So, Just What Is A Staycation?

It is an opportunity to play tourist close to home, and as summer comes to a close, it is a prime time to plan the perfect staycation. Plus, you do not always have to travel across the world to have an adventure--sometimes it's easy to forget how special our hometowns are and staycations can be just the perfect way to remind yourself

So, how do you transform a weekend at “home” into a memorable vacation? Read below for a guide full of tips for planning your next staycation!

8 Ways to Plan The Best staycation

Plan It Like Any Other Vacation

It’s decided! You want a little break from your daily routine of work and home, therefore craving a little getaway. You’re thinking of leaving for a weekend, somewhere that isn’t too far, and also cost-efficient. Hello, staycation!

Next, plan it like any other vacation by narrowing it down to what you want to do. Do you want a relaxing weekend or are you looking for new activities? Do you want to experience your city’s nightlife, daytime activities, or both? What about food? Do you want to try all the best restaurants or eat your favorite? Do you want to get “away” from the city?

Your reason for your staycation will directly affect where you choose to book your stay. Will you stay in the middle of downtown or on the outskirts of the city? Do you want a quiet getaway or an active social scene? Once you answer these questions, the most difficult part of planning your staycation is already out of the way! 

Reserve Your Lodging

Once you’ve decided your destination and where you want to go for this staycation, it is time to book your lodging. There are endless possibilities, but choosing a hotel or Airbnb is your best option. Depending on how you’re feeling (or the amount of money you’re wanting to spend), you can book a basic room, a family-friendly suite, a larger room in a boutique hotel, or even a whole apartment in the center of the city. Have some fun! Be sure to search on websites like Booking.com to discover any special discounts, too!

Tip: Although your destination is very nearby, it is still best to reserve your hotel rooms or Airbnb lodging ahead of time, especially during the summer. This is extra important if you live in a popular travel destination!

Try a New Restaurant or Cuisine

Is there a restaurant you’ve been excited to visit? Or, is there a new type of cuisine you’ve been thinking about trying? Eating a memorable meal is a great touch to the perfect staycation. Do some research and discover famous restaurants in your area and make a reservation. You can even look into restaurants that are featured on the Food Network or Travel Channel. This can even be a great start to searching for your next foodie experience.

Restaurants can range from high-end Michelin star restaurants or a unique food truck. Whatever your taste buds seem to crave—try it out! If you’re really not in the mood to try a new place, you can always go to your favorite restaurant in your city to guarantee a tasty experience.

Play Tourist In Your Own City

Playing tourist in your city is probably one of the best reasons to have a staycation. You get to remind yourself and discover other reasons why your home is such a special place. You can explore iconic neighborhoods, visit historical landmarks, or spend the day at the museum. If available, you can even reserve a tour of your city and really live up to being a tourist during your staycation.

However, you can also play tourist by simply strolling throughout the city and soaking up the energy. You can get a new perspective and appreciation of your hometown with any of these activities along with experiencing a memorable staycation.

Spend Time with Nature

Including some time with Mother Nature is another way to enhance your staycation. This can include a hike with an amazing view, relaxing at the beach, walking along a boardwalk, or soaking up the sun at a local park. This is also one way to ensure that you devote time to relaxing during a staycation, especially when you need to recharge. If you are still working from home, scheduling time outdoors with Mother Nature is a must-do activity for your staycation. Being outdoors and appreciating the views is a simple way to take a step back and slow down time. Why not make Mother Nature an essential part of your staycation?

Squeeze in Dessert

What is any vacation without dessert? Dessert is always a good idea (obviously), but including it during your staycation is a must! Discover a new ice cream shop or a locally owned, mom-and-pop bakery with delicious cakes. Look for a restaurant with the best panna cotta, or stop by a place that the locals rave about. It is important to treat yourself during your special staycation—this includes an unforgettable dessert to literally be the cherry on top!

Bike Through the City

Biking through the city during your staycation is another way to enjoy your getaway. It’s a new way to see the city than simply driving around in your car. If you don’t want to ride a bike, look into renting an electric scooter or using the public transport system. It’s just another way to be more active during your staycation. Using public transportation is a different—and often overlooked—way to enjoy the local culture. This also helps you slow time down and makes your staycation a little more memorable, especially if you don’t normally use these forms of transit. 

Check Something Off Your Bucket List

Complete a memorable staycation by checking something off your bucket list. There are so many possibilities! This can be as easy as trying a new cuisine, going to a comedy show, seeing your first opera, or even something extreme, like skydiving. Another option is to look into Experiences on Airbnb.

Again, you don’t have to travel far to have an adventure. When picking what to cross off your bucket list—have fun, think of what will fulfill you, and be a little adventurous. This can also be a reminder that it’s okay to take a risk, big or small, and living out a dream can happen in your hometown. Most importantly, you’ll create memories that will last forever from your simple staycation!