Staycation

This week, thousands of Canadians are off for March break. Some of the lucky ones have been able to leave the country in search for warmer weather. Those that were unable to get away can still have a vacation; you just need to have a staycation.

Exploring the ice caves in Niagara

A staycation is when an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities. You might take day trips but usually at the end of the day you are sleeping back in your own bed.

So this March break, here are some ideas for your staycation:

Exploring the ROM

• Visit a museum or science centre
• Go to an amusement park or water park
• Go to the beach or pool
• Get the bike out
• Go to a movie or see a show
• Go shopping
• Take a hike
• Zoos
• Go to a concert
• Read a book
• Sporting events such as minor or professional hockey, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, etc.
• Host a potluck or barbeque
• Spend time with the kids, family, or friends
• Camp in your own backyard
• Have a board game night

Some of the benefits of a staycation:

• Is that it can save you money
• You do not have the hassle of packing
• You don’t have to worry about travelling
• You don’t waste days travelling to and from, so you will have more time for your vacation
• If the weather is crappy, it won’t ruin your vacation

Next time you are wishing you were away on vacation, try using some of these ideas.

Separation Anxiety

Continuing off my post from last week about theme parks, if you decide to go, here is something to keep in mind, theme parks are huge and crowded, meaning it is easy to lose family members.

Part of the line for a Harry Potter ride

This summer my family went to Universal in Orlando and we lost my dad (we often loose him – arenas, malls, parking lots, etc). Because we were out of country, we had no cell phones to contact him. Luckily he is 6’1½ and we could spot him wandering in Harry Potter land. The point being, it’s very easy to become separated.

So here are some tips to help avoid that feeling of anxiety:

• Know what everyone is wearing. I’ve seen groups all wear the same shirt or jersey to easily locate group members.
• Practice the buddy system, especially with kids.

My buddy was my sister and I wore a bright colour

• If your child has a disability, I’ve seen people make shirts for the child saying what their disability is and if they become separated, they provide contact information on the shirt.
• Have a cell phone or walkie-talkies.
• Wear bright colours.
• Have a meeting place, incase anyone is separated.
• Carry a picture of everyone, you can show it to security, incase a more serious issue occurs.
• If travelling with kids, emphasis the importance of staying with the group. Set out consequences and rewards before going to the park.
• Ex. If Billy runs ahead, he’ll miss out on a ride or if Billy stays with everyone, he can receive a treat.

Finally found dad

If you have tips, please post in the comment section.

The happiest place on earth

We’ve all heard the slogan, “the happiest place on earth”. 
Disney, Universal, Canada’s Wonderland, and other theme parks provide great family fun and entertainment.

Before going to a theme park over your vacation, there are some things to consider, such as:

• Price
• Tickets
• Food and drinks
• Souvenirs
• Crowds

• Can be very busy, so safety may be a concern
• Waiting in lines, some offer an express pass but this will come at an additional cost
• Need patience for lines and parking
• It will be loud, with screaming kids and crying babies
• Weather
• When the weather is nice, there will be more people
• Bad weather (thunderstorms) will not be as busy but some rides will be shut down
• Can be difficult finding a place to get out of the sun or rain. Seating can be hard to find.
• Age

Theme parks have something for all ages, but that doesn’t mean that you should take your toddler. Everyone can still enjoy themselves but it will limit your choice of rides and it can be difficult maneuvering a stroller. Also, your children won’t remember it. My parents took me when I was young but I don’t remember anything, besides my Fifel doll. If you’re going to take your children, take them when they will be able to remember the park. Children should be at least four but eight is a great age. At this age they can do more rides, walk around the park will less complaining and remember the day.

Planning Your Vacation

Before you can even go on vacation, there is one thing that you have to do, plan your vacation!

Remember, planning a good vacation takes time and to get some ideas about where you want to go or what you want to do, you can look at travel books, magazines, or online at sites such as Expedia, CAA, tripadvisor and many more and do not forget, to talk to friends, family, coworkers and peers. Chances are they have experienced some great and some not so great, never shall return again, travel destinations. They are a great resource so utilize them.

Whether your family chooses to go away or have a staycation, there are many factors to consider when planning your vacation.

Some of the things to keep inconsideration when planning your family vacation are:

• Location
• Accommodations
• Amenities
• Activities
• Weather
• Climate
• Culture
• Relaxed vacation or a jam packed busy vacation
• How you are going to get there?
• How many people are going?
• The ages of the people who are going
• Food and drink
• Budget
• And itinerary

Keep in mind when you are traveling. The first time my family visited Hilton Head Island was in December over Christmas break. It was not as warm as we had hoped. Also if you decide to go to Florida in the summer, expect to experience a similar scenario as that in Summer Rental.

Planning can be hard but just think, once you are on vacation, it will all be worthwhile.