7 Easy Steps to Plan the Ultimate Staycation this Year

Are you planning a staycation this year? If so you will LOVE our top tips on how to plan the ultimate staycation this year.

Wondering what a staycation is or how to plan one and make it your best holiday ever - all without the hassle of travelling too far and all that entails - read on!



If you're looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, look no further than the staycation.

A staycation is simply a vacation that you take in your home area. With careful planning, you can create an unforgettable experience without travelling very far at all.

Which means you save time, money and so much hassle!



In fact, there are plenty of reasons to choose a staycation over a regular vacation.

With a staycation instead of a regular vacation, you could:
  • Save money
  • Spend less time travelling and more time enjoying yourself
  • Enjoy the comforts of home
  • Get to know your local area better
  • Have a spontaneous getaway that doesn't require as much planning.



7 Easy Steps to Plan the Ultimate Staycation this Year 

In this article, we'll share some top tips on how to plan the ultimate staycation this year.

1. Set a Budget

Before you start booking hotel rooms or planning activities, it's important to create a budget for your staycation.

This will help you to avoid overspending and ensure that you have enough money to enjoy your time off.

When making your budget, be sure to account for transportation costs, lodging, food, and activities.

Of course, it's always a good idea to have a bit of a buffer, as well.



2. Choose Your Staycation Location

One of the keys to planning a successful staycation is choosing a great location.

You might have some great options in your hometown or local area, such as a lake or the beach.

If you live near a tourist destination, consider spending some time relaxing there. Just remember to book your accommodations ahead of time, if necessary.

Since you're not travelling far, you don't have the expense of booking airline tickets or costly transfers, so you might feel comfortable choosing a more expensive hotel or rental property.

Opt for a place with plenty of amenities so you can relax and enjoy your time off.

Check out the luxury stays near you to see what's available. Tripadvisor is perfect for this.

By staying closer to home, you can enjoy some truly amazing accommodation!

If you'll be traveling with others, you could even rent out an entire house complete with multiple bedrooms, outdoor space and an all-important kitchen.



3. Staycation Activities

Once you've chosen your location, it's time to plan the fun!

There are many different options for staycation activities, such as visiting a local park or museum, going on a hike or bike ride, taking a cooking class at a restaurant, or enjoying some live music at an outdoor concert venue.

If you're trying to relax, book a massage and some luxury spa services.

Want to enrich your life with new experiences? Take a class or attend a seminar based on something you've never tried before.

If you're staycationing with kids, there are plenty of options for family-friendly activities as well. 

You could visit a water park, nearby amusement park or historical site.



4. Be a Tourist

Are there sights and attractions in your very own town or city that you haven't taken the time to explore?

Your staycation is the perfect opportunity to experience them.

Ditch your local pride and try to have the mind of a visitor for a change.

You might just gain a renewed appreciation and love for your hometown.

Even though you're close to home, remember to take plenty of great photos to remember your trip, too.



5. Pack the Essentials

While staying around your home area, you'll definitely want to make sure that you pack all the essentials.

This might include sunscreen and bug spray for the park or beach, a good book for reading during downtime, or a picnic lunch for an outdoor adventure.

The point is that you want to be able to enjoy your staycation thoroughly without running home for items you forgot.

Put careful thought into packing, just like you would if you were flying halfway round the world.

Dress like you're on vacation, too. It's always fun to choose what you're going to wear on holiday.

We tend to put more thought into what we wear when we're travelling, so to make your staycation feel special, try to dress like you would if you were headed somewhere exotic.



6. Build Your Staycation Menu

Take the opportunity to enjoy foods you really love or to try something new.

Build your staycation menu around special meals, such as a candlelit dinner, an outdoor barbecue, or a picnic lunch.

If you're staying somewhere with a kitchen, you can also use this time to experiment with new recipes. 

Maybe try making something with locally sourced foods from the farmer's market?

Eating out or ordering in? Consider trying a restaurant you've never been to before for the most novel experience.



7. Unplug

Be clear about your plans to unplug and unwind during your staycation.

You don't want to be called into work or expected to be available as usual, even though you're not going very far from home.

To unplug,  put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode, don't check work email, and take some time for yourself.

That's what any holiday, including a staycation, is all about!



Have a blast on your staycation!

With careful planning, you can create an unforgettable experience without spending a lot of money or traveling far from home.

Just relax, enjoy your time off, and make some great memories.


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