By Nicole Robinson
Summer looks a little different when you are living with multiple sclerosis. The heat, the fatigue, the unpredictability of symptoms – it all factors into how I plan, what I commit to, and how I protect my energy while still enjoying the season. Over the years I have learned that a meaningful summer does not require a big budget or an ambitious itinerary. It requires intention. And a little planning ahead never hurts either.
The Art of the Staycation
Some of my favorite summer days have happened right in my own home. There is something deeply restorative about a cozy day where I have nowhere to be and nothing to prove. I will pick up food from one of my favorite spots, find a good series or movie to settle into, and just enjoy the quiet. No packing. No itinerary. No pressure.
For those of us managing MS, this kind of intentional rest is not laziness — it is strategy. Protecting your energy on some days means you have more of it available on the days that matter. A staycation is not settling for less. It is choosing peace on purpose.
If you want to make your staycation feel a little more special without spending much, try treating it like a real event. Order from a restaurant you love but rarely visit. Light a candle. Put your phone down. Give yourself full permission to enjoy it without guilt.
Exploring Close to Home
When I am ready to get out and do something, I do not always need to travel far to find something new. One of my favorite approaches is looking for experiences within an hour of home that I have never tried. A new park, a local festival, a farmers’ market, a scenic drive — there is often more around us than we realize, and exploring locally is one of the most budget friendly ways to make summer feel fresh and exciting.
This approach also works beautifully for managing MS symptoms. Shorter distances mean less travel fatigue, more flexibility to turn around if needed, and the comfort of knowing home is never too far away. I have had some genuinely wonderful summer days discovering things in my own backyard that I had overlooked for years.
When We Do Travel — Planning Is Everything
If my family decides to take a trip during the summer, I start planning months in advance. This is one of the most practical money saving strategies I know — the earlier you plan, the more time you have to spread out the costs. Hotel deposits, activity reservations, transportation, breaking those expenses up over several months makes a trip that might otherwise feel out of reach very manageable.
Planning ahead also gives me time to research the destination with MS in mind. I look at how much walking is involved, what the climate will be like, whether there are places to rest, and what the pace of each activity looks like. My family knows my limits and they respect them without making a big deal of it. If there is something that requires more physical exertion than I can comfortably manage, I sit that one out and that is completely okay. I have made peace with the fact that participating in my own way is still participating.
Budget Tips That Have Worked for Me
A few things that have consistently helped us enjoy summer without overspending:
Starting the planning process early is the single most effective thing I do. Whether it is a trip or a local outing, having a longer runway to save and prepare removes the financial stress that can make summer feel more exhausting than enjoyable.
Looking locally first before going far. You would be surprised how much is available within driving distance that you have never explored. Many local parks, nature trails, and community events are free or very low cost.
Giving myself full permission to rest. Some of the best investments I make in my summer are the quiet days at home that restore me enough to show up fully for the bigger moments. Rest is not wasted time for those of us with MS, it is essential planning.
A Final Thought
Living with MS has taught me that the quality of an experience is rarely about how much it costs or how far you travel. It is about whether you showed up for it present, at peace, and on your own terms. This summer, I hope you give yourself permission to enjoy the season in whatever way fits your body, your budget, and your sense of what makes life feel good.
That is more than enough.
About Nicole:
Nicole Robinson is an MS Ambassador with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a speaker who shares her journey to encourage and empower others living with multiple sclerosis. She is passionate about resilience, faith, and maintaining peace despite life’s challenges. Nicole is also the creator of Peace Plates & Purpose, a platform focused on wellness, self-care, and real-life experiences.