You Know You Need a Staycation When…

You know that I am a great advocate of travel with the family but sometimes, there are plenty of good reasons to stay home. A staycation can be both relaxing and wonderful family bonding time, if you do it right.

But first, you know you need a staycation when:

1. Your partner and you have had at least two arguments about how much this trip is costing

2. You promised you’d help your daughter re-paint her room. That was two years ago

3. You’ve spent so much time on the road, your neighbors call you “the visitor”

4. The patio furniture you bought last spring has never been used

5. You stay awake at night stressing about planning this next family trip

6. You kids have never seen your city’s major sights

7. You will have to work late every night for a month to make up for taking off for a few days

8. The forecast for everywhere affordable is cold and rainy, except for where you live, which is sunny and glorious.

9. The last time your family spent a Saturday together at home was the day you brought her home from hospital eight years ago

10. You promised your mother-in-law she’d be invited to the next family vacation

Make a staycation successful by consciously deviating from the behaviors that create distance in your own household. For example, limit everyone’s “gadget” time, and plan a day out sight-seeing in your own city. Catch up with friends or family and give each other some relief from the usual chores – you go get a massage while your partner goes to yoga. What bliss!

A staycation can be a great vacation!