How To Plan A Successful Staycation

When most of us say that "we need a vacation," we actually mean that we need a break away from our daily grind. Burnout is high when life is overly focused on all that you have to do. So even if you cannot leave town, there are creative ways to change up your routine. And while staying in town may not seem as fun as traveling to a destination, staycations can be an enjoyable alternative for any couple. Not only will you avoid the stresses and costs of traveling, you'll also have more time to focus on each other. European Vacation: Relationship Ender?

When planning a staycation, here are a list of dos and don'ts to get you started:

Do:

Plan your staycation just as you would an out-of-town trip
Think about how you'd like to spend your days together. Do you want to be active, just hang out or a little of both? Whatever you decide, commit to a plan of action that you agree on—even if that's being spontaneous and just seeing where each day takes you. That undivided attention can be just what you both need, no matter where it happens.

Talk about past vacations. What made them memorable? What would you rather not repeat? Does vacation mean eating out, laying by the beach and not doing your usual activities? If so, map those activities into your days off. By laying it all out on the table, you are ensuring that everyone is on the same page, and you can work toward creating more unforgettable moments together.

Explore
Be a "tourist in your own town." Visit the local Chamber of Commerce or city websites to get information on local festivals, events and areas of interest for visitors. Explore your town as if you were a tourist checking it out for the first time. Make a checklist of things you "always wanted to do" and plan your days around those interests just as you would if you were on vacation. Take pictures, cheat on your diet, act in ways you normally wouldn't. Remember, this is a perfect opportunity to try something new together or do things locally that you've always wanted to do but haven't gotten around to.

If you're stay-cationing with kids, squeeze in couple time by hiring a sitter
Splurge on a romantic dinner where you can shut out the noise, find a little sanity and focus on keeping that flame for each other alive. Quality time to communicate and unify as a family is equally important as personal time spent as a couple. Finding a workable balance is key. Sometimes the best retreats are simply vegging out in the comfort of your own home and being able to reconnect with the people you love.

Actually "be" on vacation
Turn off the ringer, don't worry about the mail and tell all your friends you are on vacation. Treat yourself to special meals and fun memories you usually get out of town! Make once-in-a-lifetime moments with your family without breaking the bank.