The Staycation - Your Vacation on a Budget

by Taya Knight

With summer well underway, you might be wanting to hit the road or the air for vacation time. There's just one thing...you're on a budget and what you have been envisioning for a vacation, is just not going to factor in. What to do, what to do.

Enter the Staycation. No packing, no sore rear ends from sitting in a car, no airport delays. Simply enjoying what your city and surrounding areas have to offer.

Here are a few of my tips to make your Staycation memorable:

Spend the week before playing catch up. This doesn't sound fun but believe me, when there are no chores or work to distract you during your staycation, you have no reason but to enjoy your family, enjoy time for your favourite hobby, enjoy your break from your regular routine! If playing catch up the week before really doesn't sound appealing, make a conscious effort to deliberately avoid household chores or work during your staycation.
Order your local Entertainment coupon book. Currently, the 2010 Entertainment coupon books are on sale for 2 for $10. That's a great price for a book that's jam packed with coupons for your local attractions. More often than not, the coupons are 2 for 1 admission! You can order your Entertainment coupon book here, if you'd like. The books also feature dining coupons and shopping coupons.
Be Adventurous. Try a restaurant with an ethnic cuisine you're not used to. Hike the tallest mountain in your area. Take a local art class. Try something you've always wanted to try, but you've kept putting off because you've been scared or lacking the push to be confident!
Enjoy what your area is famous for. Why do all the tourists flock to your city in the summer? Where I live, we're famous for our wineries, orchards and lakes. It wasn't until we had family come for a visit, which I partook in my first winery tour experience. Even though I'm not a wine drinker, I thoroughly enjoyed the history and even the free wine tasting!
Know it's okay to splurge if the budget will allow. You're on vacation. Eat every meal out if you want. Or spend your entire budget on that river rafting excursion you've been saving for. Step out of your normal every day, non-vacation, routine.

So, are you excited to start your fabulous Staycation? I sure am! I've got some great ideas going through my head!

Coupon clipping, menu planning and deal hunting are a few things Taya is passionate about. She lives in Beautiful British Columbia with her husband who supports her vision and strange tendencies for living a debt free life.

She can be found at SimplyFrugal.ca where she brings Canadians the latest store deals, coupons, freebies and money saving ideas - daily.