Avoid the Risks of the Summer Sun

A perfect #summer shouldn’t have any mishaps, but the hottest and most active season of the year isn’t without its risks. Check the UV index and slather on the sunscreen before you go out in the sun, says MedStar Health. Light-colored, lightweight clothing can offer additional protection from the damaging rays, as will a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Drink plenty of water and other fluids and keep a first aid kit at the ready. Be alert to signs of heat exhaustion such as muscle cramps, dizziness and nausea; be vigilant about water safety when visiting the pool or beach; and never, ever leave children and pets unattended in a vehicle. #PerfectSummer

Get Away From It All Without Going Far

With gasoline prices at near-record highs due to supply chain issues, a #summer #staycation can offer a way to “get away from it all” without a lot of undue expense or hassles. All you might need is a hammock and a pitcher of lemonade, Houzz suggests, to get started. Your staycation might include outdoor games, dining al fresco, running through  sprinkler or going to the beach, reading a good book, or taking a hike. The key is to relax and really connect with your friends, family and surroundings — just like you would if you dropped big bucks on a bucket-list trip.

Plan Your Dream Vacation From Home

Even if you can’t take your dream #vacation this #summer, you can use some #staycation time to plan it, says Maple & Mango. Take an hour or two to learn more about the places you might like to visit and the things you’ll want to do while there. To get any likely travel companions interested in your plan, dip your toes into the area’s culture by cooking a few dishes that are popular at your chosen destination and playing some native music. Better still? Combine your excursion planning and exotic menu with a summer cookout — with suitable beverages, games and/or crafts for all of the adults and children in attendance.

A Good Staycation Has Ground Rules

“A staycation is a simple, frugal way to enjoy time off with your family and live deeply right where you are,” says the Humbled Homemaker. To get started, set ground rules for your #staycation outlining how much cooking you’ll do, which chores you’ll keep up with, whether or not you’ll allow web browsing, and other aspects that may turn your time off into another day at the office. When the appointed date arrives, start acting like you’re on vacation by playing board games, filming a movie, camping out, picking fruit or whatever makes your down time more than ordinary.

Avoid Travel Chaos with a Staycation

Summer #travel is already chaotic, CNN reports, with crowded flights, rising prices and sudden cancellations. But you can have an adventure close to home if you take a day off for a #staycation, says NerdWallet. You can be a tourist in your home town or nearest big city by searching guidebooks for interesting and “new to you” attractions, dine at a restaurant you’ve never tried before or finally go to that quirky museum. If you have kids, you might want to add games, a movie night or a scavenger hunt. Whatever you decide to do, the secret to a successful staycation is to enjoy the local surroundings while setting work and chores aside for a day or long weekend.