A more homey family vacation

CEBU, Philippines – In the light of the present economic difficulty, many families do not have the resources for taking a trip together. Taking a family vacation is often the first casualty in a tightened household budget. There are no more visits to relatives in the next province, no more basking in the sun at a nice beach resort, no more meeting other vacationers.

But there's no need to cut off the vacation fun entirely. Steve Odland, in his article entitled "16 Things to Do in a Staycation" at www.forbes.com, cites an increasingly popular and fun vacation: the stay-at-home-vacation, or the "staycation."  Obviously the vacation takes place while staying at home - but for a little twist the nearby low-budget hotel or pension house may also be considered.

For the activities, Odland suggests the following:

1. Visit your local points of interest.

Go to a museum, botanical garden, zoo, flea market etc. Every place has its local attractions, some world-class, others, well, just fun. Tug the whole family along and pretend you are tourists. You'll be surprised how much there is about your own place that you didn't know.

2. Go to the beach or pool.

The Philippines being an archipelago, there's likely to be a beach nearby or, if not, a lake or river. Or go to a public swimming pool.  Many schools and organizations have swimming pools that are open to the public.

3. Get the bike out.

There are available bike trails, whether dedicated or shared- use trails.  Or take the deserted neighborhood roads. Go biking with the kids.

4. Go to a movie.

Yes, you can rent a DVD movie or borrow one from a friend and have an evening movie night at home.  But you can also go to one of the movie theaters and have a 3D experience.  Don't forget popcorn.

5. See a live show.

Of course major cities have theater, opera, dance, etc.  But many smaller communities have either travelling versions or local playhouses that can be just as much fun. Take advantage of such performances, it there happens to be one during your staycation.

6. Go shopping.

Time the staycation to fall on at least a day when the kids are free. Make the trek to the mall and spend the day looking up what's new.  The malls are like mini-cities with food service, theaters, entertainment, etc.

7. Take a nap.

Hey, vacations are to escape from daily life and relax.  Catch up on sleep in that hammock.

8. Take a (little) cruise.

If there's one around, hop on some sort of dinner or sightseeing cruise that sails around the harbor.

9. Work on that tennis game.

Most resorts emphasize tennis or any other particular sport.  Why not at home?  Most major parks and community schools allow access to their tennis courts for those that don't have access to a club.

10. Take a hike.

Walking is the best exercise.  Find some park or scenic area and plan a hike.  Pack a picnic lunch and water, then let the whole family go and explore.

11. Read a book.

You don't have to be sitting in a far away place to settle in with a really good read.  Go to a local coffee house and splurge on a cappuccino or other creation and spend a few hours lost in a book.

12. Take an exercise class.

Try yoga, pilates, spinning, zumba etc.

13. See a ball game.

See if there's a basketball finals scheduled in the neighborhood. Go, get some sun, have a hotdog, and relax.

14. Host a potluck or barbecue.

Have the extended family over or host a neighborhood party.  Ask everyone to bring something and share.

15. Play your favorite sport.

Even if you're not an avid sports person, this is the perfect time to try it.  Go to the sports club, if there's any, and practice or take a couple lessons to enhance your skills. Or, take the kids to miniature golf somewhere.

16. Spend time with the kids.

People remember the good times spent with each other more than the places they've been.  Get out a deck of cards or a board game.  Spend time talking, laughing, and reminiscing.  Life is short - spend time with family.

See? There's a lot that can be done during a vacation at home. And there's comparatively more money for some treats as compared to vacationing elsewhere. The amount saved from air fares and hotels can surely buy the family a good dinner out - maybe even two or more.

For parting words, Odland says: "The trick to enjoying a staycation is to deviate from daily routines and truly make it a vacation.  If you enjoy eating out on vacations, do the same on your staycation.  Don't do the laundry or clean the garage, or other household projects.  Relax.  As odd as it sounds, bring discipline to the vacation by not allowing chores or drudgery to intercede and take away the fun.  Remind yourself that, while you are at home, you still are on vacation."