10 Ways to Survive Your “Staycation”

10 Ways to Survive Your Staycation

It’s that time of the year when everybody is constantly talking about where they’re going for spring break, and how much fun they’re going to have, and how exotic their travel destination is. There are the people who go on cruises, the people that go to Mexico, the people that go to Europe, the people that go elsewhere in the U.S., and last but not least, there are the staycationers. If you’re not familiar with the term, a staycation is when someone stays home instead of traveling on vacation. It’s a nice way to save money, and there are tons of ways to have fun while your friends are out traveling.

Here are 10 ways to get over your staycation blues, and hopefully ways to help you enjoy your time at home to the maximum.

1. Try something new. There are so many hobbies and fun things to do at home, and picking up something new to do is something everyone should try. Ever wanted to try horseback riding? Maybe you’ve never been rock climbing. Spring break is one of the best times for these, so hop on the internet, find something that looks interesting, and go ahead and do it!

2. Visit museums. Here in Grand Rapids we have many interesting museums of all shapes and sizes, from the GRAM, to the Public Museum, to the Gerald R. Ford Museum and more. These museums are filled with interesting things, and can easily make for a fun day that differs from your everyday routine. Bring your family, bring your friends, and make it a fun day.

3. See a show or movie. We have so many wonderful plays and musicals in Grand Rapids, and all it takes is a trip downtown. Anyone can enjoy these productions, as they’re mostly family-friendly and filled with talent. Another option can be seeing a movie, if you’re not into live entertainment. Movie theaters litter our city, and it’s rarely more than a 15 minute drive to get to one. Pick up some popcorn or candy, and kick back and relax.

4. Walk around your city like a tourist. Although it may sound weird, it can be fulfilling and fun to view GR with fresh eyes. Go visit places you never have, and walk around downtown taking in the sights. Maybe even get a hotel room for a night downtown, and have fun! (You’re technically not breaking the “staycation” rules.) Visit places a tourist would, and just focus on having fun!

5. Go to a sporting event. There’s always something going on sports-wise, and going to a sporting event is a great way to get out of the house and do something fun. It’s a classic, and most people love rooting for their favorite team.

6. Go bowling.  Another classic everyone can enjoy bowling with family and friends. Bowling alleys aren’t too hard to find, and with a group, bowling can be fun for everyone. Remember how much fun those middle school bowling birthday parties were? Re-create one, make it fun!

7. Enjoy a hike, or ride your bike. Forest Hills is full of beautiful trails and parks to enjoy, so why not take out your bike? Enjoy the lush green trees and hills of our district, and go take a trip. Anyone can enjoy a bike ride, or a hike through a local park. It’s a win-win situation: good exercise, and fun for the whole family.

8. Spend time with family. Board games are a guaranteed good time for a group of people, and they can easily appeal to all ages. Any time spent with family is good, and spring break is a wonderful time for that. Put down the phones for a little while, and go do something with your family! Your parents will definitely appreciate it, and you’ll have more fun than you think.

9. Get your friends together. Provided they’re not traveling for spring break, friends are sure to want some company and a break from the countless #SB2K16 Instagram posts. Get some friends together and head out for a day downtown, or perhaps a lazy-day consisting of Netflix and pizza. Do whatever you want; it’s your spring break and it’s time to have fun!

10. Relax. The most important thing to remember is that spring break is a time to slow down and enjoy your time off. Relax, kick back, and take it easy during this time where you don’t need to worry about homework or your school-related responsibilities. Treat yourself, be lazy, wear sweatpants everywhere you go, and do whatever you feel like. SB only happens once every year, so make sure you enjoy it.

Hopefully these 10 tips help you survive your staycation over spring break, and maybe help you get over missing that trip you wanted to go on. You can definitely still have a wonderful time at home if you look on the bright side and get a little creative.