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<h2>Plan your Next Staycation</h2> <p>Want to have a getaway this summer but can't make it fit into the budget? A great alternative to a traditional vacation is a staycation. What is a staycation, you ask? A staycation is similar to a vacation - you take time off work and other activities, but you plan your vacation activities around your area so you don't have to pay for travel expenses like plane tickets, hotel costs, car rentals, etc. To help you keep costs down, we have compiled 5 different staycation ideas and some tips on how to treat your staycation like a traditional vacation. </p> <br></br> <h3>National or State Parks</h3> <p>National and State parks are great ways to break out of the norm without breaking the bank. Many are free to visit and usually offer amazing views that you can?t find anywhere in the city. Spend some time outdoors either hiking or site seeing at your local park. They usually offer picnic areas, so you can make a day of it by bringing your lunch! To find National parks visit<a href =https://www.nps.gov/ > https://www.nps.gov/ </a> and to learn more about local state parks in your area, visit <a href =https://www.stateparks.org/ >https://www.stateparks.org/</a>.</p> <br></br> <h3>Museums</h3> <p>A lot of us have museums near us, and we may tell people to visit while they're in town, but we've never been ourselves! There are all kinds of museums for your tastes and many offer interactive exhibits for kids or special days where there are dedicated activities for families. Do some research online or in local travel brochures to scope out these types of activities in your area. </p> <br></br> <h3>Water Parks</h3> <p>The swimming pool may just be your kids? favorite way to soak up the sun in the summertime, but an easy way to spice things up is to visit a water park. Water parks tend to be pricier than a pool pass, but the excitement of this new venue will make the kiddos feel really special. Most water parks will publish coupons periodically - so keep an eye out for those to make admission cheaper. Some also allow you to bring your own food and drinks, which could save you big bucks.</p> <br></br> <h3>Local Festivals</h3> <p>Summertime usually calls for many local festivals that bring in lots of attractions for the whole family. This includes summertime music festivals, local farm and art shows, county fairs, city specific festivals, carnivals and more. Check your local Chamber of Commerce or look in your local newspaper to find dates and activities happening in your neck of the woods. </p> <br></br> <h3>Sporting Activities</h3> <p>Get active and take advantage of cheap or free sports for the whole family. Dust off the old baseball mitts and bats and hit up a local baseball stadium or even just the backyard. Find free tennis courts at a local park and show off your skills. Many local recreation centers offer day passes that include use of facilities and equipment rentals - try out a new sport like racquet ball or shoot hoops for a few hours. The possibilities are endless! <p> <br></br> <h3>Treat Your Staycation Like a Vacation</h3> <p>To make your staycation really feel like a vacation, remember to treat it like you would a regular vacation. Here are a few tips to making your staycation feel like a vacation: </p> <ul> <li><b>Put it on your calendar.</b> This seems silly, but if you don't put it on your calendar, you could forget about your staycation or it won't feel as special because you aren't looking forward to it. </li> <li><b>Do your research.</b> Pick up a local traveler's guide or find websites online about local activities in your area. This will make your staycation feel planned, just like you would a traditional vacation.</li> <li><b>Refrain from errands or chores.</b> Need to run to the bank? What about mopping the floor? How about we wait on that (unless it?s urgent). To make your staycation feel as relaxing as a vacation, try to put off or limit the amount of chores and errands you complete. This way, you?ll feel like you get to relax rather than adding items that you wouldn't normally do while on vacation</li> <li><b>Relax.</b> It's important to remember that this is your vacation whether you're in a new destination or not. Try to unplug or go with the flow more than usual. </li> </ul>