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.

Learning to Ride

Family bike ride on Hilton Head Island

A vacation is a great time to try new things. For my brother, it was where he learned how to ride a bicycle. For him, this was a challenge and resulted in a few misadventures. When we were in Hilton Head Island, SC., my parents thought this would be the ideal environment because the island is flat. 

My dad loosed his training wheels, gave my brother encouragement, and we began our ride. An hour in, Jordan thought the wheels were too loose and couldn’t ride any further; his solution was to bail into a ditch. He fell so badly that he left skid marks in the grass and broke his bike. The sod was freshly laid, so here we were, trying to cover up tread marks, pick up the broken bicycle, all before someone saw us. Jordan had to walk back until my dad was able to purchase a toolkit to repair the bike. Eventually we made it back to the resort without further incidents.

Summer vacation in Orillia

This wasn’t my brother’s first fall, he had bailed into ditches twice before this. Once earlier that day for not wanting to cross a bridge over a swamp and another time for going too fast down a hill.

Jordan eventually learned how to ride but I think my parents should have reviewed some of these bicycle tips first. It could have prevented some injuries along the way. Also, always carry a toolkit, you never know when you may need it.

Jordan riding on the beach at Hilton Head

My story

Hi I'm Jessica and welcome to my blog on my family’s countless vacation and travel adventures which go hand in hand with my family’s mishaps and mistakes.

Growing up I was lucky to have parents who would take my siblings and me on family vacations over Christmas break, March break, summer vacation and other times throughout the year. Some of these destinations include driving down south to South Carolina, Florida, or visiting relatives and attending sporting events throughout Ontario. I should note that our mode of transportation has always been by car, never a plane, train, or boat. This just increases the amount of time we have had to spend together in a confined space.

These times in my life have provided me with unforgettable memories and along the way have taught me some dos and don’ts for travelling with your family.

Whether you are just taking a one hour drive or are flying halfway around the world, I hope my blog can provide you with some advice or help you remember, that no matter how awkward, embarrassing, or big the mistake was, one day you will be able to look back and laugh at it. If not, you can always find some comic relief, laughing along with my family and me.

Remember, it’s not always about the destination but about the journey and who you are able to spend it with. So sit back and enjoy the ride.