KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (July 9) – School is out, camps are buzzing, and many families are planning a different kind of vacation this year.
“Challenging economic times are putting a strain on family budgets,” said Daru Burdge, president of Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS) of East Tennessee.
While a traditional summer vacation might be out of the question, many families will consider taking a “staycation” this summer—opting to stay at home for their vacation. It eliminates lodging costs and can significantly reduce travel and meal costs. There are likely many places right in your hometown that you never visit—a zoo, science museum, and aquarium— all within driving distance.
Below are some pointers to think about before planning your staycation:
1. First, treat the home vacation as a real vacation, not just a poor alternative. Take care of chores like mowing the lawn or paying the bills ahead of time so they don’t hang over you on your vacation. Avoid working around the home so you don't fall into “Well, I’m home and have some time, maybe I can finally get to cleaning up the garage.”
2. Get hold of some local travel guides — the ones out-of-towners get. There may be all sorts of local attractions you’ve forgotten or never knew about. Often, travel and entertainment brochures and magazines will also include coupons you can use during the week for free appetizers, discounted meals, and more. You can get a free Tennessee travel guide at tnvacation.com
3. Plan a list of activities just as you would on any vacation. Some activities might include:
- spending a day on one of our area's many lakes
- visiting the national park for a day of hiking, biking, fishing or horseback riding
- seeing some of our local natural wonders like The Lost Sea or Ruby Falls
- exploring some nearby historic towns like Jonesborough or Tellico.
- visiting local attractions like the zoo or a museum. You can find a list of these attractions on the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation website at knoxville.org
- taking advantage of the music and arts festivals the state has to offer.
- enjoying some of our local tourist attractions or shows in Pigeon Forge.
4. Set a budget — something less than you would spend traveling but more than you would spend in your regular routine at home, but remember, don’t get too frugal. If you’re saving on airfares and hotels, you can splurge a little on meals and entertainment.
5. Don't forget-spending time with your family is the key so even if you simply plan a quick trip for the day, little activities like following dinner with a make your own sundae station will be fun for you and your kids.
Whatever your staycation plans, there are many ways to save. Check out attraction websites for discount ticket prices, annual passes, and Tennessee resident specials. Pack snacks and lunches for extra savings.
“Family and fun are the keys to a great vacation,” said Burdge. “Whether you travel across the country, or across town, you can make memories that will last a lifetime.”
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