Experiencing a new place always opens your eyes to different perspectives. You learn about new attractions, eat new foods, and meet people from all over the world. There is no substitute for travel — it's rejuvenating both mentally and physically. A staycation is like a vacation with a twist: you're still experiencing something new and memorable, but you don't have to pack your bags or worry about getting stuck in an airport with nowhere to sit or something to do.

Avoid the stress of traveling, sleeping in a different bed, and paying too much to eat every meal at a restaurant. Spend that money on more enjoyable activities.

Enjoy your vacation at home:

1. Spend the day at the beach. If you're lucky enough to live near a lake or the ocean, a day at the beach is a clever way to spend the day. Work on your tan and get some exercise swimming.

2. Spend the day at the pool. Those without access to a beach can take advantage of the next best thing: the local pool. Splurge for snacks and live it up.

3. Go for a long bike ride. Your bike might be hiding behind the lawnmower or beneath the rake, but it's ready to go. Add some air to the tires and go out for a long ride. Look online for bike paths and popular routes.

4. Have a picnic. Whether it's at the park, pool, or beach, a picnic provides a relaxing, enjoyable time. Pack your favorite foods and bring your favorite people. A bottle of wine can be a nice touch.

5. Attend a sporting event. Professional sports are exciting, but expensive. If an NBA game is out of your budget, check out the local high school team. Sports can be exciting at any level.

6. Read a book. It can be hard to find time to read when you are always busy with work. Take advantage of your free time and relax with a enjoyable book. You might even find the time to get a library card. Then your books are free.

7. Visit a local museum or zoo. Most people go out of town to visit the zoo or museum. Now is the time to check out your local offerings.

8. Spend a day at the movies. Pack in three or more movies in the same day. The real cost is the food. Consider watching one movie, then heading out for lunch. You'll be full and satisfied for the next couple of movies.

9. Have friends over for a movie night. Stay at home and throw on some Netflix. Invite over a few friends and tell them to bring their favorite snacks and commercial free binge watch.

10. Rent a boat. Rent a speedboat or sailboat for the day. Test out your skills and spend some quality time on the water.

11. Check out a local band. Get out for an evening and enjoy the local music scene. Enjoy the nightlife for a change of pace.

12. Go out for a fancy lunch. Since you're not spending money on a vacation, you might have the funds available to have lunch at that fancy restaurant downtown. Splurge a little bit and enjoy yourself.

13. Work on your golf game or get to a court. You've always said, just like me, you'd be great at golf if you just had the time to practice. Now you have the time. Consider taking a few lessons and concentrate on improving your game.

With a staycation, whether you're venturing out of the house or enjoying your home, you're still taking time off to relax and enjoy yourself. The key is planning ahead so that you can ensure you have a relaxing experience and within a few short weeks, you'll be enjoying your own unique luxurious staycation experience.