Vacation. Such a lovely word, right? Unfortunately,
this word isn’t a part of everyone’s life dictionary. Sometimes, it just isn't in the budget. The good news is that you
and your family (kiddos especially) can enjoy a bite sized part of what each country
has to offer... all in the comfort of your own home. A STAYCATION is what you need! You
can choose to have a weekly staycation over the course of the summer or you can
have a monthly staycation over the course of the entire year! Not any ol’boring
staycation, but one filled with yummy cultural treats, fun crafts, and wild
imagination!
First, if you and the kiddos want to truly feel
wild and free, you have to really commit.
THE COMMITMENT:
Time-Out
Get your family together and collect all of the
clocks in your home! Make it a speed race! See who can collect the most! Stash
them in a designated “time-out” box. Tuck the box away in the least visited
closet. You know, the one you dread to
think about. The one that is in desperate need of an “organize-a-makeover.” Don’t
forget to toss your watch in there while you’re at it! In doing so, you’ll toss
away the stress of the daily grind. For you staycation, you’re no longer a
prisoner to time!
THE PLAN
Plan your global route:
What better way to build up the anticipation than
to plan your exact route around the world? And what better way to do so than
with a little arts and crafts!
Here
are two fun options:
Easy
DIY World Globe
Here is a wonderful DIY tutorial I found online:
Or
Easy
Antique World Map (that you find under the magical
time-traveling tree in your backyard, perchance?)
National Geographic’s website offers great free map
pintables! You get to choose how detailed they are prior to printing!
After you print your map, color it with antique
like faded colors (browns, light pinks, sea foam green) or if you don’t think your
little one will be able to tell the countries apart, make it a bright and
colorful antique map that is kid-friendly.
Once colored in, singe the edges with a lighter or candle. Drop some
candle wax on it here and there. Write a secrete message on the back or corner
of the map in a foreign language. Here’s an idea!
“If you have found this map you are
special and will partake in great world adventures.”
In French:
“Si vous avez
trouvé cette carte vous êtes spéciaux et participerez à de grandes aventures
mondiales.”
Get out your red ink pen and draw out your preferred
route! Label the destinations with the dates you will be traveling there.
Stuff that suit case!
Gather the little ones and pack all of the
essentials: favorite blanky, favorite action figure, favorite stuffed bunny,
etc. Packing is so simple when you’re not actually going anywhere! Oh, and
definitely don’t forget to pack your furry friend’s pretend luggage too! You can
let youngest be in charge of this important responsibility!
Safety
First:
Traveling with
kids can be a little scary. Here are some tips to make your staycation travels
safe.
Imagine a world with no evil. No monsters. No crime. Just friendly
people. Warm smiles everywhere you look. Safety: Check! Staycation rocks!
I TRAVEL BY WAY
OF...
Decide (via majority vote) the best form of
transportation. Some planning ahead could make this trip unforgettable! For hot
air balloon traveling, buy a dozen or more (you’ve got to make an impact) helium
balloons and curly gift ribbon (or string). Tie long strands of ribbon (let the
balloons touch the ceiling) on the balloons and attach them to the outside
edges of a large box (big enough to fit the crew) with tape.
Make sure you tie down your hot air balloon when
you’re not actively traveling! You don’t want it to fly away without you! Each
time you’re ready to hit your next destination, climb everyone on board, untie
the safety knot weighing you down, and let the wind lead the way! (Other forms of travel include: jet ski, steam
boat, submarine (the little mermaid might just join you), time traveling
machine, camels’ backs, etc.)
Sample Itinerary for Paris, France:
-Put on your berets. Board hot air balloon. Travel
to Paris, France.
-Shout“bonjour” to the gigantic, spotted whale splashing in the blue ocean below and “à plus tard” to the majestic bald eagle flying by boldly to your right! Visit the capital of every country you decide to visit. For every country, learn how to say “hello” and “good bye” in their language. Eat a country-appropriate meal and wear a country-appropriate hat! Adopt an imaginary pet, like an elephant or a penguin! Watch a foreign film classic!
-Sun-rise (no clocks or watches, remember?): Hot
air balloon lands on the Eiffel tower (discuss the history of the Eiffel tower).
You’re still so high off the ground! Good thing you brought your parachutes!
(Make
every meal a picnic!)
-Petit déjeuner (Breakfast) Picnic Options: Pain au
chocolat (buttery pastry with melted chocolate swirled through out) or Croissant with butter and fresh jam with
hot chocolate for dipping! Buy it or make it!
-Learn “hello” and
“good bye” in French: “bonjour”or “salut” and “au revoir”
Greet each other
with new learned words!
-Déjeuner (Lunch) Picnic: Saucisson en croute (puff pastry wrapped
sausage) Super easy!
-Adopt a poodle! Name
him! Groom him! Feed him!
-Dîner (Dinner):
French onion soup with a fresh baguette
-Watch a kid
friendly French film!
"La
Belle et la Bete" (Beauty and the
Beast)
Directed
by Jean Cocteau. “This is a
live-action black and white adaptation of the French fairy tale. This film
has a lush and beautiful art design and is easy to follow for children even
though it is spoken in French and has English subtitles.”
–screenjunkies.com
Listen to French music as you fall asleep. Whisper “bonuit”
(goodnight) as you all snuggle comfortably in the living room, on the couch, in
sleeping bags, on pillows and mattresses on the floor.
Travel back home in the morning!
When
the time is right, and the budget is too, you’ll travel the world. For now, be
close, be creative, and have fun!
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