How To Have a Fantastic Memorial Day Staycation

Memorial Day, that unofficial start of summer, is just around the corner! If time constraints or soaring gas prices are making you think twice about embarking on an elaborate trip, not to worry! You can have a fabulous holiday weekend at home too. Here’s how to make the most of your Memorial Day staycation:

Put the kibosh on chores and work

It’s not a vacation if you’re locked into your regular errands and cleaning schedule, or rushing to answer every work e-mail! So put down the Blackberry and give yourself the weekend off of chores. Focus on fun and relaxation — daily tasks can wait. Shaking up your normal routine can help you feel like you’ve gotten away from it all even if you haven’t left your apartment.

Break out the grill

Memorial Day always feels like the unofficial beginning of summer, and nothing says “summer” better than a barbeque. Get outside, fire up the grill, and invite your friends over to kick off the season. If you have a patio or outdoor space, this is a great chance to show off your decorating buff-ness (see our patio decorating tips here!). If not, many parks, campgrounds, and beaches also allow barbequeing. Speaking of which…

Hit the beach

Or a lake or park, if you’re not close to a beach! Grab a book, your iPod, or some friends and bask in the (hopefully) warm summer sunshine. Bringing along some games will keep kids and adults entertained all day — try volleyball, Frisbee, football, badminton, or Bocce ball. Or, hey, if you’re feeling a little more adventures, there’s always DIY Lawn Twister.

Treat yourself

Make your hometown feel like an exotic getaway by indulging in a spa day, meals at a fancy restaurant, or fun events like concerts or shows. Especially if you typically cook for your family, having someone else cook for you will go a long way toward making you feel like you’re really on vacation.

Remember the holiday

If you’re not traveling, take some time to remember what Memorial Day is really all about — paying tribute to the men and women who have served their country. Find out if your town puts on any special events to honor soliders, such as parades or ceremonies. Visit a local museum to learn more about the history associated with the holiday, and bring your kids along for some educational fun!

What do you have planned for this Memorial Day weekend? Tell us here or on Facebook!