5 tips for a happy summer staycation

Hands up who’s having a summer staycation this year? *Nods along, us too! I don’t think I got the memo when everyone else was pre-booking flights and hotels across the seas, months in advance. And, come to think of it, I also missed the pre-booking boat for holidays in the UK too. Ekk! 

However, it’s not all doom and gloom… honest. Here are 5 tips for a happy summer staycation!   

5 tips for a happy summer staycation

It is what it is!

In the famous words of the Love Islanders…. It is what it is!

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No one’s frown in the Button house hit the floor as fast or as hard as mine did when I realised that holidays (within reason) were a go-go! And, I hadn’t pre booked anything. At. All. *BUM! First there was denial, then there was A WHOLE LOT OF FOMO, and finally acceptance of our upcoming summer staycation. Of course looking back I now wish I’d skipped having the hump. 

So, if you find yourself in summer STAYcation land, and by this I mean no overseas or UK holiday breaks at all, first… breathe. Let all the negativity go. Then, throw yourself into planning an awesome summertime. Because… it is what it is and nothing will change that.   

Love what’s on your doorstep

It’s very easy to get caught up in feeling like the grass is greener elsewhere. But actually, if you look on your doorstep you’re likely to find a whole heap of gems within ‘day trip’ travelling distance for the whole family to enjoy.

1. Try pulling up google maps and working out how far you’re willing to travel and what forms of transport you’re happy to take i.e. car, bus, train etc.

1. Make a list of all the things you can find within your set radius. 

1. Then, ask EVERYONE you know if they have any recommendations for things to do and places to visit. 

You can extend your search by joining your local area’s Facebook page (there will usually be a parents page for your local area – this will be invaluable!). And, you can search hashtags like #familydaysout on Twitter and Instagram. You can also try following bloggers who are local to you, and see if they have come across any hidden gems.

Make a list

Now you’ve got a whole heap of ideas… start making that list.

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Whittle out anything that’s not doable i.e. too far or something you already know no one enjoys. Then, get the whole family excited and involved in picking what you’d all like to do. If you’re daring enough, maybe you could throw in a ‘yes day’ or two where you let the kids plan an entire day, and you have to say YES to everything (make sure you set ground rules though!).

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Also, don’t forget that you might want to factor in downtime days. Or, days at home doing activities such as baking, making, movie nights, home camping, gaming days, local park/playground time, or free local community activities.  

Once you’ve got ‘the list’, draw it out into a calendar style schedule and stick it up! You could even let the kids decorate it. Having a visual schedule of exciting days out and activities will help to keep everyone upbeat and fizzing as the count down to the holidays begin!

Dog friendly days out 

If your furry friends are part of the reason why you’re not able to go away this year, given the complications with booking doggie hotels or friends to look after them, it’s still possible to have a great time. 

Try searching dog friendly days out. You’ll be surprised at how many places will allow dogs (on leads) to join in the fun. 

Alfie isn’t very ‘other dog’ friendly and can’t walk far at all, so everything we do with him needs super planning. However, even so, our most favourite dog friendly place to visit is the beach! Most beaches will have a dog friendly section AND if you’re lucky, some even have hideaway beach huts that you can hire for the day.

The Ladybird beach hut at Walton on the Naze in Essex is our absolute favourite dog friendly sanctuary. It’s in front of a big dog friendly stretch of sandy beach, but set far enough back to give Alfie enough peace and quiet. 

Little Button, Alfie, Nanny Button and Grandad Button!

Bliss!

Think of the savings

Days out can be expensive, BUT, if you cost up how much your holiday abroad or in the UK would have been, it’s likely you’ll actually be saving a fair bit. Yass!!!

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Happy happy happy thoughts! And just think of the extra funds you can put towards going away next year – fingers crossed! 

Are you going away or having a summer staycation?

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