How has your summer been treating you? Has it been a memorable experience full of great adventures and vacation? Or maybe you have been too busy (or a bit limited on funds) to make any expensive travel plans? Regardless, there is so much sun that shouldn’t go to waste.

Let’s face it, everyone loves to travel and if money wasn’t an issue, would take unforgettable trips with the best of them. As we must all live in reality, there are a few ways to experience a vacation within the comforts of your own home. It’s called a staycation  and simply put, allows families to enjoy getaways without spending crazy money traveling.

Here are a few ways to bring vacation fun to your house.

7 Budget-Friendly Vacation Ideas (from Your Home)

Summer Dance by Salvatore Vuono

1.) Find a theme and stick to it: Themes are what keep people’s interest while showcasing creative efforts. Hawaiian luaus, beach shores and camping in the forest are all fun ideas that require their own decor and a little planning. When thinking of a staycation, try incorporating a fun theme that will bring your experience to life.

2.) Keep the good times rolling: It’s easy to feel a little down because you can’t travel, so keep the good times rolling with multiple events throughout the summer. Create a fun newsletter for your home that highlights each staycation event. Aside from keeping you organized, it will help maintain interest.

3.) Go all out with decor: Make your summer events memorable by turning up the decor. Stop by your local party store for affordable wall and room decorations. Places like Party City have reusable items that will help bring your events to life. Examples include a tiki party and outdoor carnival.

4.) Make use of what you have: Who needs a hotel when you can create your own bed & breakfast experience at home? Take turns delegating the following tasks:

• Making breakfast in bed for the house
• Taking orders for room service (extra credit)
• Providing turn down service (leave a little chocolate on the bed)

Lemons by Graur Razvan Ionut

5.) Adventure to nearby activities: No one says you are quarantined to your house. Scan newspapers for local activities and events. Examples include carnivals, craft and music events, food fairs and more.

6.) Host memorable events: Summer is all about entertaining so invite friends and family over to get in on the action. Host summer cocktail parties (highlight a different drink each gathering), night of Netflix, or outdoor barbecue. No one says the event has to last a day so invite people over to stay the weekend (space permitting of course). Just remember to stick to a theme.

7.) Create “fun zones” around your home: This is pretty self explanatory as the more activities you have around your home, the better the staycation. Turn your living room into a mini movie theater with scheduled viewing times, fresh popcorn and blankets for cuddling. The kitchen can make for a great space to provide personal cooking lessons (can kill two birds with one stone by cooking that day’s lunch or dinner). Love wine or beer (or both)? Host a wine tasting event in your dining room with samples of small bottles. To save more money, try a lemonade tasting with various flavors. Your backyard will be the main space for any and all water activities (slip n’ slide, hose games, etc).

main image: jacQuie.K, Flickr