Going on vacation is something that many Americans are having to re-think lately. Living in a downed economy/economic recession, many annual pre-planned vacation stays have been either cut down significantly or eliminated completely in favor of something significantly more affordable.
I remember when my father took us on our first vacation. We flew from New York to Orlando, Florida to spend the week in Disney World. Although it was hot as ever and despite the fact that the tropical weather almost always sparked some sort of Thunderstorm at night, we had a great time. There were rides galore, and to top it off, we were staying at the Polynesian Resort, which had all sorts of neat accommodations, making the stay just a little bit more special.
However, while my family was able to enjoy another trip to Disney World a couple of years after this as well as a few more vacations elsewhere, it has become clear that many families nowadays cannot even afford the car ride to someplace so magical. So, what are families doing about vacations now? Have they completely given up and/or lost all hope? No. Instead, families are actually becoming more creative as they think of new and exciting ways to reinvent their vacations of Christmas past. One example that is rapidly growing in popularity includes 'staycations'. With staycations, families stay home for their vacation but get out and explore the area that they live in with planned activities, shows, museums, parks and other forms of recreation. For example, if a park nearby is putting on a free performance by a local band, then a family who is planning a staycation might attend it. Similarly, there are plenty of ways to figure out what shows are coming up, where they are playing near you as well as other venues. Paying for a local venue will cost you significantly less money than paying for plane fare for 2+ people as well as food, entertainment and a hotel.
For other couples, getting out of town (even if it is just going next door) is another way to get out and explore the area without necessarily restricting yourself to the town or city that you live in. For instance, you could drive an hour away and discover an entirely different landscape or backdrop to the perfect staycation. The main thing to remember with staycations is that they are a great way for getting out and experiencing the area and culture that you live in. Try a new restaurant. See a show. Plan a family picnic at a local park that you have never been to before. Look in your local magazines (some of which are free, and find out what free venues there are in the area- even if it means checking out a local concert band at a college. These are great and fun ways to not only familiarize yourself with what goes on in the area that you live, but it helps you to bond with your loved one(s).
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