at a community park.
Bring along refreshments, toys and games to keep everyone occupied and content.
·
Foodies
will gobble up the chance to visit new/favourite restaurants and social
butterflies are likely to appreciate concerts, pub crawls or clubbing.
·
Schedule
a daytrip to explore beyond city limits. Find cheap thrills at the amusement
park, savour a regional wine tour, bask at a nearby beach, or nibble your way
through your local farmers market.
Staycations aren’t synonymous with
deprivation. Break from your regular routine, channel your inner tourist and don’t
waste a moment! You’ll return to work refreshed and recharged – and still have
money in your pocket. It just might be the best vacation you’ve ever had.
What’s your favourite staycation activity?
How you plan to enjoy your hometown, in the summer of 2013?
For more great ways to save money,
please follow “Leading a Champagne Life on a Beer Budget” at http://champagnelifebeerbudget.blogspot.ca/.
