Staycation Success: Tips & Tricks

The word vacation brings up images of escape, relaxation, and fun. Most traditional vacations take place away from the home. But when a traditional vacation isn’t an option, plan a staycation instead! You can easily take a break in the comfort of your own home and city. Staycations are a great choice for singles, couples, and families alike!

The Ground Rules
A staycation is meant to feel like a real getaway, so there are a few ground rules that need to be set. Deciding a start and end time to the vacation (whether it be a weekend or a whole week) and guidelines to follow ahead of time keep everyone involved and on the same page. NOTE: Not all of these examples will work for everyone, so pick and choose what works for you and your family!

• No working from home
• No cooking, cleaning, or laundry
• Only check your phone or email when you absolutely have to (preferably not at all!)

Plan Your Staycation
Destination vacations usually include fun plans for dinners, activities, and ways to relax, so make sure you do the same for your staycation! Set a realistic budget with money set aside for eating out or a massage. Try to prep around the house in a way that makes your vacation at home as relaxing as possible. You can make sure all your laundry is done ahead of time, gathering local menus, preparing meals in advance, and using disposable dishware to cut down on doing the dishes.

Get Out and About
Just because it’s called a staycation doesn’t mean you need to stay in! There are most likely dozens of things to do around your hometown that you have never even thought of. Here’s a list of 10 ideas to get you started. Check out our Groupon and LivingSocial for coupons and discounts on local events, plus get 6% Cash Back at Ebates!

• Visit your local museums
• Check out your local library for activities
• Root for your favorite major or minor league team
• Have a board game tournament
• Camp in the backyard
• Catch a show at your local theater
• Tour a local brewery
• Take a painting or pottery class
• Visit a local park
• Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride

Relax and Refresh
While you’ll probably be tempted to tackle a few chores during your staycation, remind yourself to kick back and enjoy the moment. Whether you have a list full of activities or one or two picked out, the attitude and commitment you have to making this time about relaxing and having fun is ultimately the most important key to a successful staycation. Take the time to let your hair down and spend time with your partner, kids, or even catch up on some “me time!”

Have you ever taken a staycation? What activities around your town would you do? Let us know in a comment below!

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