9 Practical and Fine Ideas for the Perfect Staycation

As soon as the cold winter days are behind us, we start looking forward and plan our spring or summer vacation. Who wouldn’t wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and the everyday responsibilities? Or exchange our ‘normal lives’ for a week of fun and relaxation somewhere far away? However, the traditional vacation is not always in the cards, and nowadays many people sometimes have to opt for a staycation instead. Whether you don’t want to go away because of the cost, or due to other factors, spending the holidays at home is also a great way to spend time during the warm months of spring and summer.

A true staycation can be so much more than an ordinary week at home. It might take a little bit of effort to do it right, but with the right planning it can be just as satisfying as going abroad. Let’s find out how you can turn this year’s staycation into a time of fun and relaxation for the whole family!

Rule number one for a joyous staycation!

The key to a successful staycation is to treat it as a real vacation. That means not answering work emails, doing housework or staying in throughout the whole week. If you stick to these don’ts, you will be able to fully relax and enjoy your time off without worrying about lost reservations, missed flights, packing and unpacking, or spending too much money.

A staycation should be the cost-effective alternative to having a “traditional” vacation. So, instead of travelling to some distant destination, a staycation is all about bringing the vacation to you. They have recently become very popular, as they can be less expensive, create less inconveniences and even be more comforting.

A carefully planned staycation will provide you with the opportunity to check out that new restaurant in town, relax and read a book or try a new activity that you have always wanted to do, but you simply never had the time or energy for.

Staycations require a budget, too

If you choose to have a staycation this year, be aware that it’s still possible to ‘overdo’ it when you are at home, regardless of the staycation versus vacation costs. So, plan your trip just as you would if you had decided to go away. What will you do each day, how much would that cost and will you need to make some arrangements in advance? Whether you are planning a staycation or going on a traditional vacation, it’s very important to keep track of your funds and plan your budget.

9 practical tips for the perfect staycation! 

1. Being a tourist in your own town is always a good idea 

Sometimes when we live close to attractions, we tend to forget they are as important and fun to visit as those abroad. Well, now is the time to check out the places that all the tourists tend to visit when they come to your town. If you aren’t sure where to start, visit the city’s tourism website or find a guide book for your area or region at the closest local book store. This is where you will most certainly find what activities interest you.

When was the last time you went to a museum or enjoyed a concert? A staycation will give you the chance to explore your own city and the nearby areas. Visiting interesting parks within an hour drive might be more fun than you can imagine. Are there any pools or water parks close to the place you live? Just don’t forget to figure out the cost, even of parking and gas.

 2. Plan a tasting tour

If you are a foodie, do the same that you would if you were on a far-away vacation – activate your taste buds by trying out new food. Is there a new place in town that you still haven’t had the chance to check out? Now’s the perfect time. And if you aren’t sure where to go, you can always search online or ask around for recommendations, and then make a ‘to-try’ list of the best places to eat in your city. The only thing you should always have in mind is to plan how much you are willing to spend on the whole culinary experience, and last but not least – don’t forget to tip. 

3. A game tournament – fun for the whole family

A staycation is the perfect time to take out the board games, invest in a deck of cards or gather around for some video gaming. Game tournaments are an amazing way to do some family bonding, and the children will absolutely love it. The one thing you must absolutely not forget is to stock up with drinks and snacks. 

4. Plan an indoor movie marathon

Set your family up with some popcorn and spend the evening or the whole day by watching a movie marathon in the comfort of your own living room. Choose some of the movies offered on your streaming service or do it the old fashioned way, by borrowing DVDs from friends. The only cost you have is the one for food and beverages. And the best part about it? You get to spend the day in pajamas or sweatpants. Who could say no to that? 

5. What about a family project? 

This isn’t something that you would spend time with on your regular vacation abroad, but it’s something to think about when you are on a staycation. Use your free time to express your inner creativity and bond with your family at the same time. Have they recently needed your help to redecorate their rooms, or been asking for a family tree? Consider spending some time together on a family project which will improve your interior, or the outdoor area. You will not only get some family bonding time while painting and building together, but at the end of the week you will enjoy the fruit of your work!

6. Enjoy an outdoor activity 

When was the last time you flew a kite, took a hike or went for a long bike ride, alone or with your loved ones? It’s no news that going outside is one of the cheapest forms of entertainment. That’s why you should make sure to add outdoor activities on your ‘to do’ staycation activity list. Go online to find trails in your area, pack enough snacks and water for your trek and you are good to go!

 7. Take a virtual museum tour

Now you don’t have to wait for hours in line to see the works of your favourite artists. ‘Walk’ through an array of prestigious cultural institutions around the world and go for a ‘ride’ on Disney’s roller coasters with your kids. Many great museums throughout the world offer “virtual tours” to their visitors. There’s fun for everyone, regardless of age, and the best part about it? It’s free and you can do it without leaving the couch!

8. Plan a ‘no plan’ day

Sounds contradictory, right? What we mean is, have one day of your staycation where you don’t make any plans and simply see where the wind takes you. The only plan you should have is how much you plan on spending that day and try not to go over that amount. Everything else should be all about spontaneity. Who knows, it might turn out to be the best day of your staycation after all.

9. Don’t forget to relax and enjoy every moment of it

Sometimes it’s difficult to ‘relax’ at home, and let go of all the everyday responsibilities that bother us every day. We’ve all been there, but again, the key to a perfect staycation is all about the commitment to making your week a time of fun and relaxation. Put your chores aside for a week and mentally give yourself permission to kick back and enjoy the moment. You deserve it.

A staycation doesn’t mean sacrificing the fun!

Nowadays, the desire for a cost-friendly vacation option, where the amount of relaxation will be just as rewarding is in a very high demand. That’s how the term ‘staycation’ was born and more and more people choose it over the traditional far-away vacation. It’s budget-friendly, very easy to plan with these tips and you don’t have to travel far. Just relax, enjoy spending time with your kids and spouse and create memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. It’s your time, make the most of it!