I miss summer fun. This year we had a blast! We decided we would focus on daycations and staycations. The result was a mega South Florida Takeover with My Family In A Chevy Equinox. Besides incredible memories and tons of fun. Cue in the angels, I think I found the answer to the “Are We There Yet” syndrome. Un-belie-vable! With Labor day on the horizon, I just had to share with you our 6 South Florida Family Staycation Tips that even a tourist family will use. Thanks to Chevy for setting me up on our awesome staycation and checking out the Equinox.
6 South Florida Family Staycation Tips
Staycations are great. It gives us enough newness to discover while we have to comfort of being near home. When you have kids, this is important because you have the flexibility of cutting your trip short or even going back home for that very important imaginary friend that was left behind…don’t say anything, I am not sure how I miss him when I counted the kids. On second thought, the Equinox is roomy, I just thought he was hiding….So, back to those 6 South Florida Family Staycation Tips:
Don’t plan every minute of your staycay
Its sunny and beautiful one minute and then we get a gorgeous dark thunderstorm the next. Plan of being cool and chill. Go with the flow. What you can do is prepare a change of clothes, have handy an umbrella and even some wet shoes just in case. Load all your “just in case” items like dry clothes, the beach must haves and all the sunscreen and bug spray in the Chevy Equinox’s trunk. It is so big back there that you might even not see a couple things for days.
Set out for Adventure: sketch a grand plan with your family
Biking in the Everglades? Researching and helping sea turtles? Swimming with Sharks at the Theater of the Sea? We did all that and more! What is your adventure? Mine is being a beach bum, so we did that too 🙂 Prepare with your family. See what everyone would love to do and do it all!
Rent a boat for a day
If you are not going anywhere why not drive up to the marina and get your boat for a day? What could be better than the breeze, family, and water fun? We love the marinas in the Florida Keys where boats and captains are ready for you. All you need to do is decide how long you want to be out in the sea for.
Prepare for soaking wet
And not just because of rain. Sometimes that short drive from the beach to the hotel room means that the beautiful denim like Equinox seats are going to get drenched. On the plus side the plush seats do have an intricate wave pattern to it that seems to absorb and dry very quickly. Those same patterns also add to the comfort of our backs big time!
Don’t break the bank
It is a plus when your car drives 30 MPG like the Chevy Equinox does. Who wants to stop every so often to gas up? Not me. I will take the time and money savings thank you. Take advantage of the local discounts and perks. Supporting local businesses pays off. The Theater of the Sea will accommodate and honor your tickets for a future visit if you get there too late, for example.
Be flexible
It is OK if you detour to something that catches your eye on your way to your final destination. Say yes to electronics in the car while you ride somewhere. Especially when your car has a 4G LT hotspot! It gives everyone a chance to do their thing, no fights because someone doesn’t like the game chosen and best of all: no one asks: Are we there yet mom? Thank you, Chevy Equinox. We made good use of your internet. Alternatively, play “the one that spots the most lime green houses” or “Spy the peacock” or sing along with the 7 speaker Bose sound system.
It goes without saying that sunscreen, mosquito repellant, hats, sunglasses, and water should be staples of your outings. You can always escape the sun in the Equinox enjoying the powerful A/C and share. If you want some sun, just crack open the sun roof a bit :-).
Chevy Equinox is For Families
Hands down we were all happy and at home in the roomy ChevyEquinox. Besides the wonderful features and comfort, safety shines through with the On Star service, blind spot detection alert, rear park assist. I enjoyed the Rear Cross-Traffic Alert which saved Tom the imaginary friend a couple of times and the Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking, perfect for yucky South Florida traffic.
At some point of our journey I felt bad for the Chevy Equinox with all my kids were doing in the backseat but my worries were unfounded. This car is made for families. It knows how to drive families. Above all, it takes families on errands and adventure in total safety and comfort!
Where would you go next with out 6 South Florida Family Staycation Tips?
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Tara pittman says
A car with internet would be grand. I can work while the husband drives
Helene Cohen Bludman says
I would love to visit the Everglades. I can’t believe I haven’t gotten there yet.
Stephanie Jeannot says
I love that you went to Florida and had a good time with the family. Sounds like a wonderful time. I have got to try that driving trip someday because I love to drive but have yet to do a long drive of this sort behind the wheel. The Equinox should do the trick!
Heather Johnson says
I am totally a planner for activities. However, I always leave some free time in our plans to do whatever.
ChrissyAdventures says
living in South Florida it would be very easy to take a staycation. This past winter we were in Central Florida and I could have stayed there for the rest of my life and been perfectly happy! Who needs a vacation if you’re in Florida?!
Leta says
What a fantastic place to live, no wonder you want to starvation! The car looks like one mean beast.
Sarah Bailey says
I would love to go back to the US and explore more of Florida one day – I have such fond memories from my time there and they have so many beautiful places to go.
Natalie says
I love the idea of renting a boat for a day. I need to plan a staycation in my province of Quebec! Love the look of the Equinox.
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
I always try to take my staycations away :). Certainly don’t plan every detail – I know when I do that and the slightest thing goes off schedule I am miserable for the rest of the day with everything that follows being off schedule.
Terri Beavers says
After reading your post, I can see that I’m doing my staycations all wrong. I try to plan too many activities into them to really be able to go with the flow. I’m going to try your tips next time.
Jennifer L says
Oh I’m loving the features on the Chevy Equinox, looks great! I definitely agree on not trying to plan the trip to the very second. Being spontaneous and adventures in your trip will definitely add to the experience of any trip. Life also happens and so you got to prepare that your “[plan” can and may change.
adriana says
This is awesome! Such great tips too – I think being flexible is huge, especially with younger kids! Things change at the drop of a hat haha! Love staycations! Enjoy it!
Claudia Krusch says
Staycations are a great way to save some money and explore what is close by. I would love to rent a Chevy Equinox to go for a little road trip to end our summer vacation.
Yona Williams says
The next time we go to Florida, I would like get to know the Eau the Palm tranquil pool and also rent a boat for a day. I hope that we’d be able to see dolphins at the same time too.
Ashley says
I love the idea of a “staycation” but this made me really want to visit Florida! Lol. I’ll have to come up with a similar plan for Austin, Texas and check out that Equinox
Eileen Kelly says
We just came back from a stay vacation. They are awesome.. Car with internet is gold. I did though have my laptop taken away at day 2 by my kids. Great tips for vacationing..
Mommy Rockin' In Style says
Haven’t been to South Florida but it sounds like a great place to visit with the whole family. Renting a boat sounds fun!
Gee Villaruz says
Read a lot about how beautiful Florida is. The outdoor activities are just endless and yes, a good car such as yours make a great adventure to Florida.