Staycation - What is it?

What is a cost-effective way to vacation this summer and still have fun?

Why don't you try a staycation. What in the world is a staycation you might ask? A staycation is a vacation that is spent at home. So instead of going away for the summer you just take short trips around your home. These are typically day trips that are about 3 hours away from where you live. Families are looking for cost-effective ways to enjoy their time off from work or school and many are finding fun in their own backyard.

"We get so hung up on traveling to far away places that we really do overlook gems that are pretty close to home --- like those places you might see in a brochure or flyer at a rest area while you're traveling. A stacation makes it possible for you to schedule mini-vacations to those kind of places and keep your costs down," said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps, creator of customized travel maps in more than 90 cities and towns across the U.S. and U.K.

A staycation can be anything but here are some ideas:

• Water Parks - what a great place to cool off and have a great time. In most places you can find a water park within 3 hours from your home. Make it a day and bring a picnic lunch but don't forget the sunscreen.
• State or National Parks - Go online and search out the closest park to your home or find one you have never visited before. These are a great place to take hikes or just spend the day touring the area. To search for the closest park near you go to: www.nps.gov/parks.html
• Outdoor Music and Film Festivals - These are so much fun and usually free. Many towns are sponsoring movie nights as well. Go online and research to see if there are any near you.
• Foreign Cuisine Night - This is a great idea if you do not have the cash to spend time in another country but still want to get a taste of the culture. Search out the restaurants around your home especially those you have never tried before. Go to your local Chamber of Commerce for a list of restaurants in the area.
• Museum Day - These are things that we never take the time to explore and are a great way for the family to spend some time together while gaining a little knowledge. Again, check out your Chamber of Commerce for a list of museums near you.
• Family Game Night - You don't have to leave the house to have fun as you can schedule a family game night and brush the dust off those games you have not played in a while. If board games are not your thing then have family tournament on Wii sports.
• Camp out in your Backyard - This is something kids love to do and why not as it is great to have the conveniences of your own home while still experiencing a little adventure.

Another great place to find information about your town or others near by is to go to www.resortmaps.com. You can search their site for additional info.