Take the staycation. Here's why.

Experiences equal memories, and memories are gifts you'll have forever. As a mom of three boys under six, I want them to remember the things we DID, rather than the things they HAD. Truth be told, vacations cost a lot- airfare, hotels, attractions, etc... that's why I strongly believe in the staycation. It's close by, drivable, affordable and easy to pull off. 

Here's how to stay-cay, and how to do it right.

Find your haven

We've made it family tradition to escape to the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess every summer. Why? Simply put: they do summers right. They have what we crave as parents, and what the boys crave as kids. The accommodations are plush and fancy, but comfortable and family friendly. There are plenty of pools (we'll get to that later); a kid's club, restaurants, and seasonal activities tailored to kids of all ages. The property is extremely spacious, so you never feel like you're on top of one another, and the staff makes you feel at home. Yes, you want to cater to kid stuff, but at the same time, us parents need posh pampering! Indulge in a highly rated 5-Star hotel…you deserve it. In our case, the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is everything you could imagine and more.

Plan Your Stay

What's summer without swimming? Make sure your staycation hot spot has the most refreshing offerings. The Scottsdale Princess boasts three family pools, and in the summer, each flaunts its own "something special." There's a beach pool, waterslide pool, and a main pool with sporadic visits from mermaids. 

The first night, we went to the resort’s Sunset beach pool. My toddlers thought it was super cool staying up late, floating in the pool and catching a family-friendly flick…and my husband and I got to savor their smiles and catch a few convos while the boys were entertained with the movie.

We spent the next day at the Sonoran Splash Pool equipped with two waterslides and a shallow kid’s area. (Oh, and they felt quite comfy in a cabana- definitely reserve one instead of stressing over securing lounge chairs.) Watching my six-year-old go down the waterslide ("900 times!") made me cry mom tears.

That night, we watched the 9pm fireworks show, followed by a Techno Glo Party in the pool. (Yep, the pool was lit in neon and a DJ rocked the crowd. The boys were in dancing heaven.)

One thing worth mentioning... FOAM PARTIES. (G-rated... LOL!) The Princess really knows how to give kids an experience. Probably the most memorable of our stay: the foam. The kids got drenched in bubbles and thought it was hilarious. It was truly the highlight of our getaway.

With such family-friendly amenities, the kids are occupied, parents are satisfied and everyone is happy.

Indulge in a Good Room

A roomy room and plush beds are a necessity when bunking with family. Surrender the standard room and go for something deluxe, or even a suite. Your 2-or-3-night babymoon staycation will be much more enjoyable if you have room to breathe…and spread out.

At The Princess, we opted for a deluxe room which was perfect. While not a suite, it was incredibly spacious with two cozy beds (we cuddled with the kiddos)- that’s the norm, right?! It also had a nice balcony with sitting area and a gorgeous view, especially at sunset!

And BTW, The Princess offers many types of rooms throughout the vast property. Casitas are popular with families, as they are secluded and more residential in style. 

Be Flexible in Making Memories

My favorite tip of all, by far.

A two-night staycation is a total recharge for family bonding. Nothing beats watching my Nicholas bravely tackle the waterslide, laughing at my Zachary dancing the night away, or witnessing my baby Alex's first foam party. Take plenty of pictures, but also still-frames in your head.

Don’t be Scared

And finally, break rules and routine.

Goldfish for breakfast, go for it. 

Stay up late- why not?! We didn’t fall asleep until midnight.

But the truth is, these are the moments you’ll remember…and they’ll remember. We love to vacation because it’s an escape- an escape from every day life, an escape from the norm, and an escape from reality. Such escapes are meant to be treated lightly. Grant yourself position to surrender. Let them swim until pruned. Order dessert. Make the most of your stay by experiencing what any given resort has to offer.

Nadine Bubeck is a TV personality, fashion designer, author, blogger, and Scottsdale-based blessed boy mom.