The Getaway

The Getaway
By Laura Loucks

Vacations are quickly becoming a casualty of a declining economy. Increasingly more families are seeking ways to shave off the high cost of travel plans that include costly air fare or driving long distances and instead are opting to stay home or just a bit closer to home. This trend has picked up popularity in a sluggish economy popularizing the fairly new term staycation. Staycationers are creative with their time and money seeking out ways to hang on to their money and still have a good time with the family and maybe sneak in a little rest and relaxation from their busy work schedules.

Why bother packing up the family car, and have to listen to squabbling siblings or the inevitable are we there yet, when you can stay home for a fraction of the cost and still have fun with the family. There's so much to do in your own backyard, Orange County has much to offer Staycationers without having to driving very far. Check out the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. My kids loved it there and right now they're offering unlimited family admission until September 13th for only $40.00. Looking for a place to cool down? Wild Rivers is a great way to spend the day floating on a tube down Lazy River. If you plan to go more than twice this the summer you may want to consider purchasing a season pass for $64.98 or a family of four pass for $249.98 you’ll save money in the long run. Even Disneyland is trying to attract local Staycationers by offering a three day pass for $99.00 for their Summer Extravaganza. However, if you’re a local in my opinion your better offer purchasing the Southern California Residence annual pass for $139.00. And if you are looking for a little culture don’t forget the Festival of the Arts, Art- A- Fare and Saw Dust Festival all in Laguna Beach. Here your family can view art and create crafts designed for kids for a nominal price. However, if you are really looking to save a buck plan to hit the local zoos and museums and pack a favorite lunch. But remember just because you took a staycation don’t get caught up in doing chores and work around the house. Remind yourself you are on vacation even though you haven’t really left home.

Then again staycationers are also getting away form the home, which for some may be the only way they can actually relax and truly vacation. Not to fret even staying at a hotel in the area is less expensive then flying or taking a long road trip. And don’t shy from asking your favorite place to stay if they have any special offers for Southern Californians. Many local hotels are offering specials for residence and their families. Beginning August 23rd Disneyland Paradise Hotel is offering room rates starting at $139.00 per night for California residents. That’s over a hundred dollars a night in savings. And keep in mind San Diego is less then a hour drive opening up a whole new city to explore from the world famous San Diego Zoo to Sea World. And don’t forget all the amenities and advantages to staying at a local hotel. Like maid service, room service and the pool. But more importantly you don’t have the temptation to do your laundry or work on the honey do list. And for those of you who have trouble getting away a staycation means your never to far from home that if need be you could quickly return to work.

Whatever type of staycation you choose staying home or just close to home, they’re numerous advantages to just getting away. It renews your body and mind and helps us cope with everyday stresses. We all need to take a vacation and it doesn’t take a lot of money to be creative and make time for rest and relaxation. So the next time you think you cannot afford to get away just remember you don’t have to go far to vacation there’s a whole city to explore right in your own backyard.