Anyone holidayed at home successfully ?

[Deleted User]

We're trying to save up for a good holiday next year (special anniversary) so we're taking a "staycation" this year - i.e. staying at home for 2 weeks in the summer - but we want to make it feel as much like a holiday as it's possible to do in our own home. Anyone have any advice about how to do it (or have you tried and it's impossible ??) Thanks.

archersluck

Did this last year, but we'd just moved to a new area so there was lots to explore - however even if you've been living somewhere for a while I bet there's loads you've never tried out.
We had Olympics tickets so that's not something you can replicate, but went to the beach for a day, to visit friends and to the zoo, went to our nearest forestry commission forest and hired mountain bike for a couple of hours.
Obviously you don't want to spend loads or it defeats the object but if you can do some days out it'll feel more like a break. Buy in nice food, cook recipes you don't normally have time for, fill the freezer with ice cream, go to orange Wednesday cinema - we work crossed shifts on Wednesday so never get to do this normally! Borrow a dog and go for a walk. I'd clean the house/do those niggly jobs that never get done beforehand so you can actually enjoy your time off

paddyrg

How about-

* moving your bed into the living room and the former bedroom is out of bounds (makes a new, novel space for that holiday feel),
* pack suitcases packed with holiday clothes and books,
* you're only allowed to eat readymeals / eat out
* Mobiles off!
* Only use the washing machine once a week

If you want to simulate the feeling of flying longhaul economy, beat each other up, don't sleep for 36 hours, get kids to sneeze in your face, watch a film on your phone, eat plasticine.

balletshoes

I have done it - get a copy of your local council's "whats on" calendar for the dates you are having a staycation, see whats going on, and join in.
are there any local attractions/museums/parks/outdoor activities in your area that you've never done and but always thought about? Do them.
I agree with the phones off too - if you were away folk wouldn't be able to get hold of you, nor expect to disturb your holiday, so same rules apply on your staycation.

Days out to the local beach, go window shopping in a nearby town/area you've never been before, that kind of thing.

good_advice

Staycation = I have not heard that word before.
You do not need a big = abroad holiday every year. Last year we just had a mid week break and this year is going to be the same.

2 weeks in the summer. you could do some decorating, paint a room.
sit out in the garden, put your shorts and top on to work on a tan.
Read or do puzzle books. Have a BBQ.
Have a day at the beach and take newspapers, picnic.
I use to take the kids to the lido with food and big picnic blanket and stay the day.
Look to see what discount tickets are available for your area. = One year I bought a family rail card and made several trips to London to see the sights.

Bella56

We can't afford to take much in the way of holidays anymore either. We just relax at home, might tackle a project if we get bored, order in to make it feel special. It is lovely and relaxing, although we do hope to take a proper holiday abroad again one year!!

NewLifeAhead_2

Not sure what area you are in but a good website is dayoutwiththekids.co.uk
Lots of ideas for fun things to do, many of them free.
In the summer you will usually find local rugby clubs etc doing family fun days. Or just find a nice pub with a nice play area for kids too - that's what my summers consisted of as a kid and I loved it!
Of course most of this is depending on our crappy weather. Good luck!

EDIT: Sorry just noticed you didn't actually say you had kids! But the website I mentioned may still be useful as they list lots of museums/national parks etc.

getmore4less

If you plan ahead you look out for the cheap hotel deals where they have a pool/sauna etc. do two nights and a bit of touring localy,

We quite like the de-vere venues at £19.

Then you have the travelodge £10

if you can find the holiday inn 2-4-1 they can be quite good

etc.


See if there is an event that can be the focus that is not too far/expensive
We are going to do the tringe comedy festival(£100pp), we are near enough to drive every night.

Find out what night the local(and some a bit away) food places might have a deals round our way the curry places all do banquet night £10-£12 starter,main,side,rice/nan some do popdoms and/or desert.

Change some tesco voucher up for something.

Don't rule out a cheap train/bus ride a regional day ticket can be quite cheap and may get you to some places ytou can explore.


I think the key is to actualy plan as if it were a holiday don't let it creep up and just go past, make list of things to do have a budget.

A house or garden project is another option to fill the time.

christineperseus

Can't understand the culture of HAVING to go away for a fortnight.
Days off work are a bonus in themselves.

ljonski

borrow a tent and live in the garden!