| According to the Greek philosopher Plato, Necessity is | | | | for local historic homes tours or botanical gardens |
| the mother of invention. How true that is proving to be | | | | which are open to the public if you enjoy history, |
| in this economic downturn! Almost everyone is | | | | architecture and horticulture. You will be surprised what |
| tightening their belt, cutting the budget and deferring | | | | is on your own doorstep if you research your local |
| unnecessary expenses, and for many one of the first | | | | area as a visitor would. It may even be worth buying a |
| things to be jettisoned is a vacation. However, those | | | | Go Pass for unlimited travel and entry to multiple |
| who are prepared to compromise a little can still enjoy | | | | attractions. |
| a cut-price vacation a Staycation. This natty new | | | | Join a guided walking tour of your local town or a |
| phrase describes a vacation enjoyed from home | | | | behind-the scenes tour of your local fire station or City |
| creating the environment of a true vacation. It cuts out | | | | Hall so you learn something new about where you live. |
| the major expenses of travel and accommodation and | | | | Check local news for upcoming special events such |
| makes the most of where you live. | | | | as art walks or food shows, or book something you |
| To enjoy a Staycation requires a certain amount of | | | | have always wanted to do. A day at the races, |
| self discipline, the setting of a few rules and some prior | | | | go-karting, a riding lesson or even a makeover at the |
| research. Self-discipline is the key to a successful | | | | local Clinique counter can all make a great day out. |
| Staycation as you cannot enjoy a refreshing | | | | In summation, the five golden rules for a great |
| staycation if you are going to answer the phone, keep | | | | Staycation are: |
| in touch with your workplace, answer emails, or catch | | | | 1.No phone calls Only pick up social messages, not |
| up on the cleaning and decorating. If you normally | | | | those from work. |
| entertain family and friends on certain weekdays, be | | | | 2.Leave the computer switched off You will deal with |
| strict and cancel the arrangement, just as you would if | | | | emails so much better when recharged. |
| you were disappearing to the Bahamas for a week. | | | | 3.Absolutely no housework and renovations. If |
| Compromising in this instance will mean that your | | | | necessary, use some of your holiday budget to |
| much-needed restful Staycation will be downgraded to | | | | employ someone to do these tasks for you. |
| a day trip if you are not really strict with yourself. | | | | 4.Start researching things to do at least two weeks |
| If possible try to avoid routine cooking (and the | | | | before your staycation, so you have something to look |
| associated shopping) by eating out or ordering | | | | forward to and have a full planner for each day. |
| take-away meals. Login to for great dining offers and | | | | 5.Include one real splurge good tickets to show, a day |
| gift certificates (often paying just a few dollars for a | | | | at a spa, a meal at a favorite restaurant, a new book |
| $10 or $25 gift card) to save money on local | | | | or an otherwise unaffordable treat for yourself. |
| restaurants. | | | | Following these golden rules will ensure you have a |
| Another essential key to a successful Staycation is | | | | superb Staycation, feel refreshed and rejuvenated, |
| planning ahead. If you have no plans you will not get | | | | have something new to talk about and will probably |
| far at all. Everyone lives near something worth visiting | | | | want to do it again soon! |
| and it does not have to be expensive to enjoy it. Look | | | | |