According to the Greek philosopher Plato, “Necessity is the mother of invention”. How true that is proving to be in this economic downturn! Almost everyone is tightening their belt, cutting the budget and deferring unnecessary expenses, and for many one of the first things to be jettisoned is a vacation. However, those who are prepared to compromise a little can still enjoy a cut-price vacation – a Staycation. This natty new phrase describes a vacation enjoyed from home creating the environment of a true vacation. It cuts out the major expenses of travel and accommodation and makes the most of where you live.

To enjoy a Staycation requires a certain amount of self discipline, the setting of a few rules and some prior research. Self-discipline is the key to a successful Staycation as you cannot enjoy a refreshing staycation if you are going to answer the phone, keep in touch with your workplace, answer emails, or catch up on the cleaning and decorating. If you normally entertain family and friends on certain weekdays, be strict and cancel the arrangement, just as you would if you were disappearing to the Bahamas for a week. Compromising in this instance will mean that your much-needed restful Staycation will be downgraded to a day trip if you are not really strict with yourself.

If possible try to avoid routine cooking (and the associated shopping) by eating out or ordering take-away meals. Login to restaurant.com for great dining offers and gift certificates (often paying just a few dollars for a $10 or $25 gift card) to save money on local restaurants.

Another essential key to a successful Staycation is planning ahead. If you have no plans you will not get far at all. Everyone lives near something worth visiting and it does not have to be expensive to enjoy it. Look for local historic homes tours or botanical gardens which are open to the public if you enjoy history, architecture and horticulture. You will be surprised what is on your own doorstep if you research your local area as a visitor would. It may even be worth buying a Go Pass for unlimited travel and entry to multiple attractions.

Join a guided walking tour of your local town or a behind-the scenes tour of your local fire station or City Hall so you learn something new about where you live. Check local news for upcoming special events such as art walks or food shows, or book something you have always wanted to do. A day at the races, go-karting, a riding lesson or even a makeover at the local Clinique counter can all make a great day out.

In summation, the five golden rules for a great Staycation are:

1.No phone calls – Only pick up social messages, not those from work.

2.Leave the computer switched off – You will deal with emails so much better when recharged.

3.Absolutely no housework and renovations. If necessary, use some of your holiday budget to employ someone to do these tasks for you.

4.Start researching things to do at least two weeks before your staycation, so you have something to look forward to and have a full planner for each day.

5.Include one real splurge – good tickets to show, a day at a spa, a meal at a favorite restaurant, a new book or an otherwise unaffordable treat for yourself.

Following these golden rules will ensure you have a superb Staycation, feel refreshed and rejuvenated, have something new to talk about and will probably want to do it again soon!

Author Bio: Save more on local vacations with Staycation Savers from CouponShack.com

Category: Travel
Keywords: staycation,vacation