The last official day of Summer isn't until September 22 of this year, so really, you have plenty of time to squeeze in a vacation and enjoy the warm sunshine of the season. But, school will start long before Summer is officially over. There are signs of the impending doomsday everywhere you look: online, on television, in stores, on billboards. There's no escaping it. So, if you have kids, or even if you don't have the money to travel, or the desire to fight the crowds, there's always the option of having a relaxing staycation right where you are. Here are 10 last minute ideas for a Summer staycation.
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| By Diliff [GFDL, CC-BY-SA-3.0 or CC BY 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons |
1. Spend the day at the park.
This is a great option whether you live in a city or a small town. Pack a picnic, bring along some tunes, bubbles, a frisbee, a great book, or whatever you like, and spend the entire day at the park, napping, playing, and just having a great time.
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| By Schlaier [GFDL or CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons |
2. Spend the day at a museum
Okay, not everyone lives in New York City and has access to the some of the best museums in the world, but I grew up in a very small town and we had a museum, so I bet you do too. Just Google "Museums near 'TOWN/CITY, STATE'" and I bet you'll find one within driving distance.
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| Credit: Natalle Maynor |
3. Visit a local Farmer's Market
Shop for fresh ingredients and then use them to make a new and exotic dish for dinner.
4. Book into a spa for the day
Use Google to find a nearby spa and book an appointment for the day. Get a massage, a facial, or take a mud bath. With all the money you saved from not going away on vacation, you deserve to treat yourself.
5. Get out on the water
Whether it's the ocean, a lake, a river, a pond, a creek, or whatever, get out there and enjoy it. Do something you wouldn't normally do: go tubing, rent a kayak or row boat, go fishing, water ski, or do it all. Cool off in nature's swimming pool!
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| By Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong [CC BY-SA 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons |
6. Book into a hotel in your own city
How often do you book into a hotel in your own city? Probably never. Book a nice room for the night, take a dip in the pool, have a drink at the hotel bar, order room service for dinner, rent a film, then sleep late and enjoy their complimentary breakfast before checking out. No traveling required.
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| By Radoslaw Nowak - GFDL |
7. Spend the day at the zoo
Visiting the zoo is always a special treat. And seeing and visiting animals from around the world can really make you feel like you're somewhere else. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it. Be sure to take lots of pictures as mementos of the day.
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| By Daniel Schwen [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons |
8. Visit tourist attractions or historical markers in your area
Every city or town has a history, whether or not it is known to you. Explore your area by looking up historical events and sites within driving distance and then go visit those places. By doing so, you'll gain a new perspective of the place in which you live.
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| Credit / License |
9. Eat at an exotic restaurant you have never tried
This one might be a little difficult if you live in a very small town. Search Yelp for Bangladeshi, Peruvian, MiddleEastern, or any other type of food you have never had. Choose the one with highest ratings, get dressed up, and make a night of it. Experiencing the food of another culture is the next best thing to actually visiting somewhere new.
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| Credit: MakesLessNoise |
10. Camp in your own backyard
If all else fails, there's no staycation like pitching a tent and camping in your own backyard. Try and challenge yourself not to go into your house for anything. Bring everything you need outside and camp just like you're in the wilderness.
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