With high costs and stress levels, it's no surprise families are opting out of flying somewhere new when holidays and extended breaks come along.
At-home vacations have been gaining popularity since 2010. Google searches for the term "staycation" have grown 58 percent since then, with a 10 percent increase each year.
A staycation can be the answer to many of the typical traveling woes. They're flexible, easy to plan and affordable. Plus, you don't have to deal with jet lag, crowded airports or keeping your kids entertained in a foreign place.
Interested in trying one out? Here are six ways to plan a successful family staycation.
Unplug
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The first and most essential element of a successful staycation is unplugging from society. Yes, this means turning off electronics and avoiding work emails.
Why? Because you create the feeling that you're actually on vacation by disconnecting from your busy lives. A stressful work email or long unwarranted phone call can derail your local getaway.
Pick a Theme
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Whether it's swimming near the shores of Cancun or skiing the slopes of Salt Lake City, there's a reason why you choose to visit certain places for vacation. You can use the same logic for your staycation by picking a theme.
If your family wants to go camping, camp in your backyard. If your family loves watching movies, plan a film festival with delicious treats to go with the viewings. Try establishing a new theme for each day.
Make Dinner Special
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Sometimes, the best part about a vacation is all the amazing food you get to eat. You can bring far away destinations home through your meals.
Today, almost anything can be delivered to your front door. Want a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza or a classic New York Cheesecake? Try restaurants and companies like foodydirect.com, which can overnight a variety of foods to you.
Plan Ahead
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You might be surprised to discover all the fun things happening in your town. You can check out a local museum or go watch a sporting event. Don't be limited to just your neighborhood, either. With a little research, you might find more fun and exciting things to do in a nearby city.
Split Up
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Being a family doesn't mean you have to spend every minute together. Sometimes it helps to hang out in groups to switch things up. Other times it's beneficial for everyone to get some time alone to unwind.
If you have more than one child, trying spending time with each of them individually. Additionally, be sure to spend some quality time with your significant other. Hire a sitter and have a romantic night out.
Staycations aren't rigid. You can tailor yours to fit everyone's needs.
Amp Things Up with Amenities
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You may not be staying at a five-star hotel, but that doesn't mean you can't make your home feel like one. Room service, turndown and fancy dinners are just a few favorite amenities of a vacation, and these can easily be replicated.
Cook a gourmet dinner and share it together at the table or bring it to each other's rooms. Bring turndown service home by folding each other's blankets and sheets and leaving some chocolate.
You can also make your home feel like a spa by hiring a massage therapist for a day. Think of some of your favorite vacation perks and try to duplicate them.
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