A staycation has the same effect as a regular vacation; it is a perfect getaway from your everyday life. However, a staycation doesn’t involve traveling, so you spend less money and still have fun. These top staycation ideas are sure to add a little spice to your life without breaking the bank!
You can staycation in your home, visit a local area, or move to your neighboring town and enjoy many fun activities. A staycation helps you see your home differently and have fun on a strict budget.
This guide gives you ideas on having fun while on a staycation.
What Is A Staycation?
A staycation is when you take a vacation and stay moderately close to home. Here, you do not have to make travel plans and engage in long-distance drives as you can stay home or stay close to home and explore the local attractions in your hometown or nearby cities.
It is a perfect way to engage in leisure activities and step out of your everyday routines when you are on a budget. Again, if travel restrictions or if your time doesn’t allow an entire summer vacation, you can plan for a staycation.
If you decide to staycation at home, the challenge will be telling people that you are unavailable as they may still engage you in routine daily activities. For example, you may just need to switch off your phone and avoid work-related engagements.
The idea behind a staycation is to avoid the hassle that comes with traveling. If you take the staycation as a regular vacation, you will have so much fun away from the hectic nature of work and day-to-day annoyances. You can also explore the local area by hiking or checking into a local restaurant.
If you have already explored the local area, you can travel to a neighboring town and see what they have to offer.
How To Plan A Staycation
It will help if you plan your staycation like a traditional vacation. The first thing you need to do is mark the dates off your calendar. It would be best if you did not have any commitments during the staycation except for what you plan to do while staycationing.
A staycation gives you so many advantages over a regular vacation. For starters, you do not have to pack heavy bags. If you plan a night out, you may have to pack light, but not as much as you would for an extended vacation.
You also have so much flexibility as you plan everything yourself. There are no travel companies, no flights to catch, and no traffic to beat. You decide where you go, at what time, and what you do when you get there.
Because there is no travel, you save a lot of time – use this time to engage in even more entertaining activities. As a result, you will have more time to do things and enjoy yourself in your free time.
Plus, you’ll save money. If you are on a strict budget, you can have a movie marathon weekend at home. You do not have to pay for a flight ticket, and if you decide to stay in the house, you don’t pay hotel costs either.
Planning for a staycation is more effortless than preparing for a standard vacation. You only need to do the following:
Block Off A Particular Amount Of Time
Decide how long you want the staycation to last. It can last for as long as your schedule and your budget allow. Also, it would be best if you informed your employer and those close to you so that they know not to disturb you while staycationing.
Ensure there will be no distractions during your staycation by tackling all the tasks before your staycation starts. After that, stay off your phone, avoid checking work emails, and only tend to emergencies.
At this point, you also need to pick a location. For example, you can staycation at a resort with a pool, go for a hike and enjoy nature, or stay in and watch movies.
There are so many hotels and other nearby places that will give you just the experience you’re looking for.
Write Down Your Top Ten Preferred Activities
Do you have a bucket list? Perhaps this is the perfect time to scratch off some of the items on your bucket list. Although your local area may not offer everything on your list, it may provide you with just enough to enjoy your staycation.
If you want to change the location, you had chosen earlier, that is no problem. But, first, ensure you have a staycation spot that meets all your needs.
Get Creative
If you decide to staycation at home, your experience can be dull unless you get creative. So instead of the everyday activities, you have always enjoyed at home, come up with new unconventional ideas and have fun with them.
If you love the company of others, why not invite a friend or two and have fun together.
Make A Budget
How much money are you willing to spend? If you are on a strict budget, stay home and engage in fun activities such as virtual vacation. Explore a local hotel and see what they offer if your budget allows. Plan your expenditure for each day you will be on vacation and ensure you set something aside for emergencies.
Unplug
To enjoy the staycation, lose your phone for the time being. Of course, there will always be things that come up but try to avoid work emails/calls and instead focus on having an excellent time at your staycation venue.
How Do You Plan A Solo Staycation?
When you need to engage in a solo staycation, the planning process should be the same as any other vacation. Choose a location, plan for some fun or relaxing activities, and pack light.
Solo staycations are the most affordable, and they allow you to reflect and keep your mind off family and work. Read on to see ideas for solo staycations.
41 Best Staycation Ideas
Here are our top 41 staycation ideas grouped by category.
Indoor Staycation Ideas
These are some of the top indoor staycation ideas:
1. Watch Movies At Home
A movie night is always a good staycation idea when you can’t travel anywhere. Also, it is one of the ideas for when you are home alone and you want to save money.
Get a projector, watch your favorite movie or stream the latest shows/movies on TV. Then, make some popcorn and snack foods or order takeout from your favorite restaurant and enjoy the movie.
2. Take Up A New Hobby
Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted to try but did not have the time for? Then, you can test it during your staycation. There are many things to try, and luckily, there are many instructional videos online for almost anything you want to attempt.
Some ideas to try include calligraphy, embroidery, painting, crocheting, making bath bombs, baking, etc. You could even learn a new language or take a cooking class.
3. Have A Spa Day At Home
Spas are expensive, and you do not have to go to one if a spa day does not fit your budget. Instead, create a spa experience at home and enjoy your staycation.
Start by playing some calming music, turn the lights down, and turn on a diffuser for a relaxing atmosphere. While there, give yourself a facial, hair treatment, foot soak, hand mask, or take a bubble bath.
Finish off with a manicure and pedicure, or read a good book.
4. Take A Sleep Staycation
Do you feel like you have burnout from long days at work? Perhaps what you need is ten straight hours of sleep.
Take a hot relaxing bath and relax on your bed with a good book. Turn off all electronics and chill with a cup of herbal tea. You can use essential oils to help you sleep better and for longer.
You might want to invest in comfortable pillows for your sleep staycation.
5. Create A Resort Experience At Home
You can feel like you are far away from home without leaving your home. Instead, turn your backyard or balcony of your apartment into a beautiful oasis that feels like a luxury resort.
Get comfortable patio furniture for your outdoor living space. Serve some drinks and play some music. You can also light some tiki torches or hang twinkle lights so that your home feels more resort-like.
You will enjoy this backyard staycation idea more if you are with friends and family.
6. Swap Your Home With A Friend
Swapping homes with a friend sounds like an interesting and fun staycation idea, but it could work when you want to get away from your day-to-day life. For example, switching homes with a friend is an excellent way for you to explore a new neighborhood.
Consider a friend who lives in a community far enough away from yours.
7. A Home Escape Room
Is there a man cave in your house? If there is no man cave, you can create one in your basement and make it your escape room.
There are several escape room kits online to help you create a great experience at home. Customize the escape room to meet all your needs for the staycation duration, and then unplug and have fun.
8. A Home Wellness Retreat
A traditional retreat gives you an impressive experience, but it can be expensive. So instead of such, why not set up a retreat at home?
You can take on journaling, yoga, meditation, spirituality, spa, music, or reading and writing. But, first, plan ahead to have adequate time to prepare the meals you need for the entire duration. Then, unplug from your regular life to ensure no one bothers you when you start your wellness retreat.
9. Take A Virtual Tour
If there is a place you’ve always wanted to visit, but you’ve never had the time, or the budget did not allow, you can go on a virtual vacation and have fun without leaving the comfort of your home.
A virtual vacation is an excellent idea, whether alone or at home with your family. Choose from the many virtual vacation tours online and immerse yourself in the tour experience. Of course, if you have virtual reality (VR) goggles, the experience will be more immersive. Some nearby National parks offer audio tours, as well.
10. Rent An AirBnB For The Weekend
AirBnBs are excellent and affordable most of the time. These homes are available in different scopes and comfort levels. For example, you can rent old planes converted into homes, shipping container homes, barns, and even traditional homes.
These rentals will give you an exotic getaway experience. If you are staycationing with someone else, choose an Airbnb together and plan activities jointly.
11. Take An Online Class
You can learn a lot within a few days. If there is something you have always wanted to learn or try but didn’t have the time for, this can be a great time to start.
You can, for instance, take an online art class, learn how to code, play a new instrument, or learn a new language, among others. Plan your time well so that you have time for meals and other exciting activities so that the classes do not feel like school all over again.
Online educational resource sites such as Udemy will help you learn an online course very fast.
12. Renovate Your Home
Renovating may feel like work for some people, but if you have a passion for renovations, your home will look better by the time your staycation is done. Depending on how much time you have, you can focus on a single room or take on the entire house project.
Search for home ideas on Pinterest and be ready to get the work done. Renovating your home can be a fantastic solo staycation idea, but the vision will be even more enjoyable if you have some people to help you out.
13. Declutter Your Home
It might be a great time to remove and throw out, give away, or sell items you no longer need. But instead, take this time to get your home and life in order. A clean and organized home feels satisfying psychologically.
Decluttering doesn’t have to be boring. You can reward yourself for completing simple tasks.
Weekend Getaway Staycation Ideas
If you’re looking for a near-to-you staycation idea, check out these top weekend staycation ideas:
14. Tour Your City
If you live in a large city, there is so much to see and do. In addition, you can discover new neighborhoods and places that will interest you and turn out to be a fun time.
You can decide, for instance, to visit art galleries in your city or search for some excellent hiking trails in your neighborhood. In addition, large cities have museums, historical areas, art displays, gardens, and nearby state parks, among other places you can visit. If you have room in your budget, consider whipping out your credit card and touring your city in style by renting a convertible or your dream car for the day.
15. Attend Paint Night
Paint nights are fantastic even if you have never painted before.
Paint nights are common in local restaurants and bars, and you can even hold one at home. Ensure you bring an apron, and you have your creativity ready. If you are new to painting, do not worry about the results, but immerse yourself in the experience. If painting isn’t considered a fun time for you, why not host a craft night instead!
16. Picnic At A Local Park
Picnics are fantastic whether you are alone or you are with others. Find a quiet place in the park and lay out a blanket and your basket full of goodies. Bring a good book and enjoy your alone time.
If the weather doesn’t allow you to move outdoors, you can picnic at home. Make some delicious food, or you can make simple sandwiches.
If you are looking for an affordable staycation idea, it is right here. Create a theme for the picnic and plan ahead for it.
17. Explore A Neighboring City
If your budget allows you to travel to another city within your country, it might be time to do that. But, first, compare the towns nearest to you and see which will meet your exploration needs.
You can search for hotel deals in different cities and see which will accommodate your budget. While in the unfamiliar suburb, you can hike, wine, dine, visit museums and art galleries, and experience their festivals.
18. Take A Wine Tasting Tour
If there are wineries in your area, you can tour them and have a glass of wine. Check if there are tour companies offering wine tasting tours and join in on one of the tours.
If there are no wineries in your neighborhood, you can host a wine tasting at home, It would make for a fun time to host a theme wine tasting you could offer french wine for a Paris theme or Italian wine for an Italian theme. Tell your friends and family to bring their favorite bottles of french or Italian wine and supply snacks for the guests such as macarons for dessert to compliment your Paris theme wine tasting.
19. Plan A Getaway Near Your Neighborhood
If you do not feel like staying in the house throughout the staycation period, you can get out of the neighborhood and explore other areas.
You do not have to go far from home. Book a hotel room at a hotel or resort and experience everything the hotel/resort offers. While there, you can engage in sightseeing, swimming, and other activities the hotel/resort offers.
20. A Day At The Beach
There is so much fun at the beach as long as the weather is warm. Bring your sunscreen and a beach umbrella and relax under the sun. If the water is warm enough, get in and swim.
If the water is too cold, you could fly a kite, do yoga, meditate, treasure hunt, picnic, or have a barbecue. But, of course, you can also just relax and read a good book.
21. Attend Sports Events
Which sports do you love? Is there a local team you support?
You can attend a sporting event in your city and experience the fun and the adrenaline of watching a team lose or win. If there are no games to attend, you can watch games at a local sports bar and cheer your team on.
There are always people watching games, and you will not be cheering alone. In addition, there are free sports games events in several parks around the country for people on a strict budget.
Bring your snacks and sit somewhere you can witness the action.
22. Attend Free Or Paid Events In Your City
There are so many free events throughout the year in different parts of the country. During the warmer months, there is a free event almost every weekend. These events may be a light festival, food festival, farmer’s market, art shows, music festivals, or any other that you will enjoy.
Check for all events happening in your neighborhood and choose the one you will enjoy the most. If there are no free events, check for affordable paid events and plan to attend.
23. Take A Food Tour
There are organized food tours for cities. Here, you will join a group of other people who are passionate about food, and you will take the tour together. However, the organized tour may not be ideal for someone on a strict budget. Plan your own tour if your budget does not allow you to take an organized tour.
Pick several spots to visit within your city. Before you visit, check out what they have to offer from their website or social media pages.
24. Attend Live Music Shows In Your City
Almost every city has spots where you can enjoy live music. In large cities, a nearby restaurant and bars offer live bands to entertain guests, and it is so much fun. In addition, there are concert venues and festivals, where you can enjoy music in other areas.
You can always check online to see who will be playing and when.
25. Visit A Local Library
Do you know what is happening in your local library? This might be the best time to check out what the library offers.
You can go there to check out free books like Harry Potter or Magic Tree house, CDs, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and many other items. In addition, some libraries offer free workshops, classes, and events for attendees of all ages.
26. Explore a State or National Park
If there are nature parks or hiking trails near you, you can connect with nature and experience the fresh air outdoors.
Spending time outdoors is one way to brighten your mood and make you feel refreshed. While there, you can watch birds, watch other wild animals, visit a local nature trail and enjoy breathtaking vistas from the park.
27. A Swimming Staycation
Vacations are never complete without a good swim. You can do the same with your staycation. Find a local hotel with a good pool or visit a water park nearby. If there is a lake nearby, or you live near the ocean, that would also be tons of fun to explore.
If you’re unable to get to a water park, set up a plunge pool or water obstacle course in your backyard, the kids would love it. Sitting by your own pool or a hotel pool is also a great way to unwind and forget your daily life.
Romantic Staycation Ideas
Want to plan a romantic staycation with that special someone? Check out these top ideas:
28. Stargazing At Home
Stargazing is therapeutic and fun. All you need to do is lie on the grass and start looking at the beauty of the millions of stars that dot the sky.
If there are no stargazing spots at your home, you can look for a location near your home, possibly a park with lush green grass or a campsite. But, of course, a telescope would make stargazing even better.
29. Hike The Local Trails
Walking is beneficial for your health, and it also lets you connect with nature. While you hike, you experience beautiful views and sunsets away from your home.
Search for trails in your area. When searching, consider the difficulty and length of the trails.
30. Catch Sunsets
You do not need to be on an exotic island to enjoy a colorful sunset. You can do it in your backyard, at a campsite near your home, or even at a hotel.
You only need to bring a comfortable lawn chair and watch how the sun fades into the sky. If you are on a staycation with your spouse, watching the sunset together is very romantic. If you decide to make it a date, book a room at a nearby hotel and have fun.
31. Camp In Your Backyard
Camping is a good idea when you enjoy spending time with close friends or loved ones. They can help you set up the tent, and you can enjoy so many activities at night. If there is a campsite near where you live, you can camp out there.
While at the campsite, you can tell ghost stories, make s’mores, and sit around a campfire enjoying the beautiful stary sky.
32. Volunteer For A Charity In Your Area
You can spend your staycation helping others and giving back to your community. You will also learn a lot from the volunteer work.
Visit animal rescue centers, local libraries, retirement homes, food pantries, and YMCA and see if there is any way you can help. It is always advisable to call in advance and allow those managing these institutions to add you to their schedule.
Best Creative And Productive Staycation Ideas
If you’re looking to stay home but be productive at the same time, these staycation ideas are just for you:
33. Take Up A Woodworking Project
Woodworking is for people who are feeling creative. You can buy a few tools online to get your project started or even borrow tools from your friends.
Some woodworking projects include a birdhouse, a garden box, a bed, a chicken coop, and a library.
34. Take On A DIY Project
DIYs are a great way to learn something new and bring out your creativity. You can also use this chance to complete a few renovations to your house. For example, you could start by renovating old furniture.
Other ideas include starting a herb garden, building a bird feeder, and repainting your home.
Family Staycation Ideas
Don’t forget to put your family first! These family-friendly staycation ideas are perfect for growing together.
35. Rent An RV And Take A Local Road Trip
If you have an RV, start a new family tradition and drive it to new places and see what the world out there has to offer. For example, you can take scenic routes in mountainous areas and enjoy the beautiful views from your RV.
You can also rent an RV from your local RV company and get a taste of van life for a weekend. An RV allows you to experience outdoor life while driving around with all the comforts of a home.
You can drive solo or bring your spouse, family, or friends.
36. Scavenger Hunt
A Scavenger hunt is a creative idea and is great for family staycations. Kids will love scavenging, especially if there are gifts when they find hidden items.
Hide cool items such as candy or fun outdoor toys. Create clues to help the children look for them and then let them take turns to hunt.
37. Grilling In The Backyard
If the weather allows, take your staycation outside and make sizzling steaks for the family on the grill. You can plan for meats, sausages, vegetables, and many other food items on the grill.
Plan other activities to complement the grilling to enjoy a few days of staycationing in your backyard. For instance, you can have a kiddie pool, super soakers, water balloons, and slides for the children. You can even host a game tournament in your backyard.
38. Go Fishing
Fishing can be an enjoyable solo activity, or you can bring your children along and teach them how to fish. A nearby lake will be a great place to start. As you fish, enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the lakeside.
39. Play Board Games
If you have a family tradition of staycationing with your friends or family, you can engage family game nights. There are so many board games to enjoy, and you can make it competitive to spice things up.
Get games such as scrabble, Clue, Yahtzee, and Risk. There are even some modern games such as Apples to Apples, Telestrations, Cards Against Humanity, and Wits & Wagers.
Pick games that most family members or friends understand and will enjoy.
40. Ride A Bike
Riding a bike is one of the most environmentally friendly activities. If there are biking trails in your area, you can rent a bike and get out and enjoy the outdoors. Riding is also a cost-effective way to explore your neighborhood or city.
You can ride through forest trails, in the city, or along the beach. Search for biking trails in your area before you rent a bike.
41. Try Out New Recipes
If you are a foodie, a staycation can be your time to experiment with different recipes. You can create a personalized cuisine for each day you will be at home for the staycation.
You can incorporate your creative ideas into the delicious food to make the whole experience enjoyable. Further, you can involve your family members so that you do not feel bored or tired. Finally, the delectable smells and aromas will take you on an imaginary voyage to an exotic destination adding a fruity cocktail to the mix could turn this into one of your favorite staycation ideas
What Can You Do During A Staycation?
A staycation is a time for you to enjoy being at home or a place near your home. You can choose to spend the night in your home and order food from your favorite restaurant or book a hotel room in a nearby city.
Staycations are great when you are on a budget and when you do not want to travel far from home. For example, if you only have a weekend free, take on a staycation.
If you are on a solo staycation, you can:
- Camp at a campsite near your home or your backyard
- Book an Airbnb room
- Explore local areas
- Have a hotel staycation
- Explore a new city near your home
- Visit a state or national park
- Take an online class
- Enjoy an indoor or outdoor picnic
- Stargaze from your backyard or a campsite
- Take a boat cruise
- Bike around the city
What Do Couples Do During A Staycation?
It can be fun when you take on a staycation as a couple. The range of activities that couples can do is vast, making the staycation even more enjoyable. Some of my favorite staycation ideas that couples can engage in include:
- Watching the sunset together
- Hiking nearby trails or parks
- A baking or grilling weekend
- Learning a new language together
- Watching a TV show together
- Holding a dance party in your living room
- Playing sports
- Declutter your home
- Taking virtual tours online
- Attending local events and festivals
- Watching documentaries
It is easier to plan a staycation for couples as you help each other develop ideas. You also have a companion for silent movie nights and long hikes.
How Can I Make My Staycation More Fun?
A staycation will be more fun if you take on activities you’ve always wanted to do but did not have time or your budget did not allow. For instance, if you have always wanted to take an art class online, you can do so during this time.
An activity such as decluttering your home may be fun for you but not for everyone else. If you do not find the activity intriguing, leave it and choose something else.
You need to get creative with the activities you choose. Instead of going for the same activities you have done several times, you can pick new exciting activities.
If you already know how to bake a cake, use the time during your staycation weekend and learn how to ice and decorate the cake. Allow each activity enough time so that you can do it efficiently and sufficiently.
I advise that you choose at most ten activities, although this will depend on the length of your staycation. Schedule the activities so that you will not quit one activity halfway through to start another. This way, you will have more fun.
How To Transform Your Home Into A ‘Staycation’
You can turn your home into a staycation sanctuary and have fun. If you plan to have a staycation at home, you can use pictures of places you would live to visit to be your inspiration. Decide what matters to you and what you enjoy the most and create such a space in your home.
If you love resorts, you can turn your home into a resort and enjoy the experience. Other ideas to consider include:
Use of Curtains to Create Airy Spaces: If your home has dark and heavy curtains, you can swap them with light curtains to allow more light to the rooms.
You further need to note down which elements of a room matter the most to you. It can be a patio with fancy cocktails, a spacious entryway, a bathroom oasis, or a living room that looks like a movie hall.
Declutter your room to keep stress low. Decluttering gives your home more space and creates a resort-like environment. Get rid of items you no longer use from your rooms and keep only the things that make you happy.
You can then add rugs to make the rooms look even more enjoyable.
Should You Stay Home Or Travel For Vacation?
What is your budget, and how much time do you have for your staycation? If you are on a strict budget, holding a staycation at home will save you money. However, if your budget can flex enough, you are better off in a new environment where you can create new experiences.
If you are pressed for time, say you only have a weekend, it would be better to engage in a few activities outside your home, but in the local town. It takes a lot of time to prepare your home into a resort-like nature, and before you realize it, the weekend will be over.
If you have more time, you can turn your home into a resort-like environment and enjoy having fun while at it.
