Not every getaway needs a plane ticket or a lengthy drive. In fact, some of the best vacations can happen without even leaving your hometown. Welcome to the staycation: an opportunity to enjoy a refreshing break from routine, discover new corners of your own city, and indulge in relaxation—all without the stress of travel. Staycations have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. With a little creativity and planning, you can design a staycation experience that feels every bit as luxurious and fulfilling as a trip to a far-off destination. Here’s how to plan a staycation that you’ll truly love.
1. Define Your Staycation Goals
Before diving into the details, take a moment to decide what kind of experience you want. Are you looking for a relaxing spa-like retreat, an adventure filled with activities, or an opportunity to explore your city like a tourist? Clarifying your goals will help shape your staycation into an experience tailored to your desires. You can even mix and match—spend one day exploring and another dedicated to complete relaxation.
Consider what activities you typically enjoy on vacation. Do you like visiting museums? Exploring nature? Dining at new restaurants? Whatever your ideal vacation involves, you can plan similar activities closer to home. By identifying your staycation goals, you can ensure your time off feels both purposeful and enjoyable.
2. Treat It Like a Real Vacation
One of the most important elements of a staycation is treating it with the same level of commitment you would give to an actual vacation. This means taking the necessary time off work, putting an out-of-office response on your email, and letting your friends or colleagues know you’re on break. It’s also a good idea to set some boundaries with your household, especially if you live with family or roommates. Let them know about your staycation plans and ask for their cooperation in making sure your downtime is respected.
Take the time to create an itinerary, even if it’s loose. Planning your activities ahead of time will help you feel like you’re genuinely on vacation rather than just idly sitting at home. This sense of purpose adds excitement and ensures you actually follow through on all the fun experiences you’ve envisioned.
3. Turn Your Home Into a Relaxing Oasis
A huge part of the appeal of a vacation is staying somewhere different, but with a little effort, you can transform your own home into a relaxing haven. Start by decluttering your space, which helps create a peaceful environment. Make your bed with fresh, crisp linens and add some new or favorite candles to bring in a calming scent.
Consider what elements make a hotel room or rental house feel luxurious—perhaps it’s fluffy towels, beautiful flowers, or the absence of everyday clutter. Add these touches to your home. Set up a cozy reading nook, string some fairy lights, or invest in a bath bomb for an at-home spa experience. The goal is to make your home feel like somewhere you’d want to escape to.
4. Plan Special Meals
One of the highlights of any vacation is indulging in delicious food, and there’s no reason you can’t do the same during a staycation. Plan your meals as if you’re dining at different restaurants throughout your “getaway.” Try new recipes, explore different cuisines, or order from a local restaurant you’ve always wanted to try.
For a more immersive experience, set the table beautifully with nice plates, glasses, and a tablecloth—just as if you were dining out. You could even host a themed dinner night. Perhaps an Italian night complete with pasta, wine, and some traditional music, or a sushi night with DIY rolls and sake.
If cooking isn’t your thing, let your local restaurants do the work—get takeout, but present it as beautifully as possible, or picnic-style in your backyard or living room. The key is to make the dining experience feel special and different from your everyday routine.
5. Play Tourist in Your Own Town
How well do you know your own city? Staycations are the perfect chance to discover the hidden gems and local attractions you may have never visited. Make a list of all the places you’ve heard about but never made time to see. This could include historical sites, parks, hiking trails, art galleries, or quirky local shops.
Look up local walking tours or create your own based on things you’d like to see. You can even include stops at local coffee shops, bakeries, or markets to add a layer of indulgence to your adventure. Visiting places you’d normally overlook will make your staycation feel like an authentic vacation, full of new experiences and memories.
6. Indulge in Activities You Love
What are the things you never seem to have enough time for in your daily life? Staycations are ideal for immersing yourself in hobbies or activities that bring you joy. Spend a whole afternoon reading that book you’ve been meaning to start, trying your hand at painting, or doing a puzzle while enjoying your favorite music. Indulging in activities you love—without the usual time constraints—is what makes a staycation feel like true leisure.
If you like being active, consider renting a bike and exploring nearby areas, joining an online fitness class, or trying a new activity like yoga or dance. Even setting aside time for simple pleasures, like lounging in your backyard with a refreshing drink, can turn an ordinary day into a mini escape.
7. Pamper Yourself with Spa Treatments
A staycation is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some pampering. Create your own at-home spa experience with items like bath salts, face masks, and soothing music. You can give yourself a manicure or pedicure, draw a hot bubble bath, or even set up a massage exchange with a partner.
If you prefer professional pampering, consider booking a massage, facial, or pedicure at a local spa. You may also want to set aside time to focus on self-care—journaling, meditating, or practicing yoga are excellent ways to nourish both body and mind during your staycation.
8. Unplug from Technology
While technology is a constant part of our lives, a true vacation—even a staycation—should involve unplugging for a while. Consider taking a break from social media, work emails, and news updates. Turn off notifications and put your devices aside to fully immerse yourself in the present moment.
Instead of relying on screens for entertainment, focus on activities that bring you back to yourself, like reading a book, listening to vinyl records, or going for a long walk. This digital detox can help you feel more refreshed and rejuvenated by the end of your staycation.
9. Create an Outdoor Escape
If you’re lucky enough to have access to a backyard, balcony, or terrace, take advantage of the outdoor space to enhance your staycation. Set up a cozy outdoor lounge area with chairs, blankets, and cushions. You could even create a picnic area with a blanket on the grass or an outdoor dining table.
If the weather is nice, try sleeping outside under the stars or have a backyard camping night with a tent, lanterns, and marshmallows to roast. Spending time outside helps create the feeling of a getaway and provides a healthy dose of fresh air and sunshine.
10. Embrace the Theme Nights
Themes add an extra layer of excitement to your staycation. Try dedicating each day or evening to a specific theme. For instance, have a “Parisian Day” where you make croissants in the morning, listen to French music, and watch a classic French film. Alternatively, have a “Beach Day” by making tropical drinks, setting up beach towels in your yard, and playing summer hits while enjoying a laid-back afternoon.
Movie marathons can also make for a fun themed night—pick a genre or a series you’ve always wanted to see, prepare some movie-theater-style snacks, and spend the evening getting lost in the magic of cinema. Dressing up to match the theme or decorating your space can take it up another notch and make the day even more memorable.
11. Take Virtual Classes or Tours
A great way to make a staycation more enriching is to learn something new. Thanks to technology, there are countless virtual classes and experiences you can join. Take a cooking class to learn a new cuisine, follow along with an online art workshop, or try a new fitness routine.
Many famous museums around the world also offer virtual tours, allowing you to explore places like the Louvre, the British Museum, or the Guggenheim from the comfort of your home. These virtual adventures provide a sense of exploration and discovery, adding a cultural element to your staycation without the cost or hassle of travel.
12. Reflect and Relax
Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of any vacation—including a staycation—is the chance to slow down and reflect. Without the pressures of work or daily obligations, allow yourself time to rest, reflect, and be in the moment. Practice gratitude for the things around you—the comfort of your home, the luxury of time off, and the chance to create your own little slice of paradise.
Take a moment to journal about what you’re enjoying, or write down things you’re grateful for. Reflection helps you appreciate your staycation more deeply and carry the sense of relaxation and fulfillment back into your everyday life.
Final Thoughts
With a little creativity, a staycation can be just as satisfying as any far-flung getaway. The key is to embrace the mindset of being on vacation—disconnecting from daily routines, trying new things, indulging in relaxation, and creating a sense of specialness throughout your time off. No matter how you choose to spend it, a thoughtfully planned staycation can leave you feeling recharged, inspired, and connected to the beauty of home.
