Staycation is becoming an increasingly popular tourism branch among those looking to relax and have a good time without blowing the budget. Since many individuals and families don’t have the time or finances to travel to new places, the idea of staycation – a mix of ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’ – was born.
To ensure you have a blast without feeling stuck on your next staycation, plan ahead and come up with activities that will bring out the best in you. With the ideas we have in store for you, the next staycation you have will surely exceed your expectations. You might be surprised that you can have so much fun close to home.
Pack your best goodies and go to a local park with your picnic bag if the weather allows it. Picnics are a great way to bond with your family or loved ones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them if you’re alone!
If bad weather ruins your plans, throw a blanket over the floor and create the right ambiance for an indoor picnic. Have lots of good music, warm snacks, and chilled drinks; always be ready! Invite your friends or neighbors over if you want to socialize.
Go on a (local) Road Trip
Going on a road trip may sound like the opposite of a ‘staycation.’ And while that’s true, in a sense, there’s nothing wrong with taking your car for a ride through your town or a nearby city and exploring the local landmarks, attractions, and tourist destinations.
The good thing about a road trip in your area is that you’re always close to home and that you can customize it from beginning to end according to your liking.
Enjoy a Bike Ride… Or Go on a Hike!
Going on a bike ride is good for the body and the soul. Take a nearby biking trail or drive around the neighborhood to clear your head. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the local landmarks and take some nice photos to remember the day.
If you don’t own a bike, you might be able to borrow one or rent it if you live in a city. Alternatively, you could climb a nearby mountain for some amazing views.
Puzzles, Anyone?
If you have ever completed a puzzle with more than 1,000 pieces, you probably know that puzzles aren’t exclusively for children’s entertainment. Soon after you start putting together a scenic photo, you’ll be pulled into another world and unable to stop until the job is done!
If you stay with a group, you could swap puzzles for board games. But be warned, board games can get pretty competitive.
Read a Book
Some of us prefer sitting in our favorite armchair and reading a new book on a day off. And that’s fine! If you want to get the well-deserved mental break you need, pick something light and easy to read.
Go Camping
For a change of scenery, you could camp in the wilderness, at local campgrounds, or in your backyard! You heard that right—many people now prefer to camp on their lawns as it is cheaper and more convenient than alternatives.
Set up a tent, turn up the BBQ, and share ghost stories with your loved ones late into the night.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
There is no better way to relax and get a much-needed dose of pampering than by going to a day spa for some self-care. While you’re at it, get the most out of your trip by availing yourself of services like body massage and facial treatments.
After soaking in hot water, you might also want to finish the day in style by going to a local salon or barbershop and getting a new cut.
Explore Local Museums
Staycation offers a great opportunity to connect with your local community and its history. On your day off, you could visit the local museums, science centers, or art galleries. You might be surprised to discover what you’ve been missing out on all this time!
Visit a Park
While you’re out and about, go to a park for a walk or try birdwatching. You could also break a sweat and go for a jog to elevate your heart rate. Feeling lazy on your day off? Occupy a bench, listen to your favorite music, and enjoy snacks before returning home for another activity.
Stay at a Local Hotel
Staycation doesn’t have to mean staying at home. You could instead spend the day at a local hotel and enjoy its amenities. Many hotels have a restaurant, swimming pool, and gym and offer services like massages and therapies.
You could also stay at a local vacation rental that offers activities or amenities that you usually don’t have access to.
Go on a Food Tour
You’re probably already very familiar with most establishments around your place. But we bet you haven’t tried out every single restaurant and food stand yet. If you would like a bit of an adventure, you could go on a food trip and try several smaller dishes from places you haven’t tried yet. If you can, travel by food to see more and burn all those calories you’re going to put in your body!
Watch the Sunset
Watching the sun go down can evoke many emotions and offers a perfect opportunity to unwind and clear your thoughts. To make the most out of it, take your favorite chair to the most scenic viewpoint in your place and set up a mini-camp.
To build the right atmosphere, you could also play music, do some reading, or treat yourself to your favorite drink or snack.
Watch Live Theater Performance
Why not try something new by going to a live show and expanding your theatrical horizons? Look for opportunities in local newspapers, and you might find anything from a major national production to a small-scale show run for the first time.
Go to a Concert
Concerts, whether outdoor or indoor, are a great way to release that extra energy and tension you might have been carrying inside all this time. If you’re not picky, getting a spot at a concert in your place probably won’t be hard. You might even discover your new favorite genre!