Budgetary constraints may have you wondering how you are going to be able to afford your next mortgage payment let alone the luxury once-a-year vacation you’re accustomed to. So, what’s a guy or girl to do when his or her finances won’t allow time off for some much needed rest and relaxation? The answer is easy! They go on a staycation, the latest trend in economically-friendly travel.
There is no need to pack your bags or stamp your passport. Staycations are designed to maximize your time away from work or academic pursuits by providing you with ample opportunity to indulge in life’s little pleasures.
Here are a few ways that you can ensure that you get the most out of your time off:
- Forward all of your calls to voice mail, use an autoresponder to handle your emails, and only open bills if they come in the mail and require your immediate attention.
- Tell your colleagues, friends, family members, and neighbors your intentions. Let know that for a select amount of days you will be unavailable and can only be reached in the case of an emergency.
- Make a run to the grocery store prior to your time off. Stock up on the items that you know you will need. Do not spend your entire staycation running errands.
Stumped for ideas on how to indulge? Why not try a few of these ideas on for size?
Pamper Yourself. Take a long, hot bath, give yourself a manicure and pedicure, eat a piece of dark chocolate rich in cancer fighting antioxidants, or spend the day in bed reading your favorite novel or watching your favorite television program.
Be a Tourist In Your Own City. Visit places that you have never been to before. Strap a camera around your neck and snap pictures along the way. Have lunch in a café, deli, or bistro and order a dish that you have never tried before. Go Letterboxing.
Get Outdoors. Take a walk, plant a garden, ride your bike, play Frisbee with the kids, lie in the grass and look up at the stars, build a fort out of cardboard boxes. Do whatever it takes to embrace your inner child.
Improve Yourself. Read up on your favorite topics online, get acquainted with other cultures by listening to their music and cooking their meals, start keeping a journal, play your guitar, hit the gym. There are countless ways that a person can increase their intellect, improve their health, stimulate their creativity, and deepen their spirituality. Investing in yourself can yield significant rewards.
Just because you can’t afford to spend a week in the tropics doesn’t mean that you will miss out on all the fun. Create your own island oasis in your backyard. You can sit poolside with a Pina Colada and think of all the ways to spend your next staycation without spending a dime. Now, how’s that for some frugal fun!
Charissa Arsaoui is a freelance writer for ChickSpeak, Buzzine, DisFUNKshion Magazine, Student Stuff, and a guest contributor for Wisebread. She loves thrift related topics and can spot a bargain a mile away.
Author: Charissa
Charissa is into frugal living and saving money.
