Summer and vacation are often synonymous, but with costs rising across the board, a big vacation this summer may be out of the cards—and your budget. Instead, a staycation could help you take advantage of your PTO while keeping costs down. Ready to find out how you can have fun in your hometown? Keep reading to see how you can stay in budget this summer with a staycation.
Why consider a staycation
The short answer? Instead of packing your bags, dealing with the strain and costs of travel, and then the inevitable comedown of returning home, a staycation lets you enjoy the fun of traveling without any hassle.
But there are several reasons why staycations are a great alternative. Most people tend to stay in their own neighborhoods, and a staycation helps you break out of your comfort zone to try new things without the added pressure or stress of navigating a new city or country.
Staycations are also a great way to support your neighborhood staples. With summer being festival season, you can easily support several local businesses all in one fun place. This is also a great time to visit old spots, like museums or history centers, that you may not have been to in a while (or ever!).
And of course, staycations allow you to save time, money, and reduce stress. Without the added cost of accommodations or travel, your staycation budget can be used for more things that bring you joy while keeping your overall budget in line. Factor in the lack of packing or worrying about making your connecting flights, and you’re left with a vacation you can actually enjoy.
Planning for a staycation
We hope you’re feeling inspired, but don’t go running off to make plans just yet. Even though you’re not going anywhere new, you still need a budget.
A good place to start is by looking at how much you would’ve spent on a vacation, or if you already have a vacation budget, start there. Categories like accommodations can be removed, and you can add that money back into your overall budget. On the other hand, categories like transportation, food, and experiences should be kept but probably reworked. From there, you can tackle this like you do your vacation budget—list things you’d like to do, prioritize them, and plan accordingly.
Don’t forget to research! Some places may offer discounts for residents, which can help you cut costs even more. If you plan to make any day trips, you’ll want to account for gas costs and ensure your car is up to date on service.
Staycation ideas for the Atlanta metro area
If you live in or around the Atlanta metro area, there are probably hundreds (if not thousands) of things you can do during a staycation. While that would be a long list, here are a few ideas.
1. Georgia Aquarium
Explore the wonders of the ocean at the largest aquarium in the United States! Home to thousands of animals in over 11 million gallons of water, the Georgia Aquarium lets you discover a world under the ocean. The aquarium also offers animal encounters, so you can explore the aquarium behind the scenes or get up close and personal with some of your favorite animals. You can get discounted tickets for being a Georgia’s Own member here.
2. The Fox
There’s no business like show business, so take in a show at the historic Fox Theatre. From Broadway classics to comedy legends, there’s always something going on at the Fox. Check out their schedule or find discounted tickets for being a Georgia’s Own member here.
3. Woodruff Arts Center
Home to three exceptional institutions—the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), and the High Museum of Art—the Woodruff Arts Center is your gateway to visual and performing arts in Atlanta. Take in a show at Alliance or watch as conductor Natalie Stutzmann leads the ASO. Don’t forget to stop by the High for special exhibits from Isamu Noguchi and Amy Sherald.
4. EchoPark Speedway
Wave the green flag on fun at EchoPark Speedway. In addition to hosting awesome events like the Georgia State Fair, you can also watch as the NASCAR Cup Series returns on July 12th for the Quaker State 400. Ready to start your engines? Snag your discounted tickets for being a Georgia’s Own member here.
Staycation ideas for Albany
Located on the banks of the Flint River, Albany is home to legend Ray Charles—and your next adventure. Here are some fun things to do if you’re staycationing near Albany.
1. Thronateeska Heritage Center
Take a trip through history at Thronateeska Heritage Center. Home to Albany’s historic Union Station, featuring a steam locomotive and model railroad exhibit. Once you’re done, head over to Wetherbee Planetarium for a deep look into the universe and a live presentation under the stars.
2. Radium Springs Garden
One of Georgia’s seven natural wonders, Radium Springs Garden offers a beautiful peek into the past. Pouring 70,000 gallons of water a minute, the landscape and bright blue waters are incredible to see. While you can’t take a dip, you can walk through the gardens and explore the ruins of the old casino where visitors once came to enjoy the spring.
3. Albany Civil Rights Institute
Located in the restored Old Mt. Zion Church, the Albany Civil Rights Museum and Institute provides a window into the history of the movement through interactive displays, a digital oral history database, and a resource library that tells the story of life in Georgia before and during the Civil Rights Movement.
4. Chehaw Park
With over 700 acres of conservation land, Chehaw Park and Zoo has a plethora of attractions. Cool off at the splash park, play with your friends at the disc golf course or RC tracks, or explore any of their hiking trails, all included with your park pass. Want to get a little wilder? You can also visit cheetahs and rhinos at the Zoo at Chehaw for an additional cost.
Staycation ideas for Augusta
Known primarily for hosting the Masters, Augusta is a gorgeous city full of fun things to do that don’t only involve golfing. Spending your summer in the Garden City? Here are some fun things to do on your staycation.
1. Augusta Museum of History
Learn what makes the city so special at the Augusta Museum of History. Featuring exhibits on golf, an old Ford Model T, and legendary singer, James Brown, the museum also has fun programs like a history detective program and a self-guided history scavenger hunt.
2. Explore the Riverwalk
The Augusta Riverwalk is one of the city’s most popular parks spanning multi-levels and streets and runs along the banks of the Savannah River. Splash in the giant fountain at the 8th Street entrance, play on the lower-level playground, or explore the upper level to find interpretive plaques about Augusta’s history.
3. Morris Museum of Art
You can also find the Morris Museum of Art along the Riverwalk. With more than six thousand works of art, the Morris is the oldest museum in the country dedicated to the art of the American South.
4. Miller Theater
The Miller Theater opened in the 1940s as a movie house and is now a premier entertainment destination, hosting movies, musical acts, and comedians, like Tom Papa, who’s bring his Grateful Bread tour to Augusta on June 6th. Also home to the Augusta Symphony, the Miller Theater has something for everyone.
Staycation ideas for Savannah
As the “Hostess City of the South,” Savannah regularly hosts millions of visitors each year—and for good reason. Here are a few ways to make the most of a staycation in Savannah.
1. Savannah Steel
Support Savannah’s newest home team: the Savannah Steel. Unbreakable and unshakeable, this professional women’s basketball team is stacked with talented and experienced players. See their season and score discounted tickets for being a Georgia’s Own member here.
2. Savannah Riverboat Cruises
Hop on board the Savannah River Queen or the Georgia Queen. From scenic daytime sightseeing to unforgettable dinner cruises, the Riverboat offers a one-of-a-kind way to experience the city from the water.
3. Telfair Museums
Comprised of the contemporary Jepson Center, historic Telfair Academy, and the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, the Telfair Museums offer a unique understanding of Savannah’s place in American history through art, history, and architecture.
4. SCAD Museum of Art
Globally recognized as home to the prestigious art university, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), it only makes sense that Savannah is also home to the SCAD Museum of Art. A contemporary art museum, it also serves as a resource for SCAD students and alumni. In addition to the exhibitions, the museum also hosts scheduled film screenings, lectures, and gallery talks.
Key takeaways:
- Consider a staycation this summer so you can have some fun and save some funds.
- You still need a budget. A staycation isn’t an excuse to overspend.
Vacations can be a blast, but it can be hard to balance your budget with the idea of a trip. There’s nothing wrong with being a little more frugal—especially as costs are increasing everywhere—but that doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself of fun. A staycation fits right in that sweet spot and can help you enjoy your summer without busting your budget. Do you have a favorite local spot to visit? Share it in the comments below!
