Added to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary in 2009, staycations officially now part of our lexicon. Taking a stay-at-home vacation is not only budget-friendly, but can also help avoid the hustle and bustle of holiday travel. Done right, staycations can be a truly welcome respite from your 9-to-5. But not all staycations are created equal; just sitting around the home can create the feeling of nothing more than a long weekend.
Check out the following 4 tips for a fun-filled, memorable staycation that will leave you energized and refreshed without breaking the bank.
1. Sometimes you’ve got to check-in to check-out
“Leaving it all behind” is a tough proposition for anyone these days. With our always-on smartphones and 24 hour news cycle, staying plugged in often comes at the cost of feeling drained. If you have a hard time putting down the tech, it might be time to bend the rules of the staycation a bit and consider checking into a local hotel.
Even if you only stay for a night or two, checking into a hotel can provide the pattern interrupt you need to get you out of your daily routine and into relaxation mode.
2. Put together an itinerary
As mentioned before, the key to a successful staycation is to keep yourself from falling into the same old every-day routines. Focus on fun, family-friendly activities and not on emails or chores. Make the focus of each day to get out of the house and visit attractions you’ve always meant to see (or haven’t been to in a while).
Pretend you’re a tourist in your own town. Go sight-seeing at the local museums and parks, or catch a game at the local sports venue. Be sure to take plenty of photos to make the memories last.
3. Take time to pamper yourself
While not necessarily the most family friendly idea, taking a spa day is a failproof way to break out of your mindset and allow yourself to relax and unwind. If you’re budget conscious, consider opting for a single treatment in lieu of a full day package.
4. Shop around for local deals
Be sure to hit up Groupon, LivingSocial, and other local deal sites to scoop up the hottest deals in your area. Many of the types of deals offered are a perfect fit for staycations: restaurants, spas, fancy hotels, and attractions. With savings of 50% or more on each deal, you can do more while spending less.
Chris Newton is a freelance writer for DeSignia Landscape, a residential and commercial landscape company based in Charlotte, NC.
Photo credit: Chun Kit To
