Geez, Louise.  I just returned from a “micro-vacation” with my family to what I wish would have been our traditional, big summer California bonanza trip.  But, with the economy being what it is today - a few days in the sunny state had to suffice.  It was wonderful, but I’m “Geez, Louising” to the $5 a gallon gas prices they were serving up our rental car.  Wow.  Made me feel lucky to be paying $4.67 in my home state. 

 

Realizing that our usual summer of travels will be limited this year, I started researching how to have fun at home.  I like home. But, my little family sort of likes a little more glamour and adventure.  So, what’s a mommy marketer by trade to do?  Spin a home stay for both savings and household satisfaction (literally, because we aren’t going anywhere soon). 

 

I found a really cool term in the Urban Dictionary (www.urbandictionary.com) that I think will get everyone excited –Staycation.  It was defined as:  A vacation spent close to home. With the price of gas soaring, a staycation is what most Americans will experience during the summer of 2008.

 

 A staycation, according to The New York Times, is “a neologism used by [those] who prefer to unravel the mysteries of the world from the comfort of their living room couches.”

 

Pretty cool.  And, really cool that nobody will have the need to write home about their experiences—because, hey. . .we are home people! 

 

I think O should consider doing an entire O show or O mag article this summer on staycation options.  By July, people are going to be restless (and potentially) a variety of homebound crimes could be on the rise.  We need ideas!  It’s practically a public service to provide staycation ideas.

 

Now if O can’t squeeze in a staycation show, here are a few ideas I came up with.  And, yeah—you CAN do these at home.  Here ya go . . .

  • Turn your entire home into a campsite for the summer.  This means also saving money in both water and cooling because they don’t exist in the great outdoors.  Cleaning can be minimal, which includes personal hygiene.  A periodic “hosing down” by the neighbor is all you need until August.
  • Pretend. . .a lot.  Teach your kids how to dream big. . .for next summer when things are (hopefully) cheaper.
  • Invite LOTS of people over.  It’s never boring with people.  Consider those relatives that always create fireworks at gatherings.  It would be like having your own reality show for the summer.  Get a camera and post your home video on www.youtube.com.  Staycationers everywhere can entertain each other worldwide.  Cool.
  • Speaking of fireworks, shoot some off every night.  That’s what Disneyland does.  What’s good for Goofy, has got to be good for the street in front of your house.  Just don’t blow up anything, especially your house.  This would hamper a good “staycation.”
  • Buy lots of sprinklers and invite the neighborhood over.  Your house could be just like one of the awesome holiday light houses.  Set the sprinklers to music and people will be driving past in hoards to see the show!  Wear skimpy swimsuits and you might be able to ask for donations to offset the water bill.

So, see. . .staycations can be wonderful!  Get creative!  Get O Home! (ooops, that’s the other O magazine)