Celebrate Summer with a “Staycation” Right Here in Wisconsin
Summer has flown by — but there’s still time to enjoy a final family vacation before school is back in session!
We know that any sort of getaway might feel impossible right now. Thankfully, though, Wisconsin offers plenty of activities close to home.
Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know to plan for a summer staycation in our beloved Midwest state.
What is a staycation?
A “staycation” combines the best of two worlds: relaxing close to home and getting out and about to enjoy time off of work.
In essence, a staycation is simply a vacation where you stick around your local area. You don’t need to worry about airline travel, high gas expenses, or being far away in case of an emergency.
Here are a few popular staycation examples:
- Renting a cabin in a nearby town for a few days
- Taking a day trip to view popular local landmarks while spending the night in your own home
- Changing up the scenery on your own property by setting up a tent or camper
Ask what your family enjoys most
When planning a staycation, the most important thing is to ask yourself what your family will most enjoy — together.
Are you adventurous and outdoorsy? Sounds like a camping trip or hiking experience might be the perfect fit! Do you need quiet, controlled relaxation after the stress of the past few months? Maybe a nearby town can offer a calming getaway. Are you excited to see famous landmarks? Wisconsin has a rich historical background!
Perhaps most importantly: Are you comfortable leaving your home overnight right now? There are plenty of ways to get in on the staycation fun even if you’d rather sleep under your own roof.
Pick your destination and activities
Once you decide what style of staycation will suit your family best, it’s time for the most exciting part: picking your actual destination and activities!
Here are a few popular choices — but the options are endless. Wisconsin is full of natural wonders and charming communities.
Explore Door County
As one of our state’s most classic destinations, Door County is famous even outside of Wisconsin.
There are countless things to do on this beautiful Lake Michigan coast:
- Rent kayaks or paddle boards
- Visit a breathtaking vineyard
- Hike or bike miles of trails
- Explore historical museums
- Relax on the beach
- Practice your golf swing
- And more
You can check out the Destination Door County travel updates website for more information.
Get out on the water
No matter where you are in the state, you’re never too far away from a bright body of water. In fact, Wisconsin boasts more than 15,000 lakes — not to mention miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior!
Most communities have some sort of rental service for kayaks, paddleboards, and even full-sized boats. You can also consider enjoying a lazy float on a river tube or just relaxing on shore.
Find your perfect state park
Wisconsin has 66 state park units that cover more than 60,500 acres of land. There’s something for everyone, whether you want to feel like you’re in a different world all your own or simply see a bit of wildlife.
At many of Wisconsin’s state parks, you can:
- Camp overnight
- Hike just for the day
- Bring your pets along
- Rent recreational equipment
- And more
You can find more information about Wisconsin’s state parks from the Department of Natural Resources.
Create a change of scenery at home
There are plenty of ways to enjoy a staycation right on your own property if you want to stay at home.
Here are a few favorite ideas:
- Set up a tent in your backyard to create your own personal camping experience
- Have a family slumber party in your living room
- Compete in a board game tournament over the course of a few days
- Explore what your immediate area has to offer — you might be surprised at what you find!
Plan for safety first
No matter what you decide to do for your summer staycation, make sure you’re prepared to keep your family and belongings safe.
If you’re traveling — especially with any pets — it’s important to know how to prevent summer heat stroke in your car.
You might also want to double-check that your auto insurance is all set for your trip.
Is your policy up to date, and do you have proof easily accessible in your vehicle? Do you have coverage for whoever will be driving? If you’re involved in an accident, are you comfortable with the process of filing a claim?
If you’ve been meaning to ask your insurance agent any questions to better understand your policies, now’s the time!
Keep your home protected while you’re away
If you’re planning on leaving your home — even just for a few days — make sure it’s protected while you’re away.
Before you go, check out these tips to stay on top of common Midwest home damage in case inclement weather arises when you’re gone.
It’s a good idea to be proactive about keeping your home safe from human risks, too. Here are a few easy steps:
- Ask someone to keep an eye on things for you
- Consider setting your lights on a timer
- Be conscious of what you post on social media
- Unplug electronics
- Double-check that every entrance is locked
Ask your independent insurance agent any questions
We know that life has been chaotic lately — and we’re here through it. As your independent insurance provider, Lindow is committed to providing quality advice, well-rounded coverage, and immediate support to you and your family.
If you have any questions related to an upcoming staycation or your policies in general, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re happy to help.
