It seems like now more than ever we all are in need of a quick break but we can’t getaway. For those moments when we’re too busy to hop on a plane for days at a time, we can grab a quick getaway right in our own town by planning the perfect staycation. Taking a staycation is the best of both worlds — having a perfect vacation with no passport or plane needed. Vacationing in your town can be very exciting especially if you don’t always have time to explore.

Taking a staycation gives you an opportunity to break up your normal travel routine, maybe save a little cash and learn more about your city for 24-72 hours with no interruptions. Here’s how you can plan the perfect staycation now or later that you will remember. 

Let’s Plan the Perfect Staycation!

block off your schedule

Don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of having your staycation fizzle before it gets stary. It’s important to plan your staycation the same way you would plan any other vacation including scheduling the time off. Be sure to grab your calendar and mark those dates off as unavailable — from work, clients, meetings, appointments, or errands. The goal is to be on vacation which means avoiding making any commitment that will cut into your perfect staycation weekend. Set the date, block off your schedule, and get planning. 

set your budget

A common misconception when planning the perfect staycation sometimes revolves around thinking no budget is needed. Let’s not fall into this trap. If you skip over deciding a budget your staycation can cost just as much as hopping on a plane. After blocking off my schedule I figured out my max amount for this staycation like I would for any other vacation. Keeping in mind that most staycations only range from 1-3 days and the potential activities I may want to enjoy and if I’m staying in-home or rental I begin setting aside a realistic amount. Deciding this dollar amount also helps with planning and setting a baseline for future staycations. 

have a plan

You may be surprised about the number of things going on in your own backyard that you never know about. Take some time and decide what type of staycation you want and do a little bit of research on what’s new around town or those places you’ve been meaning to check out.

Are you in need of care & relaxation? Sleep in late, have a slow day, check out some of the amazing spas in your area and make a self-care weekend out of it. Treat yourself to a peaceful hotel stay, yoga, nail care, facial, and bodywork to soothe your body and calm your mind. Are you a museum lover? Look for new pop-ups, installations, or exhibits you haven’t checked out yet? Wine or foodie? My favorite is a winery tour stopping for great eats along the way. 

Staycations are a perfect way to rediscover your city, so treat your staycation like any other vacation you may plan. Do some research, pick a place, set a purpose, find some activities, and enjoy. Pinpointing what type of staycation interests you makes it easier for making a plan for the perfect staycation. Having a tentative game plan is never a bad idea. Use online resources like Yelp, Groupon, Viator, Living Social, musement, Tripadvisor, or city websites to get ideas.  

decide home or rental

Planning the perfect staycation gives you the option of staying home or booking a rental and both are fine. Stay home and order take out, grill, cook, hire a chef, do a movie night. Did you know you can schedule in-home mani/pedi or massages? Schedule them! But if you’re torn between the two options opt for a rental. Booking a rental elevates your staycation making it easier to get you into the mindset of vacationing. Do a little digging, your town may have campsites or hotels with staycation deals that have extensive amenities. Fresh space, new scenery, and maybe even room service. 

plan some activities

One key to a perfect staycation is deciding what you want to do because you can plan so much around it. There’s so much that can be enjoyed during your staycation it’s just a matter of figuring it out. With so many options, here are a few suggestions… 

  • Spa:

    create a pamper yourself staycation and spend the day relaxing. You can re-create the spa experience at home or indulge and treat yourself to a spa day at that spa you’ve been checking out.

  • Foodie:

    give your “usuals” a run for their money and try some new restaurants. Visit those bucket list restaurants you’ve been meaning to hit or hop on your favorite search app or ask for recommendations for the newest spots in your area.

  • Local tourist:

    when was the last time you toured your own city? Chances are if you grow up where you currently live or have lived in your city for several years you haven’t explored recently. With phrases like “I live here, I’ll visit later” or “I check it out when so and so comes to visit’ “I’ll go when I have kids” or ‘I don’t have time’ many of us never take the time to stop and visit those landmarks or famous tourist areas. Switch it up and be a tourist during your staycation. Check to see if your city provides discounted tickets for residents.

  • Adventure:

    are you surrounded by trails? Go hiking. Campsites? Take in nature. Or even get on the road.  

disconnect

Just because you’re staying close to home doesn’t mean you can’t get off the grid during your perfect staycation. As hard as it may be, trust me disconnecting is a necessity that you’ll thank yourself for later. Go ahead and silence those work notifications, the calls, the emails, social media, and anything else that may keep you distracted from having the most perfect staycation.