About Staycations...

According to the Urban Dictionary, a STAYCATION is a vacation that is spent at one's home enjoying all that home, and one's home environments, have to offer.

In my opinion, a Staycation can even involve staying at a hotel, B&B or other accomodation, but still relatively close to home. Instead of spending a $600 a day to take the family on a vacation that involves airline travel, and major chain hotel - stay at a BandB or local hotel near an area that has plenty to do!

With the price of gas soaring, a Staycation is what most Americans will experience during the summer of 2008. According to a 2005 study by the Families and Work Institute, up to one-third of employees who get paid vacation time don't use it all. Many people said they would get too behind on the job if they took time off, while others cited not being able to afford to take a trip.

One of the tricks to a successful Staycation, especially if it's a going to be a day trip, is to take care of the home chores beforehand. Mow the lawn, do the dishes, the laundry, etc., so that's not on your mind all day, or all weekend! Being away, yet so close to home, it may haunt you the entire time!

I've started to compile a list of ideas, and links to area (i'm from NJ) resources, of things to do on a Staycation.

If you really think about it, there's probably a LOT do do where you live. For instance, I'm from NJ. I'm MINUTES from NY. Do you know how many times I went on a cruise out of New York? ZERO. Visited the Statue of Liberty? ZERO. Why? Because it's right there...it'll always be there (so we think). We take what's around us for granted.

Sit...think...what's near you? Swimming in clear blue water of a nearby lake, river or ocean, tennis and a little bicycling, hiking, camping in a beautiful parkland, barbecued meals, a concert under the stars, a ballgame with fireworks, maybe even a museum or two... and all for free. Well, okay, not for free – but for a fraction of what other people will pay.

Lets say you live near the New York area, like me. Think of the broadway plays, museums, sightseeing tours, river boat trips, dinner cruises, Statue of Liberty...do you know how many people come here each year to see these things? It's right at my back door and I'm ashamed to say, the only thing I've done - and force myself to do every month with friends - is go to a Broadway play.

Try it...You'll like it!! A Staycation is a fun and affordable way to enjoy your time off!

Bed and Breakfasts

If you're planning a Staycation, you may need to spend a day or two away from home. There are many beautiful Bed and Breakfasts in the tri-state area. Instead of listing them out for you, I'll send you right over to Bed and Breakfast.com where you can find a great B and B in your area!

Bed and Breakfast Inns: BedandBreakfast.com is a comprehensive worldwide listing of bed and breakfasts, B and B homestays, country inns, urban bed and breakfasts, guest houses, lodges, cabins, historic hotels, small resorts, guest ranches, farmhouse accomodations, and working farm and ranch vacations. B and B database searches allow you to find the ideal bed and breakfast inn, whether you are looking by location, amenities, online bookings, recipes, special packages, last-minute availability, or BedandBreakfast.com gift certificate acceptance.

Fishing & Boating

And not just fishing on a boat! There are party boats, dinner cruises, cruises to nowhere, and more. Many right out of the New York / New Jersey / Connecticut area. Staycation local this year and spend a weekend boating & fishing!

Adventurous Charters: Adventurous Charters, LLC specializes in inshore and offshore fishing trips as well as business meetings, luncheons, evening cruises. We are located in historic downtown Mystic, CT.

The Barvic: The Barvic is 55 feet long and 18 feet wide, powered by twin V8 Detroit Diesel engines. U.S. CoastGuard Licensed to carry up to 48 passengers and equipped with the most up to date electronics for fishing and safety. The Barvic has a large cockpit and walk-around for your fishing comfort.

Charter Sails: There’s nothing like the peaceful lull of sailing. There’s also nothing like the bounding thrill of sailing. And if watching the fireworks on the fourth of July next to the Statue of Liberty interests you, look no further than Charter Sails.

Kathleen D Sailing Catamaran: Toddlers to teens to grandparents, everyone will be comfortable on this very special sailing cat!

Miss Belmar: With a friendly and courteous crew, the Miss Belmar Princess gives you a memorable fishing experience so that you keep coming back again & again.

Skyline Princess: These cruises offer the same high-quality service as any private affair with the same stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty or lighthouses and mansions of Long Island Sound. They are also ideal for parties of 100 people or less which, can have their own deck.