Staycation vs Vacation

That’s it. You’ve booked time off from work, the children have broken up from school and now you find yourself in a privileged position of being able to decide how and where to spend this wonderfully precious time together. Are you desperate to get away from it all and bathe in the pleasures that a holiday can bring or are you simply happy to stay at home and sample the delights found locally? In other words, do you want a staycation or a vacation?

Staycation

A relatively new term based on old measures, a staycation has provided the perfect free-time solution for many cash strapped families.  Even if money is less of an issue, many families enjoy the chance to jumble a whole load of creative ideas together to form a structured plan of how to spend the free time most wisely. Many people make a plan as though they are actually taking a holiday away from home - they research a destination, in this case the local area; perhaps book a nearby hotel or campsite for a one or two night stay and arrange to visit some local attractions. Finally they behave as though they are staying away – leaving the post unopened and switching the TV off. You may wish to take our preparations one step further and structure your week - here are some ideas for you… 

It’s a Knockout…

Yes there’s nothing quite like a bit of healthy competition amongst family members and what better way to draw out this natural contesting streak than a family game weekend?  If the weather forecast predicts, rain, rain and more rain then it’s time to dust down the board games hidden in the attic, unearth the Chess Board, re-learn the rules to Monopoly, deal out the pack of cards, unfold the Twister sheet and plug in the electronic games. Arrange a set of tournaments with prizes for the winners, buy in some easy-to-cook snacks and soft drinks then hey presto - let battle commence! 

Go exploring…

With one step past the front door you can explore an entirely different world that you may not have discovered before. Take a wander around the neighbourhood by simply heading in whatever direction looks most interesting – you’ll be amazed at what you may stumble across. Alternatively research some local history and plan a mini hike to show your children the historical highlights of the area. Or create a mystery neighbourhood trail, complete with cryptic clues for the children to puzzle over. Pay a visit to a local green area and stop to take a closer look at the abundance of wildlife that resides there. Spread some blankets on the ground and tuck into a mini feast as you watch the sun go down. Then finish off a perfect day by looking skywards for a spot of amateur stargazing! 

Time well spent…

Plan your time wisely - take a look at the Roundabout pages in this issue of Primary Times or go to www.primarytimes.net for a list of local events; stop by at your community library and museum; and make an effort to enjoy the local attractions in your area. 

Go Green…

By staying at home you are automatically taking the greener option to going away so why not continue this theme? For example, you may wish to start a herb garden or vegetable patch, or make bird boxes, take public transport all week, or recycle old clothes to make cushions. Free the clutter from your house by attending a car boot sale and earn a pound or two in the process. Or add your unwanted items to www.uk.freecycle.org as an alternative way to de-clutter in an environmentally friendly way. Or why not give something back to society and volunteer your time to help towards a beach clean or park tidy-up that some community organisations arrange?  

Have a Fitcation…

Take the time to focus on family health and fitness.  Fill each day with an exercise the entire family can do; be it a football contest in the park, a trip to the swimming pool, a kayaking voyage on a local lake, a fun run around the streets, a bike ride in a nearby forest, a fitness session using the Wii or simply dodge the sprinklers in the back garden for some fabulous fun.    

Have an International Week…

If you aren’t able to travel overseas then bring the overseas to you. Inject a bit of variety with an International Week by celebrating a different country or region each day. Learn a few words and phrases from your chosen country and sample some of its cuisine either at home or at a restaurant. You can get really adventurous – why not hold a Spanish, French, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai or Indian day? 

Vacation

If you yearn to escape from it all, and the bright Mediterranean sun is beckoning you, then a holiday away from home is of course the ideal option. Be prudent and find the best ways to do this at the best price. Spend time doing some detailed comparative shopping for travel either at a travel agent’s or on the internet and set up alerts to prompt you of cheap deals. If you are venturing abroad you can make savings by opting for an all-inclusive deal so you avoid overindulging on meals out and excursions. Also, look at travelling to countries with favourable exchange rates to get more for your pound. Alternatively, you may wish to holiday in the UK. Again, search around for the best deals. Undoubtedly there will be last minute special offers, and at weekends during term time at a number of holiday parks, campsites and hotels.  

Finally, whether you decide to have a staycation or a vacation the most important thing is to give yourself time to relax, rest, avoid the daily chores and spend memorable moments with your family.

Kirsty Woodgate