Staycations take many forms, from backyard camping to a romantic getaway at a local hotel. Far less expensive than a travel vacation, a staycation can involve no lodging costs and overpriced resort food and drink. Gasoline to local dining and attractions is much less expensive than out of state travel by car or airplane. Plus, families find they have more quality time with each other relaxing.
Savings can be put toward home features that provide comfort, convenience or pleasure. Fixing up the home to make it a more pleasant place to spend time, and building an outside "room" for backyard entertaining are both national trends and expenses that can be repeatedly enjoyed by family and friends for years to come.
Most importantly, staycations can avoid the stress frequently associated with vacation travel. Long drives with impatient children and the rush-and-wait associated with airports is eliminated. And doesn't "rest" top the vacation priority list?
The term "staycation" is often attributed to the Canadian comedy series "Corner Gas." New York City further promoted the staycation in 2006 by encouraging people to spend their vacation in the city, exploring what New York has to offer.
A 2005 study by the Families and Work Institute found that up to one-third of employees who get paid vacation time don't use it all. Many workers said they would get too far behind if they took time off and others cited not being able to afford to take a trip.
Lois Backon, the organization's vice president, said it's important for your employer's bottom line as well as your own mental health to get away from the office once in a while. Employees who don't take all their vacation time reported feeling overworked with much higher stress levels than those who do use all their vacation time. Overworked employees make more mistakes on the job and report more unscheduled absences.
Muskegon County residents are lucky that tourism-quality entertainment is available here all summer. I have known families that, for years, plan their vacation time around the Unity Christian Music Festival, or the 11 days of Muskegon Summer Celebration and the craft market, Art in the Park and Hackley Park events associated with it.
Of course, out of town visitors travel hours to experience our beautiful beaches. But residents often forget about our equally beautiful state parks. Muskegon State Park, Hoffmaster State Park, Pioneer Park and more are close by with family camping, hiking and beach opportunities. I've found tent camping close to home can be handy in case of inclement weather and there's nothing like waking up walking distance from a beach. Also, chances are better you will find a great weekday campsite than during those peak summer camping weekends.
The Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts features a steady venue for world-class entertainment. Theater and music come alive in our area spring through fall, from Whitehall's Howmet Playhouse to Grand Haven's Central Park Players and more.
Do you like to stroll those quaint shopping areas that spring up around resort locations? Try Muskegon's Lakeside District on Lakeshore Drive along Muskegon Lake, with galleries, small shops, a candy store and movie theater. Visit the Whitehall/Montague area along the White River, with its galleries, small shops and art museum. These neighborhoods also offer special event weekends all summer.
Speaking of festivals, Muskegon County is rumored to be the birthplace of the "beer tent." What better way to experience our numerous festivals with the family than during vacation time, just minutes from your own home?
Don't forget the museums. Downtown Muskegon boasts the Muskegon County Museum, with its Hackley and Hume Historic Site, Scolnik House and Fire Barn Museum, and the Muskegon Museum of Art. Our area even has an active location for star shows: Muskegon Community College's Carr-Fles Planetarium.
There is so much going on in our county in the summertime, we all need some way to keep track of it. That's where Graphics House Publishing's Lakeshore Happenings comes in handy, available at area campgrounds and businesses the end of May. Also, the monthly Around Town section of ReadMuskegon.com is a good way to keep track of events that interest your family.
There are risks associated with staycations. Since you are close to your workplace, you may be tempted to work, or your boss may think you are available for work. The temptation to fix up or clean the house can add to stress. And that ever-present email brings the workplace home for many of us.
However, many new to staycations report building wonderful memories spending time with friends simply barbecuing in the back yard. Unscheduled time enjoying family interaction and strengthening parent/child relationships are often our fondest vacation memories anyway, regardless of where we spend the time.
And, if boredom sets in, there is always the beach!
Often it's harmless, the result of something like temporary moisture in the brake pads. But continuous squeals or grinding sounds should be taken very seriously as they may mean it's time for new brake pads or shoes. Worn brakes can mean longer stopping distances and difficulty stopping in emergency situations. And rotors and drums that wear too thin can even become overstressed to the point of cracking or breaking.
If you hear squealing or grinding, have your brakes checked right away. And even if you don't hear squealing or grinding, have your brakes inspected once a year. It's essential to be proactive about your brakes as regular service and, when appropriate, simple brake adjustments and repairs can make a real difference in your car's safety.
My brake pedal feels really soft and spongy. Is this normal?
It is not normal. And it is definitely not good. A very low or spongy pedal means there's likely air in the hydraulic lines of your car's brake system. That creates low hydraulic pressure. If the hydraulic pressure gets too low, your car's brake pads or shoes may no longer be able to apply enough force and friction to safely stop your car.
An immediate inspection of your car's brake system is strongly advised.
Travel insurance provides coverage for yourself or your family against injury or death and loss of personal property while you are traveling. Travel insurance is always restricted to certain dates and locations based on a predetermined itinerary. You only need travel insurance if you are traveling to a place that your normal medical insurance coverage is not valid.
Travel insurance covers the cost of medical expenses such as hospital stays, medical treatment, ambulance rides. Travel insurance will also pay to replace lost, stolen or damaged personal items.
Single trip travel insurance provides coverage for a single excursion and for a fixed time frame. The maximum duration for single trip travel insurance is usually 30 days.
Long stay travel insurance has the same basic coverage as single trip travel insurance, but will normally cover a maximum stay of 90 days.
Annual travel insurance is a mix of single trip and long stay coverage and will cover multiple trips with a duration of 31 to 60 days for an entire year. Check with your current home owners and medical insurance carriers to see if you will require travel insurance for your next trip.