How to Plan a Staycation

A staycation is the perfect way to get away from daily life without spending the time, money, or energy for a full-flung vacation. The options also won’t disappoint. You can stay local, check out your surrounding area, or even get cozy right at home. It truly gives you a great opportunity to see where you live in a whole new light, and you get the vacation experience without going too far. We’ve put together some tips on the best way to help you plan your next staycation.

Create a Staycation Budget

The best part of a staycation is the money you’ll save. Without having to dish out money for expensive flights and hotels, you're already saving money regardless of what you plan to do during your staycation. The good news is that by saving so much money on flights and other travel expenses, you can now afford to splurge a little extra for your staycation. Regardless, you still don’t want to feel like you’re spending without care — vacation or staycation — so budget how much money you’re able to spend for a staycation.

Figure out What You Want to Do

First things first, think about what you want to do on your staycation. Perhaps you want to lay low, stay at home, and relax with that book you’ve been meaning to read. Curl up with your loved one and a throw blanket and enjoy a cozy no-frills break. Perhaps catch up on that series or movie marathon with popcorn and other fun snacks. If you’re in the mood for a little adventure, then look past the comforts of your own home for what your area offers for a day trip. You could also pick up a great DIY project or hobby that can be done at home or out of the house, but will still make your staycation feel adventurous and interesting.

Do Online Research

Once you know what you want to be doing for your staycation, jump on the internet and do some research to help you organize your holiday. If you are planning to stay at home and relax, then perhaps explore different recipes to try, movies to watch, books to read, or at-home projects to inspire you. Even if your plan is to spend each day in a lounge dress, you can still organize a fun list of staycation activities. Look up some face mask recipes for that in-home spa night or a creative cocktail recipe. Get yourself ready to stay home and relax.

If you want to spend your staycation out and about, then get online and do some research about what your area offers. Perhaps there are some great exhibits at a local museum or you have a list of restaurants you have been meaning to try. Book yourself a few days at a nearby spa and retreat center for some lavish R&R. Look for parks or places for hiking, canoeing, or other outdoor activities to get you out into nature. You’ll more often than not be surprised at what’s around your local area, and this is a great opportunity to enjoy and experience where you live with new eyes.

Book a Hotel, Airbnb, or Camp

Looking to get out of the house for a change of scenery, but not have to go too far? No problem. Sometimes it’s hard to relax and get away from your daily life if you stay at home. We can get distracted by tasks and to-do lists without even knowing it, and we don’t get to fully enjoy our staycation. Remedy this with a local trip to a hotel, bed and breakfast, or an Airbnb — or go wild and go camping. Book a romantic getaway for two at a nearby hotel or bed and breakfast to feel like you’re on a romantic holiday without having to travel too far from home. Pack some of your favorite women’s dresses and dress up for a candlelit dinner with your significant other. You’ll feel like you’re on an exotic vacation without the trouble of having traveled far to get there.

Try Something New

Trying something new or doing something different is a great way to enjoy your staycation. Check out some workout or yoga classes in your area or online and commit to doing a week’s worth of classes. Call up your girl tribe and plan a shopping day in a different town. Go for a delicious lunch, try on some summer swimsuits and dresses, and finish the afternoon at a swanky cocktail bar. Another great idea is to treat yourself to the nicest restaurant in town. Get dressed up and go with your friends or with your significant other and enjoy an evening of delicious fine dining. Spend a staycation exploring your own city or town with the curious eyes of a tourist and you’ll enjoy home in a whole new way.