Staycation Ideas

Archive for July, 2009

Spa-Finder has launced a new advertising campaign just for the staycationer with their “Spa-Cation” a new “stay-cation” alternative that’s almost as budget-friendly (no airfare or lodging required) but far more rejuvenating.

From the ancient mineral baths of the Dead Sea to the legendary Golden Door spa of California, great spas of the world have been coveted vacation destinations for centuries. But with so many luxurious day spas located nearby, there’s no reason you can’t pamper themselves and still remain close to home.

We all know that life can be stressful.  And our bodies and minds, without proper attention, end up taking the brunt of that stress.  That’s why with haute mud wraps to hot-stone massages,chakra realignments to miracle treatments that have you aging in reverse, there has never been a better time to take care of yourself (mind, body and spirit) and take a spa-cation!  Your body will thank-you!

Pack up the goggles and the sunscreen and take the family to the city pool for a day of wet ‘n wild fun. Any cold pool will do on a hot day, but if you’re up for more adventure, look for a city water park in your area with slides, fountains and waterfalls. Take a book and lounge poolside, but don’t forget to get in and play with the kids or you’ll miss out on all the fun.

How to Make it Happen

This one’s pretty simple. Pick the pool, pay admission, and enjoy. Call ahead to see if floaties or other water toys are allowed. If going to the pool might be a regular activity for your family, consider buying a season pass to save money.

Pack all the pool essentials in a carry-all bag:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Visors
• Goggles
• Beach towels

Don’t forget some extra cash to treat yourself to a snack at the concession stand. It’s your vacation, so go ahead–indulge!

Additional Activities

1. Sign the kids up for swim lessons. If they’re all ready good swimmers, sign them up for a summer swim team.
2. Create your own backyard waterpark.

There’s a trick to flying a kite. It isn’t easy-just ask Charlie Brown about those kite-eating trees. But if you can get that kite in the air, the site is awe-inspiring. Surely, you’ve been to a park where everyone stops to look at the kite flying above them. We all wish it was us.

How to Make it Happen

Perhaps the best way to learn is by doing. Buy a kite, pick a breezy day and an open space, and see if you can get your kite in the air. If you find you need a little more help, check out this website, www.ehow.com/how_1289_fly-kite.html.  There are also video guides on YouTube, which you can find using an online search.

If you want to make this a bigger project for your family, try making your own kites from a pattern or kit. Kite kits can be purchased from hobby stores. Let the kids help assemble the kite and decorate it anyway they want.

Additional Activities

1. Once you have the kite, don’t let it get crushed by shoving it on a shelf in the garage. Take it out again. Become an expert and give advice to others trying to get theirs in the air!
2. Have everyone in the family design his or her own kite. Have a family contest to see which kite flies highest. Which stays in the air the longest. Which looks the best.