One of the themes in this issue of FishPrint^SM is the effect that these tough economic times can have on relationships.  Ideally, couples will try to get away together at least once or twice a year, but if they cannot afford to go too far from home, why not consider taking your vacation at home.  In other words, take a stay-cation!

Pick A Date And Stick With It

Both of you should plan to take the time off completely from work, just as if you were going out of town.  Plan the time off with your boss and don't be talked into anything at the last minute that could ruin your plans.  After all, if you had bought those expensive airplane tickets and booked that four star hotel on the Island of Someplace Else, you wouldn't be able to change your plans.

Put The Do Not Disturb Sign On The Door

If you're staying in, don't let people know you're doing that, or if you do, then don't let anyone intrude on you, unless it's an emergency.  Just as if you had gone out of town and left emergency contact information, you can still do that with your stay-cation. 

Don't answer the phone; don't answer the door for the postman who wants you to sign for a package; don't answer the door for the door-to-door salesman.  If you weren't there, none of those people would be getting a response from you at that time.  You are on your stay-cation, and you don't want to be disturbed.

Consider Bringing In A Masseuse For A Home Spa Treat

You can create a luxurious resort experience for your stay-cation by bringing in a masseuse for a few hours to give you and your partner a wonderful, relaxing back and/or body rub. 

Some of these professionals can bring their own tables for you to lie on, and virtually all of them bring their own oils.   All you need are your own towels and robes.  Perhaps you can splurge on a new bathrobe, just like the thick, cushiony ones you'd find at a hotel.

Plan Your Recreational Activities

What can you do at home that will make staying at home different than it ordinarily is?  It may be that you usually just watch tv when you're at home.  Maybe you can rent some romantic movies instead or perhaps even some adult movies that you might have been able to see on the pay-per-view hotel channel had you gone on a regular vacation.

Do you ever put on mood music, light candles, buy flowers, put chocolates on the pillow, or anything else that's truly romantic when you're at home?  If some of these things are new to you, then those are ideal treats to incorporate into your stay-cation.

If there are sight-seeing experiences you've never had close to home; a theatrical play or musical that will make you feel like you took a Broadway excursion or London theater jaunt; a particular museum you've never been to or a special art exhibit you'd like to see, incorporate some of these type of activities into your stay-cation. 

Will you eat out or in?  If out, then don't just go to the ordinary places.  Pick some special restaurants for your stay-cation.  If you decide to eat at home, buy some gourmet foods or have things delivered.  If you do order take out, be sure to plan ahead and know when the last delivery for your restaurant of choice will be made.  Although you might very well be forced in a pinch to consume fast food if you were on a regular vacation, you don't want to wind up having to go with the usual suspects on your stay-cation.

In other words, plan your activities, just as you would plan your itinerary if you were traveling on a regular vacation.  Although the costs will -- depending on your planning -- be significantly fewer, the rewards will be so many to count, and you'll wonder why you hadn't taken a stay-cation sooner.