Posted by: John S Kiernan

You don’t have to go away to really “get away” if you’re in need of a summer escape. And we don’t mean getting lost in your imagination or a gripping novel, however far such avenues can transport you. Rather, a “staycation” might be in order, especially if you aren’t inclined to drive or fly long distances or simply can’t afford to use your vacation time, the unfortunate reality for nearly a third of us who work.

There are certain places that offer a plethora of options for entertainment and relaxation at the right price point, making those cities the perfect spots for staying local.

To help you decide whether to leave home or bring vacation to your front door, WalletHub’s number crunchers compared the 150 largest cities based on 36 key indicators of a fun-filled yet wallet-friendly staycation. Read on for the full ranking, our methodology and useful staycationing tips from experts.

1. Main Findings
2. Ask the Experts: The Pros & Cons of Staycations
3. Methodology

Main Findings Embed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/4341/geochart-staycation.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2sdqYaD;

 

Overall Rank	City	Total Score	‘Recreation’ Rank	‘Food & Entertainment’ Rank	‘Rest & Relaxation’ Rank
149	Oxnard, CA	24.69	146	150	133
150	Chula Vista, CA	22.91	139	147	150

Ask the Experts:  The Pros & Cons of Staycations

There’s a difference between a staycation and business as usual in the context of staying local. And it all has to do with how you spend your time in the city you call home. For advice on making the best of your staycation, we asked a panel of experts to share their thoughts on the following key questions:

1. What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation?
2. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank?
3. What is the best time of year to have a staycation?
4. In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators?

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• Allen Z. Reich Professor in the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University
• Doug Kennedy Professor and Chair of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Virginia Wesleyan College
• Thomas P. Sweeney Limited Term Assistant Professor of Recreation & Tourism Management at Georgia Southern University
• Jonathan R. Hicks Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Susan Barnett Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies at SUNY Cortland
• Jim Sibthorp Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at University of Utah
• Andrew Szolosi Associate Professor of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy in the Patton College of Education at Ohio University
• M.T. Hickman Lead Faculty of Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management at Richland College
• Donna K. Lindenmeier Associate Professor of Recreation Management, Recreational Therapy and Leisure Studies at Oklahoma State University
• Ramon B. Zabriskie Professor and Coordinator of the Therapeutic Recreation and Management Major at Brigham Young University
• Gyan Nyaupane Professor of Tourism and Graduate Program Director in the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona State University
• Holly J. Bean Doctoral Student of Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Southern Maine
• Dan Caston Assistant Professor of Recreation Leadership at Ferrum College

Allen Z. Reich Professor in the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? First, let’s get some definitions out of the way. Vacation has had several meanings over the years -- over the centuries, but is most often associated with physically and mentally vacating your current premise -- taking a holiday from your normal surroundings. The definition of staycation varies from person to person. For most of us, it would be simply sleeping at home, but doing something a little out of the ordinary that would produce some of the same sense of newness and relaxation as traditional vacations. This could be getting to know your immediate community a little better or taking day trips to local attractions or restaurants that you’ve been meaning to visit. A lesser used meaning of the term would apply to those with deeper pockets, and could include staying with the borders of one’s country. “We’ve been to Europe so many times, we haven’t been to Wyoming yet, so let’s go there this summer. Second, is the mildly crazy (and perhaps embarrassing) fact that a large percentage of residents of a community have seen less of their community than people that travel there for a vacation. If this is your reality, then the staycation is a great opportunity to do what you probably should have done long ago and to do something that is relaxing, enjoyable, and educational, that doesn’t break the bank. Depending on one’s sense of community, helping out a local charitable organization may be just the thing to help you recharge your physical and emotional energy. Third, whether the goal is a truly relaxing staycation or virtually any activity that one or more people may participate in, the next consideration is to find out what activities are most desirable to those involved. For example, someone that sits in an office all day may consider a hike on a mountain path to be relaxing, while someone that works on their feet most of the day, may want to do something less physically taxing, such as a spa retreat. As I write this, I can’t help but think about diversions that make me the happiest -- music, woodworking, and anything to do with bodies of water, be it lakes, rivers, creeks, or oceans -- seeing it, fishing, eating fish, and boating. Fourth, staycations are often less stressful than many traditional vacations. Since you know the area much better than more distant locals, you will generally feel more comfortable with your surroundings. One of my most stressful experiences was a vacation in another country where we were constantly worried about catching the next bus or train, the best places to stay or dine. We would get to our hotel at night and be exhausted. Staycations, guided tours, and cruises are now much higher on our list of options. Just yesterday, I booked a short vacation for my family. Before we’ve even left the house, I’ve already spent several thousand dollars and in the end will probably spend over $5,000 for a less than a week out of town. This makes that fine-dining restaurant that we’ve been wanting to go to seem a lot more reasonable. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank? Walking downtown, touring locally owned -- non-chain shops, talking with workers about their knowledge of the local area or where they’re from. If you’re lucky, you may run into some of the crafters that make items that the shops are selling. Taking the kids to the local city hall or court house can be both a civics lesson and give one a sense of getting closer to one’s community. Volunteering for a local charity not only doesn’t break the bank, but teaches kids the importance of giving back. My family’ main activity in this area is the Flagstaff Family Food Center where we help prepare meals for those in need. What is the best time of year to have a staycation? I have two answers to this question. The first is whatever makes you happiest. For most of us this will be Spring -- the greening of the environment and the proliferation of small animals and birds. The second, and I think the most truthfully beneficial, is that any time of year should be ideal for a staycation. It’s not healthy to stay cooped up inside for months waiting for your favorite season or weather. One benefit of this perspective is that this positive attitude will, or at least should, have an impact on most other facets of your life. Finally, I’m appreciative of the opportunity to prepare these brief comments on staycations. It has helped me realize that my family and I need to take advantage of the many local opportunities that we have in our community. Doug Kennedy Professor and Chair of the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Virginia Wesleyan College What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? I can't stress this enough, either turn off the Wi-Fi completely or find a way to limit the amount of accessto the internet. The single biggest challenge to relaxing during a staycation is not treating it like a "work-from-home day," even for a little while. Vacations are rooted in the notion that people experience something new. With half of all workers leaving vacation time unused at the end of every year, and electronic access to work so easy, people need to really prepare for the temptation of staying connected to the workplace and how difficult it can be to avoid. Unless work is avoided at all costs, there's nothing "new" about a staycation if it lets work creep in. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank? Get outside. As our lives, especially our children's, continue to be shaped by sedentary indoor activities, there's never been a more important time to renew our relationship with the outdoors. Local, state, and national parks are unbelievable bargains. Also, consider geocaching. Apps are free and kids love the thrill of hunting for one of the thousands of "caches" around the country. Lastly, consider lunch for the meal that's eaten out. So many great restaurants have wonderful lunch menus at lower prices and are much more relaxed mid-day. What is the best time of year to have a staycation? The best time of the year for a staycation relates to the emotional and the practical. Both have to be aligned. For example, the accountant who's just finished tax season emotionally might really want a staycation, but with kids in school that might not be practical. Likewise, the staycation that happens between Christmas and New Years when kids are out of school but a million holiday commitments are present might not allow for a mental break. People need to be realistic and ask themselves "Can I/we really turn the world off for a while, and do we need that?" In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators?

• Variety of food choices. I'm amazed at how many people report that their staycation gave them the prefect reason to explore all the restaurants they'd been meaning to try out.

• Nearby destinations. No one wants to start every day of their staycation by driving two hours. Decide what that distance is when the thrill of the trip wears off. For most people that's about an hour tops.

• Outdoor opportunity. 40% of the country lives in a county connected to a coastline, so water-based activities are available. Then there's the west where mountains are at the ready. Whether it's those or any other features of our land, the opportunity to explore the outdoors needs to be considered.

• Special events. A regular schedule of festivals and special events throughout the year provide a great way to anchor a staycation.

• Minor league and not just major league. Tickets to a "major" sports league game can be a bank-breaker for many families. The same could be said for Broadway tickets. However, a similar experience can be gained at a fraction of the price when a city has a minor league team or vibrant community arts scene.

Thomas P. Sweeney Limited Term Assistant Professor of Recreation & Tourism Management at Georgia Southern University What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? When people decide to forgo travel to have a staycation, it’s important they remember that this is, first and foremost, a vacation, meaning you have an opportunity to disengage from work and your normal routine to have a quality recreation experience. Don’t let the fact that you aren’t going very far from your home base detract from the overall purpose. There are a couple of ways that you can ensure that you can have a great staycation. First, plan. It’s safe to assume that if you were going to take a trip you would do research to make sure that you had the best possible experience. Why should it be any different if it’s a staycation? Think about what you want to do and then research options in your area. Just because you live in a place doesn’t mean you know everything there is to know about it, doing some research could uncover something you didn’t even know existed. Second, step outside of your normal routine and try something new. It’s very easy if we aren’t leaving our city, town, or normal area, to go where we always go and do what we always do, but don’t fall into that trap! Is there a restaurant that you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t? Go! A golf course that is normally “too expensive, crowded, etc.?” Play it! You’re on vacation. Third, disconnect. Turn off your phone, don’t check your email, and don’t take a call from your boss. If you were 3,000 miles away on a desert island somewhere you wouldn’t care if your inbox filled up, so don’t care on your staycation either. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank? There are so many options available to people through state and local parks and recreation agencies, non-profit organizations, and for-profit agencies that are great for families. State and local parks are a great way to get everyone outside, into nature, for minimal to no cost. There’s often programming for all age groups and admission is usually free or only a small donation. If the great outdoors isn’t your thing, I would recommend looking into programs offered through your local recreation agencies. There is often very diverse programming for all ages and families that is very cost-effective or free. If you’re looking for something more specific, family art projects are great for kids, cooking meals together or going out to eat as a family to a new restaurant or type of food is always exciting, and I always recommend going to minor league professional sports games, if there is one fairly close by, for a more cost effective alternative to the top level of sports. If you’re a little more adventurous, try hiking, camping, and the many trampoline parks that are popping up all over the place. The main thing you want to consider, no matter what you choose, is that it’s something that everyone will enjoy. What is the best time of year to have a staycation? I really don’t think there is a best or worst time of year for a staycation, it’s all about what you’re looking for as an individual and the types of activities in which you are interested in participating. Recreation is very subjective, so whatever time of year is more conducive to creating a positive leisure experience for you, that is the best time of year for a staycation. In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators? This is a tough question to generalize because what people are looking for is going to be very specific to their individual recreation needs, however, I think that there are some broad categories that can encompass a lot of elements that can make a staycation experience a good one.

• Cost: The purpose of a staycation is often to save money, so you want to make sure the recreation options that are available are going to be cost effective.

• Diversity of opportunities: The more recreation opportunities, and the types of recreation opportunities that are available, the better. Cities that have something for everyone are typically the best for staycations.

• Access/Ease of travel: Being able to get places fairly easily and reasonably quickly is an absolute must. The last thing you want is to spend your staycation stuck in traffic or driving hours to reach your destination. Obviously, everyone has their own tolerances for how much they’re willing to travel for their experience, but typically I find that more time doing what you actually want to be doing the better.

• Amenities: The auxiliary or ancillary spaces related to or surrounding a recreation venue can either enhance or detract from the overall experience. Having good amenities available, whether it’s food, parking, reception areas, or locker areas can put your experience over the top.

• Favorable Recreation Environment: Some cities and areas view recreation more favorably than others, which can dramatically influence a recreation experience, especially for locals. Most places hone in on tourism as a catalyst for economic growth and try to create experiences to bring people from other places to their respective city, town and area. While this is a good thing, people who live there do not have the same needs as those coming in from out of town. Cities who view recreation in a broader context create a leisure culture that not only attracts tourism, but makes a city a better place to live, work and experience recreation are the best places for staycations.

Jonathan R. Hicks Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services at Minnesota State University, Mankato What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? The ideal vacation provides an escape and an opportunity to recharge your batteries. Try not to treat your staycation like it is any less significant than a conventional vacation. To choose a staycation means not flying away to a far-off paradise; but just because you are not in Hawaii doesn’t mean your staycation is any less important. Try to make decisions that you would in paradise: turn off your phone, set an email away message, take a deep breath, and find a quiet space. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank? When on a staycation, I always start by visiting websites for the area tourism bureau and nearby parks departments. The very nature of tourism and parks departments are to promote opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. The scope of parks departments in particular has really grown in recent years; parks are no longer just places for playgrounds and picnics. Many parks departments provide access to concerts, botanical and sculpture gardens, zoos, museums, beaches, hiking, and golf -- often for nominal or no fees. What is the best time of year to have a staycation? Of course, the best answer is always “it depends.” Schedules, particularly of parents, often dictate that staycations happen in the summer. However, I personally enjoy winter trips, preferably soon after the holidays. Destinations that would be filled with summer tourists are often much more laid back and easy to access in the winter. Accommodations are easier to book and are generally noticeably less expensive. In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators?

• Climate: If you dislike snow, a January trip to Yellowstone National Park is probably not a good choice for you.

• Geographic proximity: I prefer to stay within 500 miles/8 hours of home. Spending too much time in a car can detract from your ability to relax.

• Affordability: The top motivation for a staycation is usually cost.

• Novelty: Find a combination of familiar and unfamiliar places. We often overlook local tourist destinations; staycations are great times to explore those spaces.

• Ease of access: Once you have arrived, no one wants to wait in line. Identify places or times of year that will allow you to access places with minimal delay.

Susan Barnett Assistant Professor of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies at SUNY Cortland What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? Staycations can be relaxing if families make the same preparations to stay home as they would to go on vacation. This includes informing employers, co-workers and employees of the time off as vacation and not saying, “well, I’ll still be around," setting email "away messages," and turning digital devices to “airplane” mode. In addition, prepare to stay by cleaning the house, grocery shop in advance, and complete any errands. Plus, make rules as a family to not do household work or tasks. Completing little tasks ahead of time will help the family feel more on vacation and less like it is a day off of work. By preparing to be “away," families will have more time together and less stress during the days of their staycation. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank? Families could look for local festivals within the region of their home. Most festivals have a low to no cost entrance fee, provide entertainment for the whole family, and typically are a few days. Another idea is that families could explore the state and national parks within an hour drive of their home. If multiple parks are nearby, an annual parks pass is a cost effective way to see many of the state and national parks. Pack a lunch to save money on food costs as well. Many cities have multiple types of playgrounds (some with water features), so families could playground hop. Lastly, the local city park and recreation district is a great resource for low or no cost activities during the year (particularly in the summer) with movies in the park, exercise classes, swimming and more. What is the best time of year to have a staycation? The best part of staycations is that you can go on one whenever you want! Ideally, going on a staycation during non-peak travel months will result in lower crowds and better deals than peak travel months. If families are in a major city, visiting local tourist attractions during the middle of the week reduces the crowds as well. In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators? I look for package deals on multiple attractions, low costs on public transportation and parking, outdoor spaces for picnics and playgrounds, inclusive environments for the entire family (from young to old, strollers to wheelchairs), and plenty of safe walking or bike paths. Jim Sibthorp Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism at University of Utah What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? From a “family benefit” perspective, I’d probably suggest a low cost alternative (such as camping) vacation instead of a staycation. I think it is difficult to disconnect from everyday concerns when staying in your same house connected to the internet. I’d suggest something where you can unplug and focus on family/social/the immediate moment. Obviously, it has to be something considered fun by your family. If your family is not into camping in the woods, maybe camping by a reservoir where they can swim or renting a canoe. I also think staycations are difficult because saying “no” to standing commitments such as soccer practice for the kids or quickly checking in on work emails is inauthentic -- meaning there is no mechanical reason why you can’t do these things. So, the making decisions on yes/no is a constant process. If you are physically removed and/or disconnected, participation in standing commitments is not really an option and, thus, not a decision that you have to make. You’ve already made it. Andrew Szolosi Associate Professor of Recreation and Sport Pedagogy in the Patton College of Education at Ohio University What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? A staycation, similar to a vacation, aims to provide a person with a break from the demands in their everyday life. As people, we often seek out such breaks when we are mentally or physically tired. That said, people generally choose vacation destinations they believe will support their needs. As a restorative experience, I believe the most effective staycations perhaps offer a person with an opportunity to interact with sources of fascination (i.e., water, greenery, vistas, or perhaps something novel). These kinds of fascinations provide a basis for resting our mental resources that frequently get worn down through work and the routine demands in our everyday life. Although nature provides abundant sources of fascination (birds, waterfalls, sunsets etc.), a person could experience this sense of fascination when visiting a local restaurant they have never been to or a local museum or historic area. Beyond being a new experience, which itself can be fascinating, these kinds of experiences tend to allow a person to escape or gain a sense of being away. Being away, both physically and cognitively, is absolutely critical for a staycation or any type of experience to be restorative. A person could travel thousands of miles to the most pristine and beautiful landscape and still not obtain freedom from their daily work demands. Unfortunately, smartphones are largely responsible for making this aim more difficult to achieve in our society. Given that consideration, a person might just as easily obtain the rest they need by visiting a local park or restaurant they have never been to. These settings, under the right circumstances, could transport a person away from the everyday environment that places demand on their emotional and cognitive resources. In addition to finding places and activities that offer some sense of fascination and being away, people should choose a place or activity that will sustain their interest and will be compatible or support their needs. Some people want the sublime quiet that nature offers, while others want the excitement of a big city. Research has shown that the most effective restorative experiences possess these kinds of factors: fascination, being away, extent, and compatibility. I would suspect that these same factors play a role in having a truly relaxing staycation. Activities that could facilitate a positive family staycation and that may possess some of the factors mentioned earlier could be:

• Hiking your local metro parks.

• Renting a canoe or kayak and exploring a local lake or river.

• Visiting a local historic area.

• Camping out at your local state park.

• Ride bikes on a local bike trail.

• Picnic in the park.

• Visit the local art, history, or science museum.

• Take a cooking or pottery class.

• Eat at a local ethnic restaurant.

• Attend the weekly farmer's market in the area.

• Movie in the park.

M.T. Hickman Lead Faculty of Travel, Exposition and Meeting Management at Richland College What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? The goal of a staycation should be the same as an away from home vacation. It is a time to relax and rejuvenate and do things that you don’t normally do.

• If you wake up to an alarm every day, turn it off. Take time for naps.

• Create an out of the office message and don’t check e-mail or limit time on work activities. The staycation should be treated just like an away from home vacation.

• Put out jigsaw puzzle and all the family can work on.

• If budget allows -- rent a different car.

• Make small changes to the home that make it feel different.

• This could be setting out a fruit bowl like you see at a hotel and or placing fresh flowers in every room. Burn candles in incent to change the fragrance of the home.

• Sleep in a different bed. If you have a guest room, become the guest in your own home.

• Create your own turn down service and put candy on the bed.

• Discover the unique in your community.

• Research the local Tourism/Convention Bureaus and see what they are doing to promote your area to visitors. Visit DFW is an excellent site to locate attractions and things to do.

What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank?

• Festivals are my favorite -- most are family friendly, free of charge and include music.

• Attend minor league sporting events (baseball, soccer, hockey). These are cheaper both in tickets and on-site refreshments than major leagues.

• Pack your own lunch. Eating out is so expensive but with a little planning the family can be off for an all-day adventure and have a healthy inexpensive meal.

• Use public transportation. Many locations charge for parking, when available try taking the train or bus.

• Find activities that are educational.

• Check out the local library for events and activities. Have a family book reading.

• Take a field trip to see government in action.

• Find activities that give back. Research local charities and have the family vote on what to do. Is there a food bank that needs help? In Dallas the North Texas Food Bank is always looking for help

• Volunteer to clean up a park.

• Take advantage of group and special discounts.

• If you can schedule you staycation with another families, you can take advantage of group discounts to museum. Most groups start with 10-15 people.

• Most places offer military and student discounts.

• Experience another country in your own back yard. Take the family to an ethnic grocery store and purchase food to create a family dinner. I can spend hours in the local Chinese market.

• Discover the great outdoors: arboretum, local parks, public swimming pools, area lakes and rivers.

• Family Camping in the back yard or garage -- set up a tent -- and don’t go in the house for the night.

• Family dance off – Each family member sleets a song to dance to on the computer and everyone dances. This can be done on the fly -- one family member selects disco, the next Rapp music. It is a fun way to experience everyone’s musical taste.

What is the best time of year to have a staycation? I like the spring and fall because of all the festivals. One thing to consider is the day of the week. Weekends are when most people are off work and when attractions are the busiest. Set your staycation to the weekdays; this is also when you can get the best deals. Check when museums are open, some will close on Mondays. If summer is the only option -- try to get to museums early to avoid the crowds. Donna K. Lindenmeier Associate Professor of Recreation Management, Recreational Therapy and Leisure Studies at Oklahoma State University What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation?

• Treat a staycation the same as a “go away” vacation -- turn off the office cell, do not plan house cleaning chores, pause the regularly scheduled activities for you and your family (soccer practice, etc.), and plan it the same as a go away vacation.

• If you are staying in an area hotel, pack as if you are going to an away hotel -- do not continually run back home for stuff.

• Remember that this is your vacation -- close to home or far away, you need to get into the vacation mindset.

• Plan activities that are fun and interesting. If you have said, “I live here and I have not done X,” this is the time to try some of those things.

• Pretend that you have left your home area. This way, you are less likely to “just run this one errand” while doing vacation stuff.

• Home or away, this is your vacation; you have earned it. Do not feel guilty about taking vacation. This can often be more difficult if at home, so be aware. Have a vacation mindset word that you tell yourself when you remember that the dry cleaning needs to be picked up and you are two blocks away at the park. It is okay to ignore the dry cleaning this week.

What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank?

• There are lots of things to do locally and the options are going to depend on where you live. However, there is no need to spend huge amounts of money to have fun. Some of the best fun can even be free.

• Get information from your local Chamber of Commerce, Visitor’s Bureau, and/or the State Travel Information (name varies by state). There are probably some things you do not even know in your area.

• Some inexpensive ideas can include: hiking in the area park or nature area, go to the local park and have a picnic, go to the movies, pile pillows on the floor and have a movie marathon, review some interesting cookbooks and cook an exotic meal, go to the local zoo, go to an area water park.

• Book a room in an area hotel that has a swimming pool and play in the water. This gives you a night away from the house, and the pool will not be as crowded as a city pool.

• Look at the offerings in your city’s park and recreation department for interesting one day events. Expand your search to the surrounding cities, area community centers, trade education agencies, and private businesses that offer fun activities (like chocolate candy workshop).

• Watch for area festivals. Many have minimal or no entrance fee, have great music, and lots to see.

What is the best time of year to have a staycation? The best time for a staycation depends on your location, what you want to do, and when you can take time off. There are probably more activities available in the summer for families, but less demand (more availability) during the school year. Just like a go away vacation, it all depends on when you can go. In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators? Remember that this is your vacation and the best indicators for evaluating a city for your staycation, are a) if there are a variety of options for what to do, b) if you can find fun things to do that truly interest you. If not, look on down the road. Top indicators for great cities for staycations will depend on what you like the most.

• If you want nature, consider places with nature centers, wildlife preserves, and area state/national parks.

• If you want nightlife and glitz, consider your close metropolitan cities.

• If you want family-friendly activities, consider your suburban cities.

• The cities that seem to offer the most variety tend to be great tourist destinations anyway.

• A great resource for discovering the fun activities in your area is your state tourism bureau. Look for web pages that tell “what is happening” in a region of the state during the spring, fall, summer, winter. Some will be per year; others will be per season.

Ramon B. Zabriskie Professor and Coordinator of the Therapeutic Recreation and Management Major at Brigham Young University What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? Obviously, things vary a little based on the family structure (no children, young children, adolescent children, older couple, grandchildren, etc.) but here a couple of general tips. Involve every family member in the planning (including the very youngest to the very oldest). Great vacations and staycations start long before the actual “event.” The planning, anticipation, preparation, etc. is all part of a meaningful staycation experience. The fact that the family is willing to encourage, listen to, and utilize ideas from all family members also contributes to a successful family staycation long before it actually happens. Be willing to try new, different, simple, or less simple activities. Nothing is too simple or regular and nothing is too crazy or impossible if you’re willing to be creative with your staycations. A “Trip to Hawaii” to swim on the beach or to “The Caribbean” are certainly great staycation ideas. Swimming could be a splash pool in the yard, a slip and slide, sprinklers, the community pool, the pool at the City Parks and Recreation Center, a local water park, a local lake, or beach. Of course, Hawaiian shirts, Hawaiian punch, Hawaiian food, flip flops, glasses, etc. are all part of a staycation trip to Hawaii. When was the last time you packed up the family and went to the local pool? Did you even know there were 14 different Polynesian restaurants in town? What about that place across town that has the Flow Rider where you can take the whole family to learn how to “surf?” A staycation luau will also be necessary and everyone must learn how to limbo! And of course, the great thing about a staycation Hawaiian vacation is you get to come home and sleep in your own bed each night. Also, you can invite grandma and grandpa (if they’re local) to just one day of your staycation. Remember to be flexible. While good family planning and creativity is essential for a successful staycation, being able to be flexible, adjust, and adapt is just as important. As a matter of fact, that is one of the characteristics often developed and refined during family recreation experiences that is vital to family health and wellness. So, if your family Caribbean staycation including a day at the local water park, a Pirates of the Caribbean movie marathon in costume, fencing lessons, fishing at the local urban fishing pond, a trip to an interesting museum across town, etc. gets too busy, or it rains, or the museum is closed -- you may need to adjust, just go for a walk, play a board game with your pirate hats on and eat popsicles, go on a bike ride, play Frisbee or build a sandcastle at the neighborhood park, or just take a nap, hang a hammock and relax. It is important to remember you are on a family vacation. No work! Be with the family on vacation. That doesn’t mean that activities and experiences from your staycation don’t become integrating into regular family life during non staycation times. As a matter of fact, that’s one of the added benefits of staycations. Discovering new local resources, family interests, and regular home based activities to do together that can become part of your regular day to day families experience is also one of the most salient and important aspects of family life in terms of family functioning and wellness. Intentionally search for local activities and resources that you may typically over look, not consider, or not even know about. Small town celebrations, holiday events, state fairs, free community events, Parks & Recreation events, and local museums, parks, trail systems, bike paths, lakes, streams, factories, recreation centers, specialty shops, etc. can help facilitate priceless family experiences and staycations at little to know cost. When we moved to Indiana to teach fulltime and complete my Ph.D. with 3 young kids, we had very little time or resources for family vacations. My wife found a book of 365 things to do in Indiana that was just what we needed to get us started. Our family did more things, had more adventures, and saw more places in our three years in Indiana than most Hoosiers new existed. Who knew we could pan for gold, see a working water wheel and churn butter at a historical park, learn to scuba dive, navigate a boat through underground river and see blind cave fish and salamanders, go through a narrows canyon while spelunking, eat some of things we ate at local celebrations, get kidnapped by your kids and taken to a kids center and play laser tag, find a natural water slide, go to museums, children’s museums, zoos, fish for steelhead and salmon, have turtle races, camp, visit historical places, and play board games by candlelight during a tornado warning, etc. as a family during a little to no time and budget period in our lives. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank? Seek resources, chamber of commerce, Parks & Recreation departments, websites, celebrations, community events, the Walmart game shelves, etc. What is the best time of year to have a staycation? Any time! Also, when everyone else leaves town for their vacations -- you plan your staycation! Gyan Nyaupane Professor of Tourism and Graduate Program Director in the School of Community Resources and Development at Arizona State University What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation?

• Check local attractions close to your home where tourists come and visit.

• Avoid long weekends and holidays. Rather, if you are flexible, pick the days when other people are working. For example, Tuesday through Thursday.

• Check last minute deals, such as hoteltonight.com. Local resorts offer great deals during the off-season.

• Vacation is a state of mind and it matters what you experience, not the distance you travel, so you don’t need to fly thousands of miles to have a good time.

• Make your staycation special and memorable, which is more important than how much money you spent.

• Don’t let your staycation occupied by your day-to-day maintenance or work. Try to create a boundary between your work/maintenance and leisure when you are on staycation.

What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank?

• Go to museums, theme parks, water parks, state parks, and monuments around home.

• Check local events. Municipal Parks and Recreation Departments and Convention and Visitors Bureaus (CVBs) usually list these events on their websites.

What is the best time of year to have a staycation?

• During the off-season when your town/surrounding areas are less crowded. This could be summer months for some places and winter for others.

• When hotels are expensive, the price of gasoline is high, and flights are expensive.

In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators?

• Cities with a variety of tourist attractions.

• Cities with a lot of tourism amenities, including convenient and free parking for visitors/residents, pedestrian/bike friendly paths, and shopping and dining opportunities, and good public transportation.

• Cities that care about their residents’ well-being and quality of life by providing many recreation opportunities for all ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions, and races.

• Cities that organize many events.

• Cities with strong Parks and Recreation Departments.

Holly J. Bean Doctoral Student of Recreation and Leisure Studies at University of Southern Maine What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? As a frequent traveler, staycations are not something that I focus on, however, I take advantage of many of the activities that Maine has to offer while I am here. I welcome guests to stay with us and I am always excited to share Maine's bounty of offerings. A truly relaxing staycation is purely subjective. What I might feel is relaxing (working in the garden) would be drudgery for another. Early morning walks on the beach (we live 10 minutes from the Atlantic) with my dogs starts my day off nicely. Having the time to make a fabulous meal with close friends is another relaxing activity that I enjoy. Portland, Maine has become quite the cultural center of Maine. I've enjoyed music, in the summer there are numerous free concerts throughout the area. Hiking in the area is another free activity that I find relaxing. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank? Aforementioned activities are some of the free activities, others include: First night freebies. On the first Friday of every month in Portland many places offer free admission and entertainment. Philanthropy is always welcomed and families have a plethora of choices: working as stewards of the environment by volunteering to clear trails, pick up garbage, etc., or volunteering at a soup kitchen, a food bank, etc. Portland hosts a myriad of gatherings in Deering Oaks Park, all culturally diverse. Portland Summer films offers free rooftop summer viewing of movies. Our area boasts numerous lighthouses, all free to view. Portland Lighthouse, which is actually in Cape Elizabeth, is the "most photographed" lighthouse in Maine. It is located in Fort Williams, also free to the public. Fort Williams, once an active military base, offers ruins, trails, ocean swimming, picnic area, and a playground. At Bug Light, a park dedicated to the memory of the Liberty Ships (WWII they were built here) families can enjoy the constellation of kites that fill the sky. The fourth of July fireworks can be viewed either from the water or on an obliging hillside, close to Portland. Walking along Commercial Street in Portland one can find buskers, sumptuous smells, dogs, and plenty of opportunities to people watch. What is the best time of year to have a staycation? For the open minded, staycations can take place at any time of the year. Living in Maine offers four seasons of opportunities to enjoy our great state. Winter offers skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding, and hiking opportunities. Within hours, you can either be at the coast or in the mountains. Rangeley, Maine offers a Snowdeo that brings in many, many people who enjoy snowmobiling and the outdoors. In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators? Indicators for best staycation cities include: accessibility, customer service attitudes, diverse offerings, community openness and willingness to share their knowledge, and the pride that citizens have for their area (this would include environmental pride; cleanliness). Dan Caston Assistant Professor of Recreation Leadership at Ferrum College What are some tips for having a truly relaxing staycation? Disconnect from digital technology. If you're checking emails from work and constantly checking social media, you're not connected with the people and places with whom you are sharing your experience. Mindfulness research indicates that in order to relax, it is necessary to be fully present. It is simply not possible to relax while dividing your thoughts and energy. Participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, biking, etc. Research shows that spending time in nature is good physiologically as well as psychologically. Many people work in closed indoor environments that prohibit the body and mind from restoring focus and energy, which contributes to feelings of mental and physical fatigue. Spending time outdoors and in nature has been shown to directly reduce blood pressure, increase mental acuity, and calm the body. Keep it simple. The more complex the activity is to plan and implement, the more stress it may cause. By selecting activities that are easy to make happen, the more relaxing they will be. Many people lead very demanding and complicated lives and truly need down time to decompress. Selecting activities that are simple helps to reduce the feeling of living a harrowed life. Take time for yourself. Spend time with family and friends but then seek private time for reading, working on a puzzle, or taking a walk. So much of our lives are dictated by needs of others such as kids, bosses, and family members. You must take care of yourself in order to offer your best to others. What activities can families do locally without breaking the bank? Participate in programs and facilities offered through local Parks and Recreation Departments. Parks and Recreation Departments offer a wide range of individual and family activities that are very affordable, while still providing high quality instruction. Activities range from art programs to canoeing to dancing to stand up paddle boarding to yoga to nature education programs and many more. Parks and Recreation Departments also maintain recreation facilities for public use such as swimming pools, spray grounds, water parks, fitness facilities, greenways, and athletic fields as well as playgrounds. Many of these facilities are free or low cost. Along the same lines, state and federal parks are great for day or weekend visits at minimal costs. They provide both the facility as well as trained staff for activities such as horseback riding, water sports, nature programs, and miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. They are a great way of exploring local and regional history as well. Many have campgrounds and cabins for overnight adventures. There is probably a state park within a few hours drive of home and a national park within a one day drive. Attend regional festivals and special events. Many of these are sponsored by local businesses and coordinated through Parks and Recreation Departments and, as a result, are low cost. Events include July 4th fireworks, Festival in the Park, Strawberry Festival, Arts in the Park, Cultural Festivals, and so on. Many cities will have some type of events just about every weekend during the prime season. Tying in with the park system greenways and bluesways are privately owned rental businesses. Greenways are linear parks that provide well groomed or paved pathways that connect different locations within a city or town thus allowing people to walk or bike without having to be on heavily used roads. Blueways serve the same purpose but utilize waterways such as rivers or canals for human powered boat travel. Most have a concessionaire that provides bikes or boats at reasonable costs to help facilitate this use. Additionally, many medium to large cities have adopted bike share programs in which you rent a bike in one location and then return it to a different location when you're done with your ride. This is a great way to explore your home city from a different perspective and find the out of the ordinary shops and scenery. Libraries, arboretums, zoos, and museums are also a great source for fun and educational activities. Most libraries offer a wide range of literary programs and activities that are educational as well as entertaining. Many museums are free for a walk through visit and offer kids programs and guided tours for a nominal fee. Arboretums and zoos typically are reasonably priced. Of course, there are classic activities such as bowling alleys, putt-putt, roller skating rings, and movies. Add to this trampoline parks and other specialty businesses and you have tons of options. Going during the day and in the middle of the week saves money by taking advantage of off-peak hours and matinees. These are great rainy day activities. What is the best time of year to have a staycation? This is a personal preference. It makes sense to take a staycation during your favorite season if possible. Otherwise, take a staycation when it is needed. However, many towns and cities are geared for a primary tourist season that results in lots of diverse offerings. In the off-season, many programs and activities may not be offered. A benefit of taking your staycation during the off-season may be smaller crowds and more one on one instruction for programs that you enroll in. If there are kids involved, it may be necessary to take a staycation when they are out of school such as over the winter holiday season or during spring or summer break. If the need is to take a break from the kids as well as work, why not take your staycation while they are in school and be home for them in the evening? In evaluating the best cities for staycations, what are the top five indicators?

• A robust park and recreation system with opportunity for both planned and self-directed activities.

• Museums, arboretums, and zoos within a reasonable drive.

• Public transportation to facilitate ease of movement without a car.

• A greenway system that allows for ease of movement without a car.

• A well-informed tourism council to help connect you with great activities and events.

Methodology

In order to determine the best staycation spots, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 150 most populated U.S. cities across three key dimensions: 1) Recreation, 2) Food & Entertainment and 3) Rest & Relaxation.

We evaluated those dimensions using 36 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the most favorable conditions for staycationers. For metrics marked with an asterisk (*), the square root of the population was used to calculate the “Number of Residents” in order to avoid overcompensating for minor differences across cities.

We then calculated the total score for each city based on its weighted average across all metrics and used the resulting scores to construct our final ranking.

• Public Golf Courses per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Tennis Courts per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Swimming Pools per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Basketball Hoops per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Baseball Diamonds per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Parks per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Hiking Trails per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Running Trails per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Walking Trails per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Shopping Centers per Capita: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Water Parks per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Boat Tours & Water Sports per Capita*: Full Weight (~2.67 Points)
• Miles of Bicycle Lanes, Paths & Routes per Square Mile: Half Weight (~1.33 Points)

• Movie Costs: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Bowling Costs: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Average Price of Party Ticket: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Nightlife Options per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Museums per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Zoos & Aquariums per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Paintball Fields per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Arcades per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Amusement Parks per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Theaters & Concert Halls per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Coffee & Tea Shops per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Shops per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Beer Gardens per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Restaurants per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Restaurant-Meal Costs: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Prevalence of Affordable Restaurants with 4.5+ Stars: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)
• Diversity of Restaurants: Full Weight (~1.96 Points)

• Cost of House-Cleaning Service: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
• Spas & Wellness Centers per Capita*: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
• Massage Costs: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
• Beauty-Salon Costs: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
• Public Beaches per Capita*: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)
• Idealness of Summer Weather: Full Weight (~5.56 Points)Note: This metric is based on WalletHub’s Cities with the Best & Worst Weather ranking.

 

Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Council for Community and Economic Research, Golf.com, Under Armour, Eventbrite, Numbeo.com, Thumbtack, Trust for Public Land, Alliance for Biking & Walking, TripAdvisor, Yelp, ImproveNet and WalletHub research.

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