Looking for new and fun ideas for staycations or want to know what a staycation even is? Find it all here.
If you’re looking for a variety of ideas for staycations or simply want to know what a staycation is, this epic staycation guide is for you.
This guide gives you tips on finding fun staycation activities near you and helps you consider what you need to know before embarking on a staycation.
From Lust Till Dawn is a reader-supported site. Purchases made through links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
What is a staycation?
A staycation is like a vacation where you stay at home or around it.
Many couples, families, and friends stay overnight in their homes during a staycation. Some people stay at a hotel to spend some quality time away from home.
However, a staycation is all about staying within close driving distance from your home.
The idea of staycation came about in the U.S between 2007 and 2010. It is when America suffered from a deteriorating economy, and people could not afford long-term vacations.
Why go on a staycation?
A staycation can save you significant money than a vacation, where you spend a lot on airplane tickets, car fuel, accommodation, shopping, etc.
You can do a staycation over a weekend, as travel is minimal. Many couples and families can affordably go away on weekends with only the expense of a hotel room.
Besides saving money and reducing the stress of planning, staycations are an excellent way to unwind and relax.
If you plan a staycation properly, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated with your loved ones. For instance, a couple can watch movies on Netflix, go out for some coffee or ice cream, or take some time to cuddle and enjoy.
In 2020, thinking of ideas for staycations became more popular because of covid-19. Since people can’t travel far on planes, they’ve been searching for things to do close to them.
You might’ve actually searched for something like “staycation near me” for tips!
Staycation Meaning
Two words “stay” and “vacation” combine to form a “staycation.” By definition, a staycation refers to a vacation that does not require people to travel to another city, state, or country.
It is all about staying at home or in nearby areas and do leisure activities.
For example, you can book a hotel room and spend 2-3 days with your family and friends.
Staycation Benefits
The popularity of staycations has increased during the Covid-19 pandemic due to international travel restrictions. People want to overcome the stress caused by unpredictable lockdowns, and a staycation is one way to get relax and stay optimistic.
Staycation is equally beneficial for people of all ages.
However, younger people in the U.S are becoming more interested in a staycation holiday because it is enjoyable, affordable, and time-saving.
Some of the biggest benefits of a staycation are:
- Less time spent traveling
- Less planning required
- No jet lag
- Relax and unwind more quickly
- Better for short breaks
- Discovering striking places on your doorstep
- Saves money
- A more sustainable way to travel
- Your pet (cat or dog) can come
Best Ideas for Staycations
As everyone stays home to stop the spread of Covid-19, tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, and museums across the world have also shuttered, and many companies are now offering live-streaming events and virtual tours instead.
Although it is essential to stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak, it is equally important for people to find ways and relax.
There are hundreds of staycation ideas you can find on the internet. However, you have to think about what you enjoy most when going on holiday?
- Do you love taking photos?
- What attracts you more, fine dining or local cuisine?
- Do you take courses or classes?
- Do you love reading books?
- Are you a fitness nerd and enjoy a physical challenge?
The interesting thing is that you can do all these things at home or in your local area. By taking a staycation, you have just bought yourself some time. It does not necessitate three days of waiting at train stations, airports, and flight time.
Everyone knows that packing is a daunting and stressful task, and even if you are an excellent travel packer, it is still annoying. Here are some of the best staycation tips for everyone. Continue reading!
Make a plan ahead of time
Many people plan out their staycations at the last minute, which is wrong. Planning ahead of time will make sure your staycation does not turn into an unreasonable and uninteresting period. Also, you have to forget about daily chores.
Do not focus on your regular list of to-dos, cleaning tasks, fix-it jobs, and other errands. Sit down with your wife, partner, kids, or friends, and make a good plan for your staycation. If you spend $100 on a staycation with your wife, that is fine. Make a budget and stick to it. There are many cheap ways to make memories with your loved ones. A staycation does not mean spending a lot of money. You can find happiness in small, cheap activities.
Take a Nap or Have a Spa Day
Due to Covid-19, you would do your best to get outside, right? Napping is easy, free and makes a world of difference. Although this idea is a bit boring, it is good to start your staycation with a little rest.
Surely, you don’t get enough time to close your eyes and get some rest in the middle of the day. So, take your time and get some sleep to relax.
On the other hand, if you don’t want to sleep or find it boring, you can have some good time at the spa.
Don’t forget to moisturize your face and soak your feet in Epsom salt at the spa.
Take a Road Trip
If you need some adventure during your staycation, why don’t you take a mini road trip?
Get out of your home and take a road trip to a scenic place that is a few hours away. You can enjoy exploring new spots, go hiking, or eat at a new restaurant.
A road trip does not mean driving for hours and listening to music. Find a park where you can enjoy a peaceful walk or take a hike in the serene outdoors. You can take a road trip with your wife, girlfriend, or family.
Don’t forget to pack a lunch for the road trip and relish a picnic somewhere with your family.
Explore Your Town
If you have not explored any popular tourist spots or historic sites in your city, now is the time to visit there. For example, for a Berlin staycation, you could visit Brandenburg Gate, which is normally surrounded by tourists. Similarly, for an Amsterdam staycation idea, not many people explore Amsterdam Noord.
Most often, people are busy with hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and they don’t get a chance to see places in their local areas. Checking out neighborhoods you normally pass during your commute during your Sacramento staycation, is a great way to open your eyes to something new in your city.
Your staycation is a great opportunity to visit places in your town. Get outside and visit bookstores, free museums, restaurants, coffee shops, and other places.
Doing this can make a lot of difference, especially if you are bored and sick of your daily routine.
It is essential to do your research before you go out and visit new places in your city. The purpose is to find out whether or not places are open during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Camp Out in Your Garden or Backyard
What is better than camping out in your backyard or garden during the Covid-19? Pitch a tent and light the fire pit to create a couple or family memories.
Sit around the fire on weekends and sing camp songs. If you know some funny stories, tell them to your kids to make them laugh.
Moreover, when your kids want to sleep, make them crawl into the tent. There is nothing more enjoyable than sleeping under the stars.
One of the best aspects of backyard camping is to strengthen your relationship with your family.
If you have a younger baby, don’t forget to buy a portable crib to make him or her sleep soundly.
Watch a Movie on Netflix
You don’t need to go to the cinema to watch a movie. You can rent your favorite movie and watch it with your family at home. Watching a movie on Netflix is one of the best staycation ideas during the pandemic.
Watching a movie at home can save your $20 to $25 per person. While watching a movie, double your fun by having some snacks, such as chips, candy, and popcorn. All these things make a great and affordable movie night.
Go to the Bowling Alley
Although going to a bowling alley during Covid-19 seems a little strange, you can go to the bowling alley and spend some quality time.
You must follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs), such as wearing face masks, using hand sanitizers, and maintaining social distancing.
Many bowling alleys allow children to bowl for free. Plan and go to the alley at off-peak times to save some money.
Check out the deals and discounts offered by your local bowling alley to strike up a friendly competition with your kids. It surely is one of the best ideas for a staycation.
Enjoy a Game Night
Some games like Clue, battleship, and Monopoly never go out of style. Invite your friends and relatives to play board games with them.
Some recommendations are monopoly deal, mancala, citadels, settlers of Catan, and the great dalmuti.
Besides, you can play multiplayer games with your kids on PlayStation or Xbox.
Tips for a Staycation Hotel
A hotel staycation is one of the best ideas for a staycation to rest and enjoy yourself with your family. It is a great way to avoid hassles and expenses of travel time.
When you stay at a local hotel, you will avoid household projects and errands.
Your family will also enjoy their break from the daily routine and stay in a new place that always creates excitement.
Here are some of the best tips for a staycation hotel.
Find a Covid-19 Safe Hotel
It is no surprise to tell you that Covid-19 has stunned the world in terms of health, business, and economy. The unpredictable lockdowns have created a strange kind of uncertainty for people.
The good news is that businesses, including hotels and restaurants, are opening again, creating a great opportunity for couples and families to have staycations at hotels.
Anyway, it is essential to do your research and find hotels that are following Covid-19 protocols, such as masks, sanitizers, social distancing, etc.
Once you have found the hotel, ask for the price of a one or two-night stay. If the charges are within your budget, then book a room.
Try a New Activity
Most often, hotels have excellent exercise rooms for your convenience. If you want to explore new options, then workout does not have to be a chore. Instead of having an exercising session, you can take a spinning, Pilates, or Yoga class to learn and practice something new.
Enjoy Family Time
If the day-to-day routine does not allow you to spend time with your kids, now is the time to take advantage of it on your staycation at the hotel. The refreshing environment of a hotel room offers excitement and joy, especially when you see your kids around you.
Don’t forget to explore the hotel and the activities it offers, such as the game room.
Go Shopping
Hotels are near local supermarkets and shopping centers. You can visit a local shopping center and explore new items in different shops, such as clothing, footwear, and toys. Purchase a few toys for your kids. Surely, it will make them happy. However, you should watch out for your budget.
Have a Delightful Dinner
Your family deserves a break from daily chores to enjoy a hotel staycation. Not matter if you choose the hotel’s banquet options or catering, your wife will be glad she doesn’t have to do the dishes. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy dinnertime with your family after you have done shopping. Don’t forget to have ice cream for your kids in the desert.
Couple Staycation Ideas
A romantic staycation is a great way for couples to get rid of the daily hustle and bustle and spend some quality time. A staycation for a couple can be easy and simple, like watching romantic movies together, have some coffee or ice cream, or take time to romance.
Spend the Day at the Beach
There are many things you can do at the beach, such as sitting on the blanket and watch people, taking a walk, talking about the future, and looking for washed-up keepsakes. Have a delightful meal with your girlfriend or wife and don’t forget to make it romantic. Look at each other in the eye with love, touch each other hair, rub arms, and say “I love you.”
Remember, you don’t have to live on the coast to have a beach staycation. Look online and do your research about nearby water bodies, lakes, and other places where you can spend a good time with each other. We believe this is the best staycation for couples.
Try Snowboarding or Kayaking
When it comes to staycation ideas for couples, it is important to try a new activity. For example, kayaking is awesome because it requires communication and cooperation. There is no better activity for a married couple than kayaking together.
It is a great way to get away together and spend time with the love of your life. Snowboarding and skiing with your partner is a great recipe for romance. You can enjoy a beer or hot cocoa in the cabin, cuddle on chairlifts, and play in the snow.
Go Shopping
Make a list of items and spend your day shopping together. Women love to shop for clothes, jewelry, makeup, perfumes, souvenirs, etc. Take time to model some options for your significant other and let her pick out her favorite item.
Find out what your girlfriend or wife likes. At the same time, if you are a wife, figure out what will make your husband happy? As a couple, you can visit a home improvement store and go through the bathroom and kitchen displays.
Some other staycation ideas for couples are:
- Attend a local show
- Rent a convertible
- Take an art class
- Take a Yoga Class
- Visit a local coffee shop
- Drive-in Movie
- Take a nap
- Take a walk together
- Have a movie night
- Explore your city
- Have a candlelight dinner
- Visit a local museum
- Go on a picnic
- Take a mini Drive
Staycation with Kids
When you can’t afford a costly trip with your family, you can have a staycation with your loved ones at home. Make the most out of your time with these staycation ideas for families.
Learn a New Skill
A staycation for your kids is not only about entertainment and fun, it is also an excellent way to make them learn new things. You can teach your kids how to plant succulents in pots, how to make a work of art, and how to help in cooking with mom.
Cook a Fancy Brunch
Have a delicious breakfast or brunch with your kids. Ask them what their favorite food is. Cook waffles, bacon, scrambled eggs, cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and fancy omelets.
Do a Disney Day
All kids enjoy a Disney vacation. However, social distancing does not allow you to do this activity, but you can recreate Disney in your home. For example, you can make Mickey Mouse or Dole Whip shaped waffles for your kids. Allow your children to dress up in Disney costumes and watch Disney rides on YouTube.
Take Photos
Taking photos is a great way to create memories with your kids. You don’t need a high-quality DSLR camera or special flashlights for photography. A good quality smartphone camera will get the job done. Ask your kids to wear their favorite clothes, your wife to dress up, and then take photos indoors and outdoors (garden).
Other staycation ideas for families are:
- Make a scavenger hunt
- Go fruit picking
- Room decoration
- Go Canoeing
- Go Fishing
- Try a new Fruit Juice
- Have a themed movie night
One of the most important things to have an awesome staycation is thinking about what you love the most from a regular vacation. A staycation offers numerous opportunities to do things that you usually do on a vacation.
The interesting thing is that you do these activities much closer to home. It is affordable, convenient, full-of-fun, and safe during Covid-19. Make sure you create a plan to make things easier and enjoyable for you and your family. Good Luck!