Destination Summer Staycation

10 Budget-Friendly Ideas for Backyard Travel

Since quarantine restrictions began a few months ago, most peoples’ long-distance travel plans have taken a back seat to a “safer at home” travel approach. Now is a great time to turn your home and hometown into a “staycation” destination. Just because you’re not going far, doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time! From transforming your yard into a splash zone to recreating summer camp at home, here are ten budget-friendly ideas for backyard travel.

Stage your own rock concert

You may have missed out on the summer’s hottest concerts, but you can keep the thrill alive by bringing the beats to your backyard.  Set up the wireless speakers to rock out to your favorite artists.  Then, invite your neighbors and friends over for some backyard karaoke fun. (Due to social distancing guidelines, mosh pits are not advised. ????)

Plan a progressive dinner party with your favorite pals

Prepare a round-robin feast with four to five couples for the ultimate dinner party!  A progressive dinner is a variant on a potluck dinner and usually involves consuming a single course at each couple’s house.  Everyone takes part so that one person isn’t stuck with all the hosting duties. Course options may include appetizers, soup and/or salad, a main course, dessert, and/or after-dinner drinks.

Welcome to Camp Getaway (Staycation Style)

Turn your backyard into Camp Getaway by recreating summer camp at home! First things first -teach your kiddos (or learn for yourself) how to pitch a tent.  After your stakes are set, indulge in camp classics like capture the flag, arts and crafts, an outdoor relay race, or scavenger hunt.

Cozy up around the campfire

Keep the summer vibes going with a crackling bonfire, campfire songs, and spooky camp stories. Prepare a simple meal of roasted hot dogs and s’mores for dinner. Stay up late enough to catch the sunset and watch the stars come out.

Transform your backyard into a splash zone

Heat up some summer fun by cooling down in a kiddie pool and waging a squirt gun fight.  Break out the sprinkler and make way for the Slip ‘N Slide®!  Play splash potato with water balloons and endless games of limbo  under a running garden hose.

Arrange a summer film festival in your backyard

It’s showtime! Let the movie marathon begin! Have family members take turns with the remote to decide which movie to watch next.  Splurge on a projector and a white bedsheet to transform your backyard into a drive-in movie theatre.

Be a tourist in your own community

Why should out-of-towners have all the fun? This summer, be a tourist in your own community. Rediscover the best parts of your hometown and explore the unknown. Hop in the car for a Sunday drive, and take the road less traveled.  Or, grab your bike for a nice relaxing ride around your community and absorb the scenery around you.

Take the scenic route

Find a trail near you and make an afternoon of it!  Grab a backpack to store the essentials: a bottle of water, trail mix, sunscreen, bug spray, and a camera to capture nature in action. Go the extra mile and pack a picnic lunch, then dine alfresco-style. 

Hang up the hammock and simply relax

Yes, relax. You’re supposed to be on vacation, right?  Disconnect your phone and block all interference from the outside world.  Soak in the sun or relax in the shade. Start a book you’ve been putting off, or don’t.  While you’re at it, hire someone to clean your house so all the vacuuming and dishes are done when you return from your backyard vacation.

Participate in our Destination Summer Staycation Giveaway

The joy is in the journey, and we want to hear all about your staycation plans. Tell us your favorite thing to do while vacationing at home for your chance to win a $500 Visa® gift card. To enter to win, LIKE our FACEBOOK POST LINK and COMMENT a picture showing your summer staycation adventures. Contest ends Sunday, July 12, 2020.  Official Contest Rules: https://www.membersccu.org/destination-summer-staycation-giveaway