It seems that “staycation” is the buzz word this year for summer travel.  Families are looking for ways to cut back and save money and discovering great things to do in their own city!

We love taking day trip staycations right here in our own city – the zoo, the beach and even just a trip to the farmer’s market. I recently wrote a guest column for my local paper, the Florida Times-Union with staycation activities for the Northeast Florida area.

In addition to my suggestion for activities, I wanted to share some ideas on planning your own staycations!

Check out these tips –

• Contact your local convention and visitors bureau (CVB) – Ask them to mail you a local visitors guide and see if they have discount/coupons too!   (I used to work at my local CVB – they are a great resource!)
• When booking accommodations – call the local phone number and see if they offer a “local resident rate”.  Never hurts to ask!
• Take advantage of “free” days at museums! Two of our local museums have certain days throughout the month with free admission!
• Don’t be afraid to think outside the box!  We have a chocolate company and a beer company that do factory tours – they are fun & free!
• Take advantage of any city or National Parks!  Soak up nature and maybe sneak in a little education time too!
• Be on the lookout for coupon mailer magazines! Use those coupons to plan your meals and activities.

If you haven’t had a staycation, give it a try –  you’ll have a great time and the best part?  The drive home isn’t too far and you never have to stop and ask for directions!