Today’s post is provided by Ingrid Williams, Realtor for Re/Max Precision.
Staycate!
As the school year winds down and summer approaches, families all over the country are thinking about VACATION! Somewhere between the thrill of the final school bell and the ding of the back-to-school cash register, it is almost expected that your family will hit the road, skies, or seas for an extended time of family togetherness. While exploring the country and world together as a family is wonderful, it’s not always financially or logistically possible.
Thankfully, we are blessed to live, work, and play in a city that provides loads of activities for families. Take into consideration the amazing summertime activities that Des Moines has to offer.
As a Realtor, I am constantly referring my out-of-town clients to Des Moines’ great summer events such as our large Downtown Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, the incredible sights and sounds of Des Moines Symphony’s 4th of July Pops on Capitol Hill, the Adel Sweet Corn Festival, and, of course, you can’t mention summer in Iowa without the Iowa State Fair!
So, how do you do it? How do you plan and execute a staycation that takes advantage of all this great city of Des Moines has to offer?
4 Tips to Make Your Staycation Great:
1) Set a Budget:
The number one rule of any big family purchase is budgeting. Having your budget in place makes figuring out what to do and how far to go a whole lot easier. If you have a budget that your family decision-makers are all on board with, you’ll be more comfortable spending the money you’ve set aside and less worried about whether you’ll have enough to make the staycation last!
2) Set a Timeline:
How long do you want this family togetherness to last? A weekend? A week or two? Following your budgetary guidelines and thinking ahead to what activities you may want to do (and whether you might staycate again in the future), set a time that will allow you a good mix of downtime and activity.
3) Choose Accommodations:
Decide together where you’d like to stay. Des Moines and the surrounding areas have hundreds of options to choose from that are perfect for families on a budget. You can also check out deal sites like Groupon.com for great deals on local and regional accommodations.
Don’t feel like you have to stay away from home, either. You may find that, after a day or two in other accommodations, you prefer the comfort and familiarity of home. By turning off phones, unplugging from TV and Internet, and setting aside time for family, you can get the feeling of staying away from home while remaining in the comfort of your own bed. Fall in love with your house all over again by not only taking advantage of its function in day-to-day life, but also by relaxing and recharging in your place of refuge.
4) Decide What to Do:
If your kids are old enough to have an opinion, they’re going to want to weigh in! Sit down with your family and figure out some things you’ve always wanted to do both in the city and regionally. Visit CatchDesMoines.com for ideas and deals on things around town.
Don’t forget, Iowa has some amazing national parks, lakes, and natural wonders within driving distance for a day trip. Have a foodie, fashionista, or art lover in the family? Remember, cool destinations like the East Village, Downtown Sculpture Garden, and Valley Junction can provide culture and comfort. Not to mention great destinations like Minneapolis/St. Paul and Kansas City provide easy and quick travel for a mini trip within your staycation.
There you have it! So what are you waiting for?! Sit down today and start planning a memorable and carefree summer vacation. Choose to stay around town and discover Des Moines all over again!
Discount Tickets to Adventureland
Planning a trip to Adventureland? Ingrid is offering DMMB readers discount tickets at just $23 per ticket. To reserve your tickets, email [email protected]. Tickets may be picked up at Ingrid’s office (2202 Woodlands Parkway in Clive) Monday through Friday between 9:00 – 4:30, and payment is by cash or check. Quantities are limited so do not wait to take advantage of this great offer! Tickets good for all summer.
Connect with Ingrid Williams
Ingrid Williams is a mom of five and a licensed Realtor for Re/Max. Several of our DMMB families and readers have had the honor of working with her, and she is highly recommended in our community!
Ingrid is a wealth of knowledge and can answer your questions on anything from finding the right Realtor to moving strategies. Check out her website here.
To receive amazing coupons and/or real estate advice, contact her at [email protected] and she’ll add you to her monthly email list.
And for help in determining if this is the right time for you to sell your home, give her a call at 515.371.5277 and she’ll be glad to come out and do a free market analysis on your home.
