How to Plan the Perfect Summer Staycation

As the cost of living continues to rise in the United States, many individuals and families are re-evaluating their budgets. Typically, vacations are among the first things to get cut when creating a plan to save money. But trying to stay on budget this summer doesn’t mean that you have to cut out all of the fun.

These staycation ideas provide fun and affordable options without the high cost of travel and lodging.

Take time off

First and foremost, vacations are a break from work and home responsibilities. When you take a trip away from home, you are often able to be more present in what you are doing because you don’t have your standard to-do list running through your head. Whether you prefer to relax and rest on vacation or be on the go, enjoyment is much more attainable without the constraints of day-to-day tasks.

Apply the same preparation and mindset to planning your staycation. Take time off of work. Get ahead on chores at home so that you are comfortable taking a break for a few days. Clear your schedule of other obligations the same way that you would if you were going out of town. And then… activate vacation mode.

Be a tourist in your own town

Whether it is your own downtown area or a neighboring town that you don’t often visit, plan a day to explore everything the area has to offer. Research ahead of time to find a café that you have never been to, a restaurant you might want to check out, a bustling shopping area, a local park with accessible trails, a museum, an art gallery…you might be surprised how many things there are to do so close to home. You can use websites like TripAdvisor to search for places that you want to check out or even just type “planning a day in [insert town name]” into the Google search bar for AI generated suggestions.

Create a loose itinerary but also allow room in the day to just roam around and take your time exploring and window shopping like you would if you were in a brand-new place.

Soak up the sun at a local swimming pool or lake

Summer vacations often involve swimming and waterfront fun. If you aren’t able to take a trip to the beach, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a day in the water. Plan a day at a local swimming pool or lake near you.

Many local pools have accessible pool lifts or flat-ground splash pads. Follow these tips for finding accessible pools near you and a flotation device to meet your needs.

State Parks with lakes often have beaches and swimming areas for visitors. Larger bodies of water also might have rentals available for water sports. Check with boating and water activity organizations to see if they offer accessible activities like adaptive kayaking or boating.

Check out a local event or festival

While you are staycation planning online, be sure to search for local upcoming events and festivals. Community calendars, Facebook events, and Googling “events near me” are all great ways to find out what’s going on in your area. Many summer festivals and street fairs are free to attend. Expand your search to surrounding areas if you are willing and able to travel.

Whether it is a food truck festival, a free concert in the park, or a fine art street fair, contact the organizers in advance to discuss accessibility. Parks often have paved pathways, and many festivals are held on blocked off streets or courtyards.

Buy tickets to a show, concert, or game

Check the schedule for your state theater, concert venue, or favorite sports team. Call or email the box office to discuss ADA seating and access options when purchasing tickets; and follow these tips from MDA Ambassador Justin Lopez to help navigate ensuring accessibility at your venue.

Plan a potluck picnic gathering

Vacations usually revolve around spending time with family and/or friends. You don’t need to sacrifice that quality time simply because you aren’t traveling together. Plan a gathering with local family and friends at a public park that offers picnic or pavilion areas. Have guests bring a dish, lawn chairs and blankets, and outdoor games. Spend the day outside, enjoying a day off with loved ones.

Call the park office ahead of time to ensure that there are paved walkways to all of the areas that you want to access, to ask about accessible bathrooms, and to determine if a rental fee is required to use grilling areas.

Take a day trip

If one of the things that you love most about taking a vacation is the opportunity to go somewhere new, plan a day trip to check out an area within driving distance that you have never been to. Research towns, parks, hiking, or whatever interests you within a two-hour drive from where you live. While there are costs involved in making travel arrangements to spend the day experiencing a new place, being able to return home the same day will save money on lodging.

When planning an all-day outing, be sure to consider these tips from Get Outside: Tips for Accessible Outdoor Activities :

• Medication schedule If you will be out and about during the time that you need to take certain medications, don’t forget to pack them with you. If medications require temperature control, bring a small cooler.
• Sun and heat sensitivity If you will be in a sunny area with limited shade, bring an umbrella or hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Be sure to choose a day with mild or comfortable temperatures for longer outings.
• Allow for rest If you experience fatigue or muscle weakness and are planning a longer excursion, plan for rest as well. That could mean ensuring that there are areas to sit and rest or bringing a folding chair, walker, or wheelchair.
• Pack the essentials If you are going somewhere that doesn’t sell food or beverages, be sure to pack snacks and plenty of water.
• Layer clothing Choose clothes that can be layered to easily add or remove as the weather heats up or cools off.
• Utilize travel products Even if you are only going a few miles from home, accessible travel products like soft pouch water bottle holders, portable phone chargers, adjustable umbrellas with clamps, and rechargeable mini fans can keep you comfortable on your outing. Check out accessible travel products and tips.

Have an R & R day

Vacation is also about rest and relaxation. Plan a day of your staycation to do just that: rest and relax. Whether that involves reading in your own backyard, staying comfortable on the couch to binge watch your favorite show, or going to the movie theater – take a day to enjoy your favorite leisure activities.

You can create a perfect combination of adventure, new experiences, relaxation, and quality time without breaking the bank this summer! Happy staycation!