Guest Author - Marilyn Crain

“Staycation” is a word that many have grown to dislike intensely. There’s just something so ugly and unappealing about it. Each time it’s uttered, it seems to be tinged with disdain. But, the concept of vacationing at home doesn’t have to be viewed negatively; it can be translated into a really enjoyable break from the everyday.

Why don’t we trade in the word staycation for the more meaningful term, local tourism? After all, many of us live in areas that out of town visitors find very interesting. It’s a paradox that we spend countless hours traveling to other vacation spots, while many times passing along the way those eager tourists headed to our own locale.

What are the benefits of local tourism?

1. It’s cost-effective.
2. It requires less travel and that can mean less stress.
3. It allows more time to enjoy events and activities.
4. It’s more environmentally friendly because it requires less fuel for travel.
5. It supports of the local economy--local businesses and thus local families.

How can you explore the possibilities of local tourism?

1. Buy a local map.
2. Go to the library or a bookstore, to find “tourist” information about your local area.
3. Go online or visit your local convention and tourism visitor’s center.
4. Set aside vacation time, don’t always just fit day trips into your normal schedule. Consider, at the very least, a long weekend.
5. Approach each day of your allocated time as if you are on a traditional vacation away from home. Plan your activities, and as much as possible, stick to that schedule.
6. Be sure to budget for eating out or ordering in. Exploring new restaurants is a big part of vacation fun for many.
7. Get input from everyone. You may be surprised at the fun ideas that your preschooler has picked up from playmates.

What possibilities make the top picks for local tourism?

1. City picks: Museums, galleries, parks and zoos. Check local community calendars for events like street fairs, science fairs, art walks or concerts in the park.
2. County picks: Parks, lakes, rivers, and events like county fairs and rodeos.
3. Regional picks: State parks, historic sites and national parks

Local tourism opens up a whole new vacation world. Just think how much further your vacation dollars will go when you don’t have to factor in long-distance travel. You may just discover some places or activities that will become family favorites. The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence. Sometimes the best places really are just down the street or around the corner.