How to plan a spectacular staycation

Nine years after moving to the Raleigh, NC area
we finally made it to the Christmas parade!

The staycation, increasingly popular in the United States and Europe since the recent economic crisis began, might be the best way to vacation this year. Staycations can start to look like any other day off from work if not planned. Use these tips to plan a fabulous staycation this year.

1. Tuck away the to do list! This is vacation, not honey-do time. Instead, consider pitching a tent in the back yard or family room and camp "in." The advantages: working plumbing, hot showers, a refrigerator and shelter from the rain. Not to mention it's free! When our boys were young, we moved all the furniture out of our family room and slept in sleeping bags on the floor. We cooked outside on the grill and ate at the picnic table. I loved sleeping in air conditioned bliss. The boys loved crawling all over mom and dad. Remember, this is family time. The to do list will still be there when normal life resumes.
2. Make a budget. Consider gas, dining and activities, just like any other vacation but without the added expense of lodging. 
3. Treat your hometown like a traveler would. I tend to forget about the wonderful adventures waiting at my back door and look far and wide for things to do, but I live in an area rich with recreational opportunity: hiking trails, kayaking, museums, restaurants, parks, swimming and golf. Sit down with the family and select something special for each day. If the kids are old enough (mid-elementary and above), perhaps let each family member plan a day -- get tips here. We drive up to two hours for staycation activities. Define your parameters and make choices within that distance.
4. Eat someplace new. It's vacation, so why not try someplace new? We have a long list of "maybe we should eat there one day" restaurants and a staycation offers the perfect opportunity!
5. Look for freebies. Chances are, your hometown offers discounts just like trendy vacation destinations do. Check for restaurant discounts, museum passes, and other online freebies as you plan your activities. 
6. Turn off the phones. Our first staycation was a disaster. Because we stayed local, the boss thought nothing of calling my husband about this or that. Since that first time, we have learned to let all work-related calls go to voicemail just like we would on a "real" vacation. We inform family and friends that while we are home, we are still on vacation. Our kids know that vacation includes unplugging for a few days to reconnect with the three dimensional people called family. Trust me here. Staycations feel more like vacation when you unplug!

A little planning goes a long way toward a successful staycation. What's your best staycation tip?

Happy travels!