I am a hope-to-be mom dreaming of vacations with my soon-to-be children. Since I have no experience with being the mom in family vacations, I researched by asking all my favorite moms for their advice on a fun staycation with the family. Thanks to my amazing parents, I have been on family vacations from birth to all areas of the U.S. so I know the guts of a what makes a good vacation and staycation. I can’t wait to share these experiences and create new ones with my soon-to-be family.
1. Skip the road trip, airport meltdowns and stay IN your city or close by.
Traveling can be expensive with all of the getting there, eating, souvenirs, tickets, etc added to the cost. The cost of some of the hotels with all the bells and whistles may seem like a lot but factor in ALL the activities they have to offer. Lazy river, midnight s’mores, hike trails, mini golf, love locks, stargazing, live music, spa credit for mom, scavenger hunts, pictures with longhorns, lake access, heavenly beds. The list goes on and on. You’re saving more by skipping those extra traveling costs and knowing where to eat without spending the big bucks!
2. Eat outdoors.
It’s more fun, and it can require less cleanup. In Texas, it hot, we know that. BUT there are spots around town where you can get great shade and a nice breeze even in the evening. Check out our splash pads around town to cool off while you eat. Or take the kids to a fantastic night at the ultimate kid-friendly hotel – Hyatt Lost Pines. Eat by the crooked river, by the actual Colorado River or underneath those famous Texas Pines.
3. Hire a housecleaning service.
Gift yourself while your out with the kids and have a housecleaning company make your house sparkly clean. It always feels so nice to come home after a night or two to clean sheets and a stress-free day.
4. Rent a cool car.
Want a change of pace without spending hundreds of dollars on a getaway? Rent a COOL mom car. Enterprise and other companies have great rates on one day rentals. Have you always wanted a big, fully-loaded Tahoe or maybe a 4-door Mercedes? Take the kids around town in a sparkly “new” car that you wont have to make the payments on!
5. Movie night on the lawn.
Some hotels and parks around Austin have movie nights. Do512 Family is a great resource for free movie nights around town. Want to save some dollars and do it yourself? Hang up a white sheet, rent/borrow a projector that connects to your ipad or computer, and bring on the family and friends. Popcorn, $1 boxes of candy and a 12 pack of sodas (and adult beverages) and some blankets and you are set! Frozen, anyone??
6. Enjoy your family. Take this time to rid yourself of electronics.
Especially if you have older kids glued to them.
Lake Austin Spa allows older children and has fantastic
activities like cooking classes, gardening classes and boat rides along Lake Austin. Did I mention it’s
all-inclusive?? Take them somewhere you can enjoy each other and stray away from the “social” side of life! Same with your littles – even if you don’t have the time or money to go on an extravagant vacation, make your own at home.
Pinterest is an awesome way to explore DIY options or just see what you’ve been missing in
Austin.
Now is the time before you lose your children to school activities, homework and sleepovers with friends! Plan your staycation today!!
What other successful staycation ideas do you have??
