How to Plan a Staycation on a Budget

Summer is the time for family fun and you’d love to get away with the kids, but with a budget to stick to, it can be hard to plan a getaway. Thankfully, with a little creativity, you might be able to enjoy a family vacation close by – a “staycation.” Some of the benefits of staying close to home include:

• Cheaper travel options without the expense of airfare and hotels
• Less stress without air travel challenges like long lines, flight delays, and packing limits
• More flexibility to adjust your plans if new opportunities arise or weather interferes

Many people overlook the attractions in their area, but you might be surprised to find there are places you’ve never been and things you’ve never experienced nearby. In case you’re stuck trying to figure out what to do, we made it easier by kicking off the brainstorming process and giving you a few ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

Pretend You’re a Tourist in Your Own Town

A staycation doesn’t have to mean sitting around at home. There are probably interesting things to see and do right in your own backyard. Consider taking the family to the zoo, the park, or a museum. Plan a bike ride that follows a scenic route or allows you to check out the architecture in a historic neighborhood at a languid pace. Splurge on tickets to a concert, a game, or a play. Or plan a fun lunch or dinner out at that new restaurant everyone’s talking about. Better yet, plan a mix of all of these activities spread out over several days. That will give everybody something to look forward to and make your family’s staycation feel truly special.

Get out in the Great Outdoors

Plan an excursion to the closest state or national park or recreation area. If you have camping equipment and your schedule allows, plan to stay for two or three nights – just book your campsite in advance to ensure availability. If you don’t want to camp overnight, get up early and spend a full day hiking and picnicking. And if there’s more than one great outdoor spot within easy driving distance, get up and visit another area later in the week.

Produce Your Own Film Festival

Are you and your family movie fans? If so, indulge yourself by planning a series of movie-watching nights during the summer. Identify the movies you want to see in advance and schedule official show times. Spice things up by ordering carryout or having dinner delivered. If the movie you’re going to watch has a specific setting, you can even plan your menu accordingly. So, if you’re going to watch The Jungle Book, for example, pick up or prepare Indian food. For Casablanca, try Moroccan or Lebanese cuisine. If a Harry Potter movie marathon will light up the screen at your house and you’re feeling adventurous, treat your family to chocolate frogs and butterbeer.   

A Staycation’s Value Is Found in Connections with Loved Ones, Not in the Price Tag

It’s true that not all of these things are inexpensive, but keep in mind that you won’t be splurging on big-ticket items like plane tickets, gas for a road trip, or hotels – and even if you eat out a few times, you won’t go to restaurants for every meal like you would if you were out of town. At the end of the day, it’s not about how much you spend – it’s about spending time together as a family and creating memories that you’ll cherish for life.

As a bonus, when you connect with your loved ones on a staycation, it creates an opportunity to direct the money you save to another important goal. Perhaps your family’s financial priority is saving for a house, a child’s education, or retirement. Even if it’s all three or something else entirely, a staycation can take you one step closer to what matters most to you. For coaching on smart financial behaviors, connect with a First Command Financial Advisor, who can help you create and follow a financial plan that’s tailored to your life and your goals.