Getting the right staycation attitude

Norma L., who lives in the Dallas area like me, had planned a honeymoon trip to Cancun. Unfortunately, her wedding date was Sept. 29, 2001, less than three weeks after the worst terrorist attack ever on American soil. After the 9/11 attacks, thousands of flights were cancelled and Norma and her fiancé didn’t feel safe flying.

A huge downer during one of the most memorable times of their lives. But by keeping a positive attitude, they created a memorable honeymoon at home. They went to the enormous State Fair of Texas and went into every building, museum, aquarium and exhibit.

“Living in Dallas all my life and having gone to the fair multiple times every year since I can remember, I had never been into every building at the fair,” Norma said. “It was great to know that the fair offered so many things to see and do that we had never taken advantage of.”

Norma and her fiancé also visited Dallas-area attractions such as Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, the movie studios at Las Colinas, the Fort Worth Stockyards and Six Flags Over Texas amusement park.

“Basically, we became tourists in our own city,” she said. “It was a lot of fun.”

*** "The Great American Staycation: How to Make a Vacation at Home Fun for the Whole Family (and Your Wallet!)" is now available. You can find it in stores or online.