How to have a family staycation

Sep 12, 2011 12:00 AM by Daphne Butas

Posted in Parenting / Family Fun / Family Activities

The At-Home Vacation

With tough economic times, many families are pulling back on extras -- vacations included. Cutting back on expenses does not have to exclude your family from having fun on a staycation, though.

No place like home

A staycation is just as it sounds: A little relaxing and restful time away from work, school and the pressure of your busy life, but without the high costs of traveling beyond your own home or neighborhood.

"Family staycations are very hip right now," says Amy Kossoff Smith, founder of themomtinilounge.com. "They're easy, flexible, cost-effective and fun."

Help from coupons

LivingSocial (a favorite of coupon lovers) even has a product called LivingSocial Families. "LivingSocial Families provides deals specifically for families to get great experiences in their areas at a great value. These deals are available in more than 160 markets across the U.S.," says Kathryn Watson, of Fleishman-Hillard for LivingSocial.

Checking in at tHe Home-tel

Rachel Harris, editor-in-chief of managedmoms.com and Arizona lifestyle reporter, created a family staycation for her tween daughter's sleepover that got everyone in the family involved. They turned the living room into a hotel front desk, had everyone check in, and served the girls room service in their "hotel room" as they watched special movies. "My husband acted as manager and checked on their stay," says Harris. "My son brought them towels." The Harris family stayed on budget, and no one was bored: A true win-win.