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PLAN A
STAYCATION By: Michelle Poche
LIFE IS BUSY. LIFE IS EXPENSIVE. AND LIFE IS COMPLICATED.VACATIONS ARE THE PERFECT ESCAPE FROM ALL OF THAT. BUT WHO HAS THE TIME, MONEY AND ENERGY? FORTUNATELY, WE ALL DO ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR, WHEN WE’RE ACTUALLY WILLING TO BREAK OUT THE SUITCASES, PASSPORTS AND TRAVEL PILLOWS. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER FIFTY WEEKS WHEN WE JUST WANT A LITTLE BREAK?
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nter the staycation.There’s a reason these little getaways are so popular.They offer all the fun of a real vacation for less time, less money and less planning. What? You’ve never taken a staycation? Okay, we’ll take it slowly. A staycation is … Educational. You can learn about the history and culture of your city. Economical. You can save money on airfare, gas, etc. Easy. NO packing and NO wasted time in transit. Flexible. Bad weather? Sick child? Reschedule! Restful. Well, it’s certainly less exhausting than the real deal. And there are so many ways you can spend your day. Learn something. Check nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com for locations near you. Cannonball! It doesn’t matter if it’s a pool, water park, lake or ocean… as long as everyone is wet, you’re doing it right. Embrace nature. Go camping, horseback riding, hiking, bird watching, fishing, etc. You’re not cheating if you’re in your own backyard. Appreciate the arts. Museums and theaters often have special presentations and pricing for children and families. Roll down the river. Many cities located on the water offer short day cruises with meals and entertainment.You’ll have nothing to do but float and relax. Take them out to a ballgame. Splurge on ball park snacks to get the full experience. And don’t forget your catcher’s mitt! Make new friends. Visit www.fairsandfestivals.net to see what’s happening around you.There’s always a food or holiday being celebrated somewhere. To search for ideas by state, visit http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Travel-Tourism/State-Tourism.shtml. Truly, you can do anything you want on your Staycation.The only rule is that you do something different. Break from your routine, just like you’re on a real vacation.
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INSPIRE HEALTH
“Bon Voyage!”
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