A Vacation For This Economy

It's time once again to consider a family vacation now that summer is here.  In this economy, however, actually taking one may be another story.  That's when my thoughts start drifting toward the word "staycation."

"Where are we going this summer?" the kids ask.

"Nowhere!" you reply confidently.

Staycation: a vacation without going anywhere.  For starters, you don't have to choose an exotic location, because you are already there.  Do you know how many people travel from all over the world just to be where you are?  Not that Frommer's is putting out guides to Oak Park, but you get the idea.

Plus, what is so exotic about jet lag or second-degree sunburn, anyway? Is it worth the inexpensive lobster to be in a place where you can't even drink the water?  At home, you can drink the water right out of the tap - filtered through your refrigerator or Brita pitcher, of course.  Then there is the hassle of packing and unpacking, and choosing what to take and what to leave behind.  (Kids?)  And besides, you wouldn't want to forget that cocktail dress for formal night, leaving you a prisoner in your own cabin, would you?

Lets face it, the joy of vacationing isn't really about the location, it's just about "getting away." You can get away right in your own home.  It's simple.  First, disconnect your home phone (if you still have one), then shut off your cell phone and all other LoJack-like personal tracking devices.  Have a picnic in your backyard or on the living room floor.  You don't even have to acknowledge your neighbors.  Your time away (or astay) should be all about you.  Remember you are on staycation!

If you choose, you can even leave the comforts of your own home.  How about sightseeing?  You can cruise Hollywood in a double-decker bus and snap pictures of the outside gates of stars' homes.  If sandy beaches are more your style, a simple drive takes you to the waves and cafes of Malibu (unless you already live there, of course).  For a more eccentric atmosphere, the drum circles and incense of Venice Beach beckon.  Or just enjoy the beautiful hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.

How about visiting a museum?  The California Science Center is a great place for kids and is always free, as are the Getty Center, Getty Villa and the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum. 

For authentic Mexican cuisine, a trip down the Metro Red Line is all you need.  With a $5 day pass, you can travel to the landmark Los Angeles Union Station with Olvera Street accross the way, and wander through the marketplace for Mexican souvenirs.  No one will ever know you weren't really in Mexico.

If your staycation happens to fall on the first Friday of a month, head up to the Griffith Observatory for free, to learn about astronomy and space exploration in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater.  You can also join the monthly Star Parties there, where families can observe the stars and planets through one of the many telescopes.

End your staycation listening to live music at the City of Calabasas Free Sun Sets Summer Series concerts, the Janss Marketplace Summer Concert Series or free concerts at Warner Center Park (no need to actually go to New Orleans with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band coming to you on July 12).

When your best friend returns from her weeklong vacation abroad, wearing a surgical mask to avoid Swine Flu, you can rest assured that you did not contract Swine Flu in your own home, because swine isn't even kosher.

Published in the June/July issue of Jewish Family (a publication of The Jewish Journal)