6 Ways to Maximize Your Staycation

Everyday life can be so overwhelming or mundane when you love traveling and new experiences.  We can sometimes take for granted living in or near a city with great tourist attractions, and tend not to explore what’s right at our doorstep.  Or in other cases, we’re still saving for our next extended vacation.  Staycations are the perfect remedy.  You can still satisfy your adventurous spirit but get that much needed break without shelling out tons of cash.  Here are a few things you can do to maximize your next staycation:

Research City Attractions

There’s nothing wrong with acting like a tourist in your own city.  More times than not, you haven’t visited all of the museums, taken that harbor cruise, or toured the local winery.  It’s a great way to learn more about the city and you may stumble upon local haunts you’ve never seen or heard of.

Take Advantage of Discount Offers

If you’re like me, Living Social & Groupon deals are a double-edged sword – you hate the daily emails but can’t bring yourself to unsubscribe from them in fear of missing a good deal.  I do a daily skim of my inbox and purchase the ones that are for places I’ve been meaning to go or something I’ve always wanted to do.  It gives you something to look forward to and the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone.

Bring Friends Along

You’re not alone.  Most of your friends are probably in the same boat and haven’t taken the time to explore their hometown either.  Once you’ve done your research, see if a friend or two want to join and then make a day of it.  It’ll be fun and you’ll feel accomplished.

Stay Overnight in a Great Hotel

How many times have you driven by a nice hotel & said to yourself, “If I were visiting, that’s the place I’d stay.”  Why wait?  You don’t have to be a visitor to stay overnight at your dream hotel.  As a bonus, treat yourself to a full-body massage or lovely dinner.  You’ll end up feeling like you’re a world away.

Turn Off Your Electronics

Who wants to be bothered with phone calls and emails from work or home when they’re on vacation?  The same rules apply to a staycation!  Get in vacation mode.  Put on your out of office message, grab a cocktail, kick up your feet and relax.

Explore Surrounding Areas

If you’re already a pro at navigating your own city, try exploring a neighboring one.  Chances are you’re not as familiar with it as you think.

Last year on the White House Garden Tour. Staycation Approved.

Layover Chronicles – 5 Ways to Ease Your Layover Experience

Before the Canal Tour

I recently spent 24 hours in Amsterdam on an extended layover.  I recommend maximizing your time and seeing the most of the city you’re in, especially if it’s your first time there.  I had never been to Amsterdam so I was excited to explore & see what the city had to offer (despite the frigid winter weather).  Here are some tips for making the most of a layover that I wrote down along the way:

1) Research, research, research! Research to figure out the best ways to see the city on a tight schedule.  I googled “1 Day in Amsterdam,” and several results populated.  After reading some reviews, I decided a canal tour would be one of the best options for me.  I saw several city landmarks, all during an hour-long tour.  This left time to do other things, like visit the “Heineken Experience.”

2) Check the currency rate.  I forgot to do this and was not-so-kindly reminded of the terrible exchange rate between the dollar and the euro.  In any case, I was able to convert some dollars at the local currency exchange and use euros the remainder of my trip.  Having local currency on hand is also helpful for tipping various service people (bartenders, waitresses, bell hops, etc.).  And on that note…

3) Find out the customary tipping amount.  In the U.S., a good tip is 20% of your bill.  However, this is not the case in many countries.  Figure this out sooner rather than later so you aren’t considered impolite or rude.

4) Use your airport/hotel concierge as a resource.  I was able to find out the quickest and easiest ways to get around.  I also asked about discounted tickets.  I bought my Heineken Experience tickets for 2.5 Euro less than the selling price.  Hey, something is better than nothing.

5) Be Flexible. After a long flight, baggage claim and a taxi ride later, you get to your hotel and your room isn’t ready?  Bummer.  Still try to make the most of your trip.  Ask the front desk if there’s something you can do while you wait. Take that canal or bus tour early. Walk to the nearest restaurant for an authentic meal. Don’t get discouraged and try to keep a positive attitude.

Bonus tip: Converters.  For my European trip last year, I bought a small bag of electric outlets from Best Buy for about $20 that can be used in  most countries around the world.  It’s the best $20 I’ve ever spent.  I didn’t have to search for European outlet converters to charge my phone and computer.  My hotel actually had an American outlet, but it didn’t work so the European outlet converter came in handy.  My Africa converter is also currently working perfectly in Tanzania.

Do you have any layover tips?  Please share!

Canal Tour Boat

View of Amsterdam from the boat

Amsterdam Train Station

Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck