7 Easy Tips to Plan Your Perfect Staycation

A portmanteau of the words "stay" and "vacation," a staycation is a trendy way of saying you're vacationing without ever leaving the area in which you live. The benefits of a staycation are many, from minimizing stressful travel days to saving money, and with the right planning, these stay-at-home adventures can be just as rejuvenating as a traditional vacation.

Although planning a staycation involves fewer logistics than your typical trip, creating a thoughtful itinerary will help you maximize your time off and avoid falling into your normal at-home routine.

It can be easy to slip into familiar routines when you're in familiar surroundings. To avoid this, set aside time just as you would for a vacation where you'd be traveling. Would you answer that email or make that grocery list on a beach in the Bahamas? If the answer is no, the task can wait until after your staycation. Sticking to a planned itinerary and making concrete plans and reservations ahead of time can help you maintain your vacation mindset.

Your favorite local burger joint will still be there when you "get home." A staycation is an opportunity to explore new cuisines or try restaurants that have been sitting on your city bucket list. You may find a new favorite to add to your takeout rotation. Stretch your budget with happy hour deals and early bird specials, or get a sampling of what your city has to offer through a local food tour.

Travel experts would typically advise against spending time and money in overly touristy areas, but the story differs when exploring your home city. Checking out these cheesy tourist attractions will set a fun tone for the rest of your staycation, and the excitement of your fellow tourists is a great way to see your city with fresh eyes.

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If you're looking for inspiration for your staycation, plan your itinerary around an upcoming event in your area. Food festivals, concerts, art shows, and marathons abound in the spring and summer. As the weather turns chilly, harvest festivals and holiday markets are plentiful. Smaller local events are often listed on a public activities calendar through the city or can be found on sites like Eventbrite and Meetup.

Get to know your city deeper by booking a walking tour. These tours are usually guided by local experts who are well-versed in a city's unique history. These tours can be general or based around a theme, like ghost tours, film location tours, or a historical event like the Boston Freedom Trail. As a bonus, you'll pick up some local lore to impress any future out-of-town guests. Check out Viator, GetYourGuide, or Tiqets for options in your area.

Many travelers forgo relaxation in favor of exploring everything a destination has to offer during their limited stay. A staycation is the perfect chance to grab a day pass and put a nearby hotel spa to good use.

For a refreshing change of scenery, you don't have to book a flight. Book a few days at a nearby vacation rental or boutique hotel. This strategy is beneficial for those who live too far out from the nearest city to justify a day trip. It's pricier than staying at home, but it's easier to justify the splurge when you're already skipping traditional travel expenses like airline tickets, luggage fees, and rental cars.

Building your staycation around a theme is a great way to spark your creativity. Some possible itinerary themes are: 

Active Staycation: Sign up for a local 5k, tackle the most popular hikes in your arena, organize an informal pickleball tournament with friends

Relaxing Staycation: Book a session at a local spa or get a day pass for a local hotel spa, get a pedicure and manicure at a local shop, do some yoga in a nearby park, visit a botanical garden

Foodie Staycation: Sign up for a local beer or wine tasting, plan a bar crawl with friends, try the highest-rated restaurants in your area, try a cooking class

Artsy Staycation: Visit the museum on a free public admission day, search for open mic nights at local bars and pubs, attend a film screening, do a public art tour of your nearest city