You’re newly married or still getting ready for that wedding. Money is tight. A real summer vacation seems to be out of the question. So, what do you do? Take a staycation instead! Sit down with your spouse or fiance and talk about some of these summer staycation ideas for couples.
What is a staycation? Well, instead of going on a vacation somewhere else, you create your own vacation in the comfort of your own home or hometown. Everything is in driving distance, and at the end of the day you get to sleep in your own bed. Staycations can help you save money and live a more frugal lifestyle.
So, schedule your staycation this summer! Take the days off work, but save on gas money. Take a look around and appreciate what you have. Schedule a staycation date with your significant other.
Before reading the staycation ideas below, consider the following tips for enjoying a successful staycation:
- Unplug. Turn off your cell phone and don’t check your email.
- Stock up. Imagine you’re on your typical vacation. What foods and drinks do you typically have? Make a list and make sure you have everything you need to feel like you’re on vacation without actually going anywhere.
- Relax. Don’t stress out about making your staycation perfect. Have fun. Relax. Don’t schedule anything that is going to be more hassle than helpful.
- Plan it . . . together! You can certainly surprise your spouse with a staycation, but if he or she is new to the idea, there is a chance your significant other might long for that real vacation instead. Make sure you plan ahead together and build up some excitement leading up to your staycation together.
Try These Summer Staycation Ideas for Couples
- Schedule a local tour. Odds are good that you haven’t taken a tour of your own hometown. Now is your chance! Take some time to schedule a tour with a local travel agency or tourism hub. There’s a great chance you will find that you may not know as much about your hometown as you think!
- Grab a book, a beverage, and a lawn chair. Many people love to spend their vacations with a good book and a comfortable chair. Head to the pool if you have one nearby or set up your most comfortable chairs in your backyard or the park. Relax and enjoy each other’s company while you catch up on that book you’ve been wanting to read.
- Go biking. Get the bike out of the garage or get a rental. Go exploring and site-seeing if you can, or just get out on the road and get some exercise.
- Play golf, tennis, or some other vacation sport. Schedule it together. Get out on the course or the court while your colleagues head to the office. It may be a place you’ve played many times before, but playing on a work day will feel great! (Alternative: Maybe one of you isn’t a golfer. That’s OK! Head on over to your local mini-golf course and enjoy some competitive putt-putt!)
- Have a picnic. Pick a park and pack a picnic basket. Go enjoy some of your favorite vacation lunch foods out in the shade at a local park. It will be great to get out of the house and fun to plan and pack together.
- Create an at-home spa. Head to the store and buy fancy soaps and other items you might see on vacation at a spa. Turn your bathroom into a mini-spa resort. You might even think of investing in some white, comfy robes to really create the spa experience!
- Set up a candlelight dinner in your backyard. There’s nothing that says couples’ vacation like a candlelight dinner. Create your own romantic evening in the comfort of your backyard. Get some nice candles and a tablecloth. Grill out or order in. Enjoy the quiet sounds of the evening and make it special. Don’t have a backyard? Create a restaurant in your living room. Rather than eating at your normal dining room table, create a change of scenery by dining in a new room.
- Reserve a night at a nice, local hotel. Prepared to splurge with a little bit of money? Look for great deals and Groupons at a local hotel and pretend you’re in a new city.
- Backup plan: A movie marathon. Did your summer staycation plans get rained out? Go to your local movie store and stock up on some movies to watch inside while the rain is pouring. Buy some fancy popcorn and treats and enjoy the show.
Did you enjoy these staycation ideas? Share your favorite staycation experience in the comments below!
(photo credit: kylesteed)
