July 24: Staycation's Top 10

Every now and then I can't resist writing a Top 10 list. And I definitely can't resist a "staycation" in the Fort Lauderdale area whenever I can swing one. I've packed my bags and stayed home during each of the past few summers. Right now I'm starting to make some plans for another staycation, probably in August. These stay-at-home holidays are a great idea - IF you're lucky enough to live in a major travel destination such as Fort Lauderdale. It's summer, with lots of hot tropical sun and beautiful beaches and great bargains. A staycation would seem considerably less appealing if I lived some place like Chicago, where they've been wearing sweaters at times during July. Yikes. But here? Bring on my week in a beach hotel! And so, with deepest apologies to David Letterman and his talented writers, I offer my own summertime list: "Top 10 Reasons For A Fort Lauderdale Staycation":

10) Two words: No snowbirds.

9) You can bring friends to the new W Hotel's jellyfish aquarium and just snicker when they go, "THOSE aren't real!!"

8) You'll sweat so much on the beach that you can totally justify two frozen margaritas at Happy Hour. Along with salsa and chips - ya know, to get your body's salt level back to normal.

7) Two-for-one summer deals all over town. Ok, it's not funny - but these days, who can afford to laugh when some place is giving away free stuff?

6) Without all the French Canadians crowding the beach in Speedos, those major bikini babes are easier to spot.

5) Visiting the Bonnet House with your significant other, pointing at a tree full of wild monkeys and saying, "Wow! It looks just like Christmas at your mother's house! Haha."

4) Watching northeastern tourists walk from their beach towels to the ocean: Hot sand + northern feet = big laughs.

3) Ever heard of $25 airline baggage fees, for Pete's sake?

2) Posting the same tweet every hour all afternoon to drive your friends at work crazy: "Yes, I think that IS Cindy Crawford sunbathing on the beach! Wow - even more beautiful in person!!"

And the number one reason for a Fort Lauderdale staycation:

1) Asking other locals on the street, "So where is this place called ‘Los Olos' anyway??"

All joking aside, a staycation sounds lovely to me right about now. I could use a break. But at least we all have a nice weekend coming up soon. I hope yours is a pleasant one, wherever you are. And if you're here in Fort Lauderdale, so much the better. Enjoy!