Do you ever spend the occasional summer feeling envious of other people going on all sorts of fabulous vacations while you have to stay local most of the time?
This happens to many people, as sometimes, it can be too difficult to vacation during the summer, and thanks to platforms like social media, it’s easy to get wrapped up in looking at other people’s extravagant trips.
However, this is a great time to embrace ‘staycations,’ or fun day trips and weekend plans you can make while staying local. While we’d all love to go on a trip and spend nights in nice hotels around the world, you can still treat yourself to some fun adventures while staying close to home.
Here are some fun ideas for making the most out of a staycation.
Spend a night at a nearby hotel
If you’re a sucker for a relaxing hotel room and can afford to book a night or two in one, head to a local hotel for a break from home! Staying in a hotel in a nearby town or city or even going to one that isn’t far from your house can still provide you with a break in routine and time away from home.
Sometimes, sleeping in a different bed, enjoying room service, and swimming in a hotel pool can be all you need to feel refreshed.
Cross a nearby activity off your bucket list
Is there a day trip you’ve had on the docket for years? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do that could be accomplished through a day trip? Now is the time to do it! Something that’ll make staycations feel worthwhile is doing something you’ve always wanted to do or seeing something you’ve always wanted to see.
Maksym Azovtsev – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
For instance, go to that cool store, zoo, farm, beach, or museum you’ve been meaning to visit that isn’t too far from home and cross it off your list. It’ll make you feel more accomplished, and you’ll be glad to see something new.
Go see a show
One of my favorite ways to enjoy time off and gain some cultural experience is to see a show. Support a community theater near you, buy tickets to a play or musical, dress up, have a nice meal beforehand, and enjoy a show.
If you can’t afford theater tickets, which can get expensive from time to time, treat yourself to a fun trip to the movies and enjoy a film you haven’t seen yet. Seeing a show is a fun experience and can help take your mind off your usual routine.
Go window shopping in a nearby town
Visiting a nearby town is a great way to spend a staycation, but the key is really immersing yourself in the town. Go window shopping and pop into all different kinds of stores, from retail to bookstores.
You don’t have to buy anything; just look around, meet some locals, and see if you discover any treasures along the way. Stop for a meal at a local restaurant before heading home, and you’ve had yourself a full day of exploring.
Book a spa day
For many people, the whole purpose of a vacation is doing ‘nothing’ and relaxing. If you are one of those people, book yourself a bunch of relaxing treatments at a local spa. Enjoy a massage, facial, mani-pedi, etc. If you have the money to spend on a vacation but can’t travel due to your schedule, then put that money towards some self-care.
I know the struggle of wanting to take a vacation and not being able to go too far from home. However, when planned properly, a staycation can be an amazing experience that will make your summer more memorable.
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.