Staycation Tips

Remember: You’re on vacation. So find something fun to do. That doesn’t mean painting the house or cleaning out closets, unless you really like doing that sort of thing.

Go someplace nearby that you’ve never been - or haven’t been to for a while. An amusement park. A museum. A park. A spa. By spending your vacation at home, you may discover some hidden treasures.

Change your routine:

  * Get a hotel room

  * Try a new restaurant

  * Hire a personal chef

  * Skip the chores - you could even get a cleaning service to do it for you

  * Take public transportation

  * Turn off the e-mail, cell phone and PDA

  * Be spontaneous. Leave some unscheduled time for unplanned fun

Check the Web for information.

  * Find tourism sites for attractions, guidebooks, maps, even coupons for discounts and free events

  * Online calendars have dates for concerts in the park, festivals, ball games

Have an adventure:

  * Hit a bike trail

  * Take a hike

  * Take a lesson - horseback riding, swimming, skydiving, bungee jumping, fly fishing

  * Take a photo safari at a zoo

  * Pick your own vegetables

Your own backyard:

  * Break out the grill and have a picnic feast

  * Pitch a tent and take the kids camping

  * Get out the volleyball net or the croquet set and have a party

  * Buy a hammock and read a good book