How To Plan A Great Vacation In This Era Of Sky-High Gas Prices

This summer, people all across the U.S. will be indulging in the latest vacation trend—the staycation! Not familiar with the concept of a “staycation”? Let me educate you.

The staycation is a vacation at home. With gas prices and airfare seeming to increase by the day, and economic prosperity seeming to decrease at a similar rate, staycations are the way to go.

In my younger years, I had no choice but to take staycations when I used my vacation time. My salary didn’t allow for savings and as a singleton, I wasn’t comfortable traveling alone anyway.

Staycations are no longer for the young, single, or financially-challenged. People everywhere are viewing staying-at-home as not only practical, but creative, an investment in their local community, and fiscally responsible.

Themes Aren’t Just For Kids’ Parties

If you were going on a traditional vacation, there’d be a theme. Even if it’s just a geographical theme (the mountains, the beach, a different country), there is an underlying motif that ties everything together.

Since staying at home for your vacation isn’t geographically different than any other day, it’s up to you to choose the theme. The best part? You can change your theme daily or however often you like.

One day can be all about the outdoors—you and your significant other in your hottest swimwear, soaking up the rays, playing in a sprinkler, wading in a pool (even a plastic or inflatable pool will put you in the spirit!) for part of the day. Then, cover up with a cute wrap or sarong for grilling or just for eating outdoors.

Other themes can include a bedroom day (ladies and gents—this is the perfect opportunity to indulge in some new under things!), a day full of rental movies (series of movies or changing between your picks and his picks are a good way to go),

Focus On Yourselves As A Couple

Don’t feel any pressure to entertain others while you’re on your staycation. After all, if this was an away couples’ vacation, you probably wouldn’t be dragging your best friends along with you.

Try to incorporate some things that you would do on any other vacation. Try out a new restaurant or, at least, one you’ve never tried before. Try a new activity. Your spirits and intentions during a regular vacation can be fostered during a staycation with the right attitude.

Make time for real conversation. This is something many couples find being revived when on vacation because they’re away from their usual elements and stressors. Make a concentrated effort to do the same during your staycation. Don’t talk about the honey-do list or the laundry.

A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t be doing it on a regular vacation, put it off until your staycation is over, too!

Indulge In What You Can

Typically, new clothing is bought in anticipation of vacation. Okay, maybe this is mostly applicable to us ladies. At any rate, if you’re already cutting out airfare, gas, car rental, hotels, park tickets, and so on… you don’t have to cut out everything.

Why not get a new bathing suit and sarong for your outdoor theme day? Why not buy some cute loungewear for the movie day? Even guys need some new drawers, lounge pants, and maybe some slippers.

You don’t have to eat out every day the way you probably would on vacation elsewhere, but don’t spend all your time in the kitchen, either. Order take-out, delivery, or buy easy and convenient to make foods from the grocery store.

Be A Tourist In Your Own Town

You know all those places you drive by all the time and don’t stop at? We’ll get to it someday, you think. Well, a staycation is the perfect someday occasion.

Local museums, historical sites, parks, and the zoo can be just as exotic and new in your own hometown. If it helps, imagine you’re visiting from another town.

Do all the fun touristy things you’d do elsewhere and be unashamed and unapologetic about it! Take pictures in front of signs and landmarks. Ask others to take pictures of you and your significant other together.

Get souvenirs. This is one of those things you can indulge in, too, since you’re saving money elsewhere. Save little mementos to remind you later of the great times you had during your staycation. Napkins, menus, matchbooks, ticket stubs, and postcards can all be added to any pictures you take to make a nice scrapbook page or memory box of your staycation.

Take Care Of Yourselves

You know how when you come back from vacation, people notice a certain glow about you? It’s not necessarily just from spending time on a beach or poolside. Getting caught up on your sleep helps, as do the other care-taking activities you indulge in.

If you normally make a point of getting your hair done or having a spa day on vacation, there are creative ways to do this that can be very romantic, as well. Treat you and your significant other to some new fluffy robes or silky kimono robes for your at-home spa day.

Stock up on some fun face masks from the local drugstore, some cucumbers to slice up for your eyes and fancy little cucumber finger sandwiches to enjoy with some home-brewed iced tea.

Since you’re home alone, guys may even be willing to undergo some manicure and pedicure procedures. Swear to him you’ll keep it secret, though. And what could be more deliciously romantic than a bubble bath for two with candles and flower petals sprinkled on top?

Creativity And The Right Spirit Are Key

Staycations are only limited by your imagination. As with any vacation, it’s your time to do what you want. If the point is to spend alone time with your significant other, then honor that.

As with most things in life, if your spirit and heart are into it, the fun will follow!