This year has brought about a few surprises for our family, and surprises seem to always be expensive. With that (and our bank account) in mind, this summer we’ll be looking for ways to maximize our vacation fun while minimizing our vacation budget. This summer, we will be staycationing.
The art of the successful staycation lies in the ability to see beyond the usual; to appreciate that we have always known, and discover that which we may have not – and to see our home as a tourist would, but with the added bonus of all that insider information we, as locals, already have.
Well, sort of have: the great beauty of a staycation for me is that I am a pretty new recruit to Chatham-Kent, and there’s a lot I haven’t yet seen. And the great beauty of Chatham-Kent is just that – the natural and historical beauty of our area offers so much to see and do, all within our borders, and for very little money.
But staycations also need a bit of planning and it helps to have an over-arching goal of a staycation, so this year, our staycation will be built around the following themes: family, fitness, and discovery, for less than $100 per day for two adults and two children. Is it possible? I think it is. Here’s a sample of how our days might be spent:
Day 1: Pelee Island for biking, birding and beaching
Cost: $22.50 for Ferry + $15.00 to bring bicycles; $25 for picnic lunch (from home)
Total: $62.50
Day 2: Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Underground Railroad sites, Buxton Museum for knowledge, history
Cost: $20 family admission to Uncle Tom’s Cabin; $20 family admission to Buxton Museum; $40 approx. for dinner
Total: $80
Day 3: Mitchell’s Bay for hiking and swimming
Cost: $25 for picnic lunch (from home); $10 for ice cream after our hike
Total: $35
Day 4: Pool day in my in-laws’ beautiful backyard
Cost: FREE!
Day 5: Rondeau Park/Erieau for boating, swimming, relaxing
Cost: $16 Provincial Park entry; $60 approx. for dinner
Total: $76
Day 6: Fairfield Museum, War of 1812 sites, Tecumseh Parkway historical driving route for education, history, ghost stories
Cost: $6 for museum admission, $15 approx. for refreshments at Park’s Blueberries
Total: $21
Day 7: Ridgehouse Museum , pioneer cemeteries for local history, demonstrations, genealogy
Cost: $10 donation, $10 for ice cream along the way
Total: $20
Total cost of a 7-day staycation*: $294.50
*Costs for gas, meals eaten at home not included.
It can be done, and it can be fun. And the best part of staying local? Not once will we hear little voices call out from the back seat, are we there yet?
