By: Linda Vongkhamchanh

May 28, 2009

The Go-Go’s might have sung “vacation all I ever wanted”… but that was 1983. Today, we’re singing the blues because we’re all broke and we’re not going on vacation anytime soon, if this recession holds up. We’re getting rid of frivolous buys, trying to get rid of summer shares and even canceling gym memberships—let’s be real, that $50 per month could be put to good use because my one-time workout—um, a month—just isn’t worth it right now. This year, we’re all about the staycation! Stay in your town and live it up like you just went to Vegas with the girls… or Hawaii with the family. But, now that you’re out of a gym membership, why not make it an active staycation? That’s right—you can stay home, get fit and have fun with the ones you love… on way less than resort prices.
 

What kind of stay-cationer are you?

If you’re a sun-soaking, minimal-activity kind of gal, try the Inland Day at the Beach Staycation (that will get you moving).

• Morning: Summertime is here, so slap on your sunscreen and hit the water. Find the closest pool or beach and go for a morning swim. Swimming is a great summer exercise. It’s a low-impact, high intensity workout that will even keep you cool.
• Day: Picnic time! Stay by the water, even if it is an outdoor pool or pond. Put down your blanket and enjoy your lunch. And, don’t be hesitant to pack a treat—you are on vacation aren’t you? Once you’re nice and full… and all swam out, lay out and soak up the sun. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen, though. You paid your dues with your swim this morning, now just relax.
• Night: Now that the sun’s down and your sun-lovin’ body can’t take anymore rays, go inside and get cleaned up for a night out on the town. When’s the last time you went to a dance club or a jazz club? Put on your dancing shoes and your party dress because it’s dancing time! Dancing’s really the only thing that I can think of that’s great for your body and fun at the same time… well, that you can do without your significant other.

 

Estimated calories burned*:
Swimming leisurely (60 min), 435 calories
Dancing (60 min), 327 calories
Estimated cost: $20-$50

If you’re a sight-seeing, world-traveler kind of gal, try the Personal City Tour Staycation that will keep you outdoors and out of your car.

• Morning: During your at-home, five-star continental breakfast of meats/cheeses/fruits (that you made), choose three outdoor places that you’ve never been in your town or a place you haven’t been in a long time. It could be a monument, museum, park, neighborhood or anything unique to your region.
• Day: Act like a tourist and go there. Walk there, if you can. Forget your errands—c’mon pretend like Walmart doesn’t exist for a second and go to all three places. Yes, I know, we all try to avoid tourists, but it’s fun being them for a day. Once you get out of your car, don’t get back in until you’ve walked and explored everything in the vicinity. There’s always something new to discover. Remember, you must walk.
• Night: By now, you’re exhausted. It’s hard being a tourist, all that picture-taking and wandering. At least, you pretend-tourists won’t get lost. Spend the night relaxing your tired muscles with an at-home European spa treatment: bubble bath, Swedish massage (from your man), a French Manicure and some fine Italian vino. The Euros know how to relax.

 

Estimated calories burned*:
Walking (3 hours): 653 calories
Estimated cost: $60-$80

If you’re a safari, action-adventure kind of gal, try the Choose Your Own Adventure (at home) Staycation.

• Morning: Wake up with the sun and go for an early morning hike. Hit the trails at your favorite park. Walk a path, breathe in the morning air and enjoy the nature around you. Sometimes we get caught up in our daily lives and forget what beautiful and peaceful places we have nearby.
• Day: Find a zoo, nature conservatory, natural history museum and spend the day walking around and exploring. It’s the best way to work your body and your brain.
• Night: Try a new international restaurant. You may just find a new favorite dish that’s good for you and that you can cook at home. Ethiopian or Vietnamese food are great choices. It’s interesting what culinary spins other cultures can put on normally bland grains or veggies.

 

Estimated calories burned*:
Hiking (1 hour): 508 calories
Walking (1 hour): 145 calories
Estimated cost: $40-60
 
What are you doing on YOUR staycation? Let us know!

*Calorie counts will vary depending on your weight. Check out our calories burned calculator.