Vacation season is right around the corner, which means that now is the time when most people are planning their destinations, events, and travel. However, if you’re on a budget or you’re trying not to get caught up in the mess of Summer travel, we’re suggesting a vacation alternative that is memorable, relaxing, and affordable—of course, we’re talking about a Staycation.
If nothing else, experiencing lockdowns the last few years have taught us all how to be more creative when it comes to “getting away” and making the most of time off spent at home. And while we’re all thrilled to be able to get out of the house, there are plenty of great takeaways from that time that can be applied to creating your perfect staycation. Luckily, we’re now able to get out and enjoy the local attractions that our cities have to offer which means plenty of activities to choose from to fill your itinerary. Plus, you’ll save so much on travel and lodging expenses that you use those funds to treat yourself.
Keep reading for our ideas on how to make the most of your Summer Staycation!
Get your home ready to enjoy—it’s hard to unwind when you’re surrounded by mess and disorder. Think about how good it feels to enter a clean hotel room when you arrive at a destination. Set your staycation up for success by preparing your “destination” for arrival. Give your space a good clean and prepare it for the week of activities (or lack of) ahead.
Schedule time off—act like you’re leaving the country and can’t be reached. Seriously. Put away anything related to work and get it out of your mind so that you can really check in with yourself and take the vacation you deserve. Don’t forget to set up your automatic out of office email!
Get outside—explore the nature around you! Find local parks, hiking trails, lakes, outdoor centers, etc. Studies show that getting outside can help us relax by reducing our cortisol levels, muscle tension, and heart rates. So get in some of that natural stress relief and fresh air!
Spa day out or at home—If you’re really looking to unwind, treat yourself to a day, or even just a massage, at your local spa. Or gather your own supplies and throw a spa day at home!
Movie night—whether you prefer going out or staying in, plan a movie night with all of your favorite goodies. You could even try to find a drive-in theater near you to make it more of an event.
Take a day trip—there might not be much to do around your house (or maybe nothing new) but day trips are a great staycation opportunity to get out without getting too far away. You might find a nearby city to explore or a state park within driving distance. Here are some great options to our TX and CO friends:
Go to the pool—if you don’t have access to a local pool you can buy a day pass to a local hotel, resort, or spa. Try the site DayPass or the Daycation App.
Book a night at a nearby hotel—another option that gets you out of your house, but doesn’t take you too far out of town! Sometimes all we need is a night away from home to feel refreshed. This is especially great if you can pair it with some nearby events like live music, comedy, or dinner reservations.
So if you’re thinking about taking a vacation this Summer, but you’re not too fond of the travel or the expenses, there are plenty of ways to feel the benefits of a trip away while you’re still at home! If you’re on a budget or looking to simplify plans, try out these ideas to make the most of your Staycation.
