Vacation 2020: Making the Most Out of A Hard Year

Vacations, even on a good year, can be hard. But in 2020, summer vacations have taken a back burner for many families, and it’s no surprise. Many people don’t have the luxury of long stretches of time away from their jobs right now, and what’s more, many are working on a limited budget that prevents their vacation dreams from coming true. Add in the current lockdown situation with travel being restricted, vacation options this year are looking pretty bleak for most of us. What if, though, you could enjoy the best parts of your desired vacation at only a fraction of the cost?

You can!

Staycations, or vacations at home, can give you the best of both worlds when it comes to R&R. Before COVID, long-distance travel took up a significant amount of time and funds, as it required either airline tickets or gasoline to get to and from your location, and then you had to factor in food while on the road, lodging accommodations, etc. Now that travel is so tightly restricted and people are discouraged from leaving their state, it can be hard to find a way to “vacation” on a budget and in your area. We’re here to help. Here are some great ways to make a staycation everything you’re looking for, allowing you to step away from the day-to-day and come back refreshed without breaking your budget:

First, look for local deals! From trying that new, upscale restaurant downtown with a big outdoor patio, to enjoying the luxury hotel or resort in your very own city, many places (think Groupon) online offer special deals and coupons that apply to places near YOU. Sometimes this is a package deal for a hotel or resort, while other times it might be discount tickets to local attractions or hot restaurants, but it’s always going to save money and let you be a tourist in your own city. With tourism down right now, these deals have gotten even better, and many businesses are offering special accommodations if you don’t feel comfortable participating in the way you did before. For example, hotel pools might have a much lower capacity so fewer people can be in or around the water at a time, parks are letting in fewer visitors, etc.

If you still aren’t super comfortable being out and about, make your own home a getaway. Hotel accommodations will, after all, burn your through your vacation budget quickly, leaving you with very little extra for activities and fun dining experiences. Why not put that money toward something other than a bed and a place to shower? When you opt for a staycation all that cash can be put toward the fun you want to have, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your overnight “stay” in your own bedroom. Consider investing in some “extras” for yourself (and anyone else joining you) like a new set of luxury sheets, bathrobes, a bottle of wine and treats for your room, etc. Find fun local eateries for takeout breakfasts to be eaten in bed, or delicious lunches that can be enjoyed in the sun on your own patio. There are plenty of possibilities!

Finally, consider easy day trips if you’d prefer to stay at home for sleeping and “living,” but still want to get away a bit here and there. Here in Central Florida, you have a huge variety of nearby attractions available to you that are still operating with modified practices to keep you safe. From beautiful beaches and historical sites to nearby nature preserves, you can find something for everyone without having to go very far. By taking day trips, again, you save money by not having overnight lodging, and you can experience more with the money you have.

Don’t let this year’s troubles rob you and your family of summer memories together. Vacations can still happen right here in our own town with just a little creative, out-of-the-box thinking, and years from now you’ll remember the good that came from spending time with the ones you love. Did your vacation plans get cancelled because of this year’s upheaval? We know you’re working through refunds, rescheduling, making claims with your travel insurance provider, and still trying to pull some bit of relaxation out of this summer while you can. Carroll Marshall Insurance is here to help you navigate this time. From questions about your policy, to reaching out to providers on your behalf, we’ll do what we can to make sure you are taken care of. In uncertain times, you can be certain that your team at Carroll Marshall Insurance is here for you.