You might yearn for a fabulous tropical or exotic getaway, but a vacation might be the furthest thing possible from your ever-tightening budget, even with the amazing travel bargains available. When the economy takes a bite out of your travel budget, why not consider a staycation in Denver or Colorado?
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A staycation continues to be a growing trend for travelers of all ages, from singles to families to baby boomers. Fortunately for Denverties, we live in the great vacation state Colorado, where there’s plenty to do and see, without leaving home. That’s what a staycation is all about.
Consider the following tips to make the most of your Denver summer staycation:
Plan as though you actually are taking a vacation.
Take time off work, buy a new outfit, pick out a great book to read, and pack your suitcase – and don’t forget your bathing suit. According to Expedia.com’s 2008 Vacation Deprivation survey, 39 percent of employed U.S. adults reported feeling better after their vacation. That's why you should make a plan so you can anticipate your staycation.
Research your destination.
Just because you are staying “home,” doesn’t make your vacation time less valuable. Make good use of your time by doing your research. Get local insight and tips on what to do and where to stay from my Denver Travel Examiner article archives, or other Denver Examiners. Sign up for RSS feeds and email newsletters and notifications, so you can receive timely notifications of travel news.
- For your Denver-based vacation, check out VISITDENVER for tips and deals. Order your Official Guide here.
- For your Colorado vacation, check out Colorado Tourism which also offers tips and deals. Order your free Colorado Official State Vacation Guide.
- If you really want to dig into Denver, get more local insight by reading articles at Examiner's Denver’s city secrets.
Book a hotel.
A staycation really feels like a getaway when you add a night or two at a nearby hotel. From historic hotels tofunky downtown hotels to driveable luxury resorts or mountain getaways , you can find killer summer deals in Denver and throughout Colorado, as easily as you can somewhere else. Those deals are available at the hotel’s web site; on the tourism web sites: Denver or Colorado; or at Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association.
Visit local attractions.
When is the last time you spent a day at the Denver Zoo? Gone to a baseball game at Coors Field? Taste tested at a local winery. Rode (or rented) your bicycle on Denver’s 850 miles of off-road bike trails?When you are planning your staycation itinerary, include local attractions that you’ve never seen before or haven’t visited in years.
As locals, we often miss museums, amusement parks, local or national parks, local theater productions, or little known tours of quirky spots in town simply because we live here. Infusing the local energy of these attractions will put your staycation into overdrive.
TIP: VISIT DENVER's web site even offers suggested itineraries in and outside of Denver to simply your staycation planning.
Finally, act like you’re on vacation.
Take pictures, smile at people you don’t know, park yourself at a sidewalk café on the 16th Street Mall, ask the locals to recommend things to see, and yes, even buy a cheesy T-shirt.
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