Staycations:
A Perfect Alternative for These Times
By Lori Tutino, Edited By Kathleen Ellen McKenna
It is difficult to envision a locale more suited for a vacation than here at home on just as you would on a go-away vacation. Without the cost of lodging or major trav-
Long Island, where water meets land all around us. Better yet, living here allows us el, you’ve already saved a bundle. Who’s performing at the local venues, even the
to have a “staycation”, or a homebound vacation, thanks to all the splendor and offer- Nassau Coliseum? Plan to get tickets now. There may be many things you haven’t
ings of our beautiful island. Our weather is stupendous this time of year; New York seen yet in your town, or nearby neighborhoods. What if you were a tourist? What
is delightful during these months! We have spent so much time, effort, and money would you want to see first? Can you book an historic walking tour of your town?
enhancing our homes for daily comfort and beau- Your staycation is your own, whether it may be a
ty; why not also use it as our home base for daily family backyard camping event or daily visits to
daytrips, or “daycations”? Making our homes spas, wineries, museums, shops and restaurants
relaxing getaways after a hard day’s work also along the island. With children, camping would
sets the stage for a perfect homebound vacation be great fun -marshmallow s’mores, ghost stories,
in an ideal venue - the serenity of Long Island. hide and seek or even tag wearing glow sticks!
As land rises from water north and south of us, a Perhaps you’d enjoy renting a kayak for a lazy
myriad of opportunities spring forth. Waterside river rendezvous… pack a picnic of cheese, bread,
Long Islanders have everything from boating and apples and wine for a riverbank respite. If body
beaching to scuba, sailing and surfing to occupy boarding by the beach is more your thing, bring on
their fancy. One essential reason we choose the sun block, beach blanket and water bottles for
to live on Long Island is that it is so pleasingly a bright blast. Strolling through an arboretum or
picturesque, making it vacation-ready every day! state preserve is a great way to tune back in with
We are in a superb staycation location! Let’s also nature in a pristine environment, as you listen to
keep in mind that a staycation offers some great bird calls, exhilarate in the whispering winds, and
perks: no lost luggage, no recycled airplane air, feel the expanse of your chest breathing in this glo-
and no frustrating language or cultural barriers. rious gift of nature. Get ready to bring your soul
And, if you’ve already been laboring to turn your back into alignment! Clearing your mind and body
home into somewhat of a “home-tel”, you’re primed and ready for a great staycation of the job you have left at work is an important part of a great staycation, and any of
at home. the natural parks and recreation areas across the island offer this. If you have remod-
Entertaining and educational daytrips should begin with a trip to your Cham- eled or redecorated your home already, as most Long Islanders are continually doing,
ber of Commerce. There you can inquire about all your town has to offer, includ- you’re more than halfway to a terrific time. A close friend of mine has enhanced her
ing any discounted or free offerings from local businesses. As a group, if you’re a landlocked backyard with a trickling waterfall, shaded hammock held up by pilings
family, or as a couple, be sure to plan what you would like to see and do as a team. and rope, sounds of the beach secretly serenading, sand, and sea grass! She stayca-
During a vacation, we want everyone’s needs met so we are all happy together! To tions almost every weekend in her serenely not-seaside setting!
ensure a good time, remember not to overbook yourselves. Believe it or not, accord- As far as putting your job far behind you for your staycation, decide in
ing to AAA, we‘d spend $244 per day for two people with lodging and meals, on an advance whether there will be certain rules in terms of using the computer, Internet,
average vacation. Therefore, make reservations where needed for the days you want, house/cell phones, opening mail, cleaning out closets, doing laundry, and watching
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Northshoerian JuneJuly 2009.indd18 18 6/16/2009 1:15:49 PM
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