It probably comes as no surprise that my travel daydreams are endless, and I’m always scheming up our next getaway. But sometimes, whether it’s due to time, budget, or just the reality of life, a trip just isn’t in the cards.
Instead of feeling stuck or disappointed, I’ve learned that shifting my focus closer to home can be just as rewarding. That’s where a staycation comes in—it’s the perfect way to break from routine, recharge, and experience something new without venturing too far from home.
I’ve come to realize that when I’m craving a vacation, what I really need is a break from the daily grind. But that doesn’t mean we have to hop on a plane or spend a fortune to get that feeling of relaxation and escape. A staycation can offer the same sense of renewal—without the stress of long-distance planning or the time commitment of a big trip.
The Secret to a Great Staycation
As much as I will always encourage getting out and exploring the world, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also encourage you to explore close to home. I don’t think we do that enough—me included. Oftentimes, we fall into our usual routines and convince ourselves we’ll get to it next time.
Being a tourist in your own city (or somewhere near you) brings a refreshed perspective on where you call home. It can bring joy in similar ways to being on vacation—discovering a new restaurant or a cute café, staying at a fun hotel—but it’s all close to home. You just never knew about it or took the time to make it happen.
But here’s the key to a staycation: You need to be even more intentional with your time and plans than you would with an actual vacation. Why? Well, let me ask you—how many times have you thought about doing a staycation, and how many times have you actually had one? And I don’t mean taking a week off work just to catch up on chores or tackle a long to-do list at home.
It’s an easy idea to deprioritize and never plan because life keeps happening, and you tell yourself you’ll try again next month or later this year. But don’t tell yourself it’s not worth it—it is!
Why We Overlook Staycations
Planning a staycation is meant to be low-stress, low(er) cost, and low effort. But too often, people overlook them or put them off, thinking they’ll do it “someday.” The truth is, there are plenty of ways to make a staycation feel just as special as a getaway—you just have to make it happen. Often, the biggest hurdle to making it happen is simply committing to doing it.
Whether you have an entire weekend or just a day, a staycation can be the perfect way to reset—whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or simply a break from routine. And the best part? You don’t have to go far to make it happen.
I consider a staycation to be anywhere within 2-3 hours of home—close enough for a quick trip but also great for an overnight stay if you want more time to unwind. Whether you’re drawn to a laid-back retreat, a peaceful nature escape, or the charm of a small-town adventure, there’s a staycation to match your style. Here are some ideas to make your next local getaway feel like a real vacation.
Staycation Ideas: Fun and Easy Ways to Escape Close to Home
No matter where you live, there’s always something new to discover close to home. From hidden gems to familiar favorites with a fresh perspective, a staycation can bring a sense of adventure without the long journey. To help tailor your staycation to your location, try a quick Google search, follow local social media accounts, or ask friends and family for recommendations.
The Local Resort or Hotel Getaway
If you’re really wanting to make it feel like a true vacation, book a night (or two) at a local hotel, resort, or spa. If you live in the suburbs, book something downtown or in a nearby destination town. And if you live near a beach or ski resort, you have even more options!
Many local resorts and hotels offer discounts for residents. Here are some ways to check:
- When searching online, type your state plus “resident rate” (e.g., Utah Resident Rate Hotel or Midwest Resident Rate).
- Visit their website and check for resident rates when selecting a room.
- Call the hotel or resort directly to ask about discounts for residents.
Not looking for an overnight stay? Consider Resort Pass. If you’d still like to enjoy resort amenities like pools, spas, and fitness centers, Resort Pass lets you access these luxuries without booking a full stay. It’s an affordable way to experience a resort getaway while staying close to home.
Smart Savings tip
Look for midweek discounts to cut costs. It’s also a great way to break up the week—especially if you were planning on taking time off work anyway.
Plus, there’s something fun about doing something on a weeknight!
The Nature Escape
This might be out of your comfort zone, but I highly recommend a staycation that gets you out of city or suburban life. And I speak from experience.
While I enjoy being outside, I never really considered myself an “outdoorsy” person. Moving from Minnesota to Utah changed that—mostly because Utah has a fraction of the mosquitoes that Minnesota does!
A nature escape doesn’t have to mean setting up a hammock and roughing it (unless that’s your thing—Dan would love it, but me? Not so much). Here are some staycation-friendly nature escape ideas:
- Book a cabin or Airstream-style rental on Airbnb or Vrbo. Choose something that fits your comfort level.
- Check out a state park lodge, cabin, or yurt rental. These are often budget-friendly and have basic amenities that make the staycation easier. Try searching “[Your State] + State Park Lodging.”
- Go camping or glamping. Dan loves camping, but I didn’t grow up doing it and always felt out of my comfort zone. But with so many great national forest areas and camping spots in Utah, I pushed myself to try it. Now, we camp at least once each summer. We’ve figured out a way that works for both of us, and it’s actually one of the trips I look forward to most—totally disconnecting and soaking up the beauty of the West.
The Foodie Staycation
If food is your favorite part of traveling, turn your staycation into a culinary adventure! Here’s how:
- Progressive dinner tour: Make a list of places you’ve been wanting to try and visit a few in one day or evening. Start with drinks and appetizers at one spot, dinner at another, and finish with dessert and a nightcap somewhere else.
- Pick a theme: Have “A Night in Paris” by visiting a cozy French café, or do a taco tour, planning a route to try the best Mexican bites in town.
- Take a cooking class: Many stores and restaurants offer these, like Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, or local culinary schools. Bonus—you can take what you learned and recreate it for another staycation at home!
- Visit a highly rated restaurant or explore a new-to-you food district.
The Small-Town Trip
If you need a break from city or suburban life but aren’t into nature escapes, head to a small town! These places are often full of charm and history. Once you’re there, dive into the experience:
- Read historical plaques as you explore.
- Tour a historic home or visit the local museum.
- Stroll the main street and check out boutiques and vintage shops.
- Visit the farmers market, craft fair, or local festival.
- Stay at a bed & breakfast or historic inn for added charm.
The Cozy At-Home Retreat
Sometimes, the best getaway is no getaway at all—just a reset at home. But to make it feel like a true break, you need to be intentional about how you spend your time. It’s easy to let a staycation at home turn into just another weekend filled with chores, errands, or scrolling on your phone.
Instead, treat it as you would a trip—plan ahead, set boundaries, and fully embrace the experience. Here’s how to make an at-home retreat feel special:
- Limit chores—Prepare your space in advance so you’re not tempted to clean, do laundry, or tackle home projects.
- Unplug from work and social media—Set an out-of-office reply, mute notifications, and commit to being present.
- Create a themed experience—Try a Movie Marathon, Game Night, DIY Spa Day, Coffee & Book Weekend, or even an at-home wine tasting or tea party.
- Treat yourself to good food—Stock up on treats from a specialty market, try a meal kit, or plan to order in from a new or favorite restaurant.
- Do something out of the ordinary—Take a long bath, have breakfast in bed, light candles in the evening, or set up a cozy outdoor space to relax.
- Get dressed up or cozy up—Whether it’s putting on your favorite loungewear or dressing up for a homemade fancy dinner, changing up your routine helps it feel like an occasion.
- Incorporate little luxuries—Pull out the fancy dishware, play relaxing music, wear a plush robe, or open a bottle of wine you’ve been saving.
- Step outside your usual routine—Go for a scenic drive, visit a local farmers market, check out a local brewery or winery, or explore a new-to-you park or walking trail.
Tips for Making Your Staycation Feel Like a Real Vacation
A staycation should feel just as special as a trip away. To make the experience immersive and refreshing, consider these simple ways to enhance your time:
- Gift yourself (or a loved one): A restaurant or hotel gift card can be a fun way to commit to the plan and make it feel extra special.
- Curate some special items: Treat yourself to a new cozy outfit, a book you’ve been wanting to read, or anything that brings a sense of joy to your staycation.
- Dress up (or down): Whether it’s a fancy dinner out or cozy loungewear for a spa night, what you wear can help set the mood.
- Capture the moment: Take photos like you would on a vacation—it helps create memories and makes the experience feel more like a real getaway.
- Try something new: The key to a great getaway is novelty. Make a reservation at a new restaurant, explore a different neighborhood, or sign up for a local activity.
- Disconnect & unplug: Minimize screen time, set an out-of-office reply, and mute work notifications to truly embrace the break.
- Indulge a little: Order room service if you’re staying at a hotel, treat yourself to a massage, or splurge on a special meal.
- Skip the driving: If you’re headed into the city, use rideshare services or public transportation to avoid the stress of parking and navigating traffic.
- Make it nostalgic: Pack your favorite snacks, create a travel-inspired playlist, bring a fun game, or stop at roadside attractions if you’re driving.
Staycation Magic: Finding Adventure Right at Home
Staycations prove you don’t have to go far to feel refreshed. They’re a reminder that adventure, relaxation, and fun can be found close to home—you just have to make the time for it.
Whether it’s booking a night at a boutique hotel, heading to a cozy cabin, indulging in a foodie experience, or simply unplugging for a weekend at home, a staycation is all about shifting your mindset and being intentional with your time.
We try to do at least two staycations a year—little getaways in between some of our bigger trips. They give us a chance to slow down, appreciate what’s around us, and still experience that travel-like joy without the logistics of a major trip.
If you haven’t done a staycation before, start small and see what you think! You might be surprised at how refreshing it can be.
Have you tried a staycation before? Let me know what ideas I should try next or reach out if you need inspiration!
With joy,
Bri
