It’s been called a staycation, or a vacation spent on your home turf. It’s possible to have a better vacation at home, since you’re saving so much money on travel, lodging, and food.

You can spend some of that money at a high-end restaurant or golf course. There’s no reason to be upset if you can’t afford a week in Paris. You can find plenty to do at home!

Avoid the stress of traveling, sleeping in a different bed, and paying too much to eat every meal at a restaurant. Spend that money on more enjoyable activities.

Enjoy your vacation at home

Spend the day at the beach

If you’re lucky enough to live near a lake or the ocean, a day at the beach is a good way to spend the day. Work on your tan and get some exercise swimming.

Spend the day at the pool

Those without access to a beach can take advantage of the next best thing: the local pool. Splurge for snacks and live it up.

Go for a long bike ride

Your bike might be hiding behind the lawnmower or beneath the rake, but it’s ready to go. Add some air to the tires and go out for a long ride. Look online for bike paths and popular routes.

Have a picnic

Whether it’s at the park, pool, or beach, a picnic provides a relaxing, enjoyable time. Pack your favorite foods and bring your favorite people. A bottle of wine can be a nice touch.

Attend a sporting event

Professional sports are exciting but expensive. If an NBA game is out of your budget, check out the local high school team. Sports can be exciting at any level.

Read a book

It can be hard to find time to read when you always seem to be busy with work. Take advantage of your free time and relax with a good book. You might even find the time to get a library card. Then your books are free.

Visit a local museum or zoo

Most people go out of town to visit the zoo or museum. Now is the time to check out your local offerings.

Spend a day at the movies

Pack in three or more movies on the same day. The real cost is food. Consider watching one movie, then heading out for lunch. You’ll be full and satisfied for the next couple of movies.

Have friends over for a movie night

Stay at home and rent movies on demand. Invite over a few friends and tell them to bring their favorite snacks.

Rent a boat

Rent a speedboat or sailboat for the day. Test out your skills and spend some quality time on the water.
Check out a local band. Get out for an evening and enjoy the local music scene. Enjoy the nightlife for a change of pace.

Go out for a fancy lunch

Since you’re not spending money on a vacation, you might have the funds available to have lunch at that fancy restaurant downtown. Splurge a little bit and enjoy yourself.

Work on your golf or tennis game

You’ve always said you’d be great at golf if you just had the time to practice. Now you have the time. Consider taking a few lessons and concentrate on improving your game.

A staycation can be a better option than going out of town. The sights might be familiar, but you’ll have more money to spend on entertainment if you stay at home. Use your vacation time wisely, get out of the house, and enjoy your time off.

How To Avoid Identity Theft While Traveling

Travel safely:

If you’re preparing to take a vacation, I’m sure you’ve thought about your safety. You’ve possibly even felt nervous about being mugged or losing your most precious possessions. Am I right? It’s quite common for credit cards, passport, and drivers’ licenses to get stolen.

I’ve heard so many horror stories about people’s identities getting stolen during their travel that it’s taking up a huge amount of my energy and mental bandwidth as I fretted about the thoughts.

Although you have a right to be concerned about these issues, once you discover how to avoid this situation and be proactive about the steps to take to avoid identity theft before, during, and after your travel, you’ll see that you can have the time of your life on your vacation.

Use these tips to protect yourself from identity theft during your travels:

Before You Travel:

• Go through your wallet and remove things that you won’t need on your trip. Your social security card, credit cards (except for the one or two major cards you’ll use on the vacation), and any listings of website passwords should be left at home in a safe location. 
• Also, call the credit card company for the card you’ll be taking with you to inform them of your travel plans and dates. Take copies of your passport and identification to store separately in your luggage, just in case.
• Avoid posting on your social media site when you’ll be leaving and returning as this is simply a cue for when it’s safe for thieves to enter your home. 
• If you don’t have a trusted close friend, relative, or neighbor to promptly remove your daily mail, go to your local post office and complete a card giving permission for your mail to be temporarily held at the post office.

During the Trip:

• Avoid responding back online to possible phishing efforts to get your banking info. Instead, have your banking institutions’ phone numbers in your smartphone where you could access them to call and inquire about any concerns regarding your accounts.
• Refrain from checking bank accounts on hotel computers to prevent the theft of delicate information.
• Keep your original identification and credit cards with you at all times. Consider using a small zippered travel pouch on a belt that can be worn underneath your clothing while you travel.
• Store the copies you brought in your luggage, separately from the originals. Place the copies in the luggage lining or with dirty clothes where they would not likely be discovered by others. Better yet, keep them locked away in the hotel safe.

When You Arrive Home:

• Feel free to access one of the free online credit-check websites to check your credit report to ensure that your credit is intact and has not been tampered with during your vacation. 

You can enjoy your upcoming trip and know that your money and identity will be safe by following these suggestions before, during, and after you return from your trip. Bon voyage!

Who Else Wants to Travel Without Aches and Pains?

Travel broadens your horizons. Extravagant vacations or a little sightseeing squeezed into a business trip can make life more enjoyable and meaningful. You have an opportunity to learn about other cultures and break out of your usual routine as you adapt to life on the road.

But, there’s a downside! In addition to lost luggage and noisy hotel rooms, you may be plagued by aches and pains from all those hours of sitting in planes, trains, and automobiles. Check out these tips for protecting your health while you see the world.

Travel Tips for Fighting Immobility

Change positions

Sitting still is stressful and can even cause blood clots in your legs. Try to stand up and move around at least once an hour, even if it’s just to walk to the bathroom.

Support your feet and back

Buy a lumbar pillow or put a rolled up blanket or sweater behind the curve in your lower back. Resting your feet on a level firm surface also takes stress off your back.
Stretch out. However little room you have, you can still do some simple stretches. Scoop your abdominal muscles, lean your head to one side at a time, and roll your ankles and wrists. If you can stand up, do a deep forward bend.

Travel Tips for Managing Stress

Give yourself extra time.

The aches in your body may start in your mind when you’re anxious about catching a connecting flight. Budgeting an extra hour could pay off.

Pack light.

Keeping your luggage to a minimum means less lifting and greater mobility. A small e-reader gives you access to any title you want. Ask yourself how many skincare products you really need for a two-day trip.

Expect the unexpected.

Some delays and detours are unavoidable. Consider them a learning experience.

Go offline

Are you trying to keep up with responsibilities at the office while you’re attending a conference? Cut down on texts and emails by asking a colleague to cover for you. Be ready to return the favor when they need it.

Travel Tips for Sticking to Your Workout Program

Take a walk

Maybe you’re exhausted from listening to lectures and meeting with clients for hours on end. A gentle evening walk could stimulate your blood flow and give you more energy without disrupting your sleep.

Exercise solo

When you have to leave your gym behind, you still have access to exercise programs on your phone or tablet that will keep you limber. If you want something quieter, bring along a jump rope or resistance bands to use in your hotel room.

Visit a new gym.

If you prefer to see more of the neighborhood, browse online for fitness facilities. Ask about daily passes or single classes.

Best Practice Travel Tips

Lift items carefully

It’s safer to lift heavy items in stages. Put your bag on your seat before raising it overhead. Engage your legs and core rather than straining your back.

Balance your load

If you must tote around books or medical supplies, try distributing your heavy items. A ten pound bag on each shoulder is preferable to lugging around one twenty pound sack.

Treat pain promptly

Act fast when you notice a blister or muscle soreness. Rest and first aid may allow you to enjoy your vacation or complete your work instead of becoming laid up.

You can travel in more comfort even if you can’t afford a private jet. A few new habits may be all you need to stay fit while you journey far and wide.

Taking a road trip with your children can be a great opportunity to spend quality time together. However, you may wind up wishing you stayed home unless you prepare for the challenges of sharing a small space for many miles.

Driving cross-country can be a lot different than your usual local errands. You’re less familiar with the route, and your kids may become bored along the way.

With careful planning, your vacation can be safe and fun. Follow these suggestions for your next family road trip.

Staying Safe:

Buckle up

Your kids are probably used to putting on their seat belts. However, it’s worth reminding them to stay buckled up even while sleeping. Seat belts save lives and prevent injuries.

Check your car seats

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to find a child safety seat inspection station near you. Certified technicians will check that your seat is correctly installed and appropriate for your child’s age and size.

Related: darlingsteps.com/safety-tips-when-taking-a-road-trip

Plan for emergencies

Prepare for icy roads or bee stings. Store bottled water and blankets in your trunk. Bring along a first aid kit and contact information for your pediatrician.

Arrange seating

Cut down on squabbling with strategic seat assignments. It might help to have at least one adult in the backseat.

Drive responsibly

Talk with your kids about why it’s important for the driver to keep their eyes on the road. Ban excessive noise or roughhousing. Pull over if you need to send a text or referee a disagreement.

Providing Entertainment:

Play games

Choose from a wide variety of classic and computer road games. Introduce your kids to I Spy and 20 Questions. Write your own Mad Libs or buy a magnetic Scrabble board.

Make crafts

Browse online for digital art activities or paper crafts that are easy to do while riding in a car. Buy grown up coloring books, too, so you can share the fun with your kids.

Listen to music

If you need a break from Baby Shark, apps like Spotify will generate a wide selection of music for kids. Wear headphones or pick tunes that you can sing together.

Bring audiobooks

While you want to spend time interacting, you may also need a little quiet. Audiobooks or movies can keep kids occupied until you’re refreshed.

Other Road Trip Tips:

Related: darlingsteps.com/8-tricks-to-save-money-on-your-family-road-trip

Research rest stops

Give yourself enough time so you can get out of the car frequently to move around and take in the scenery. Visit amusement parks and historic sites. Take hikes and picnic in state parks along the way.

Cool off

On a hot summer day, cold water feels refreshing even if your car is air conditioned. Make a list of beaches, lakes, and water parks that will be within driving distance.

Eat healthy

Are you looking for an alternative to the fast food places that surround most highways? Pack a cooler with nutritious snacks and salads. Search online for Indian or vegetarian restaurants that may be just a few miles away.

Related: darlingsteps.com/a-travelers-guide-to-healthy-eating-while-on-the-road

Tidy up

You’ll probably feel more stressed and irritable if your car starts looking like a garbage bin. Keep clutter and spills under control with simple rules and organizing products. Hang a pouch over the back of car seats to hold toys and books.

Share conversation

Having time for extended discussions is one of the greatest joys of family car trips. Think of some conversation starters before you leave, like funny stories about your own childhood or interesting news events.

Make your next family road trip more relaxing and enjoyable. You’ll return home with lots of happy memories that will last a lifetime.