Short on vacation time or travel funds, but need a break? A staycation is the perfect way to get a reprieve from daily life, while keeping costs low.
Not sure where to start with planning a staycation? Here are some ideas:
Camp in your backyard—or living room
In the comfort of your own backyard, plan a night of outdoorsy fun. Pitch a tent. Build a campfire. Roast marshmallows. Stargaze. Who knows? Maybe you’ll make backyard camping your new summer tradition.
But I live in a fifth floor walk-up apartment, you say. Noted. Here’s where you get creative and pitch said tent right in your living room (or kitchen, or wherever it will fit). Cue up the Night Sky app, turn on a campfire via YouTube, and sip cocktails from your Yeti mug. Best of all? No mosquitoes.
Order from your favorite restaurant
It goes without saying that your favorite local restaurant would love to help you up your staycation ante with a gourmet meal. Plus, who doesn’t need a night off from cooking? Treat yourself to delivery or place an order for pick up. Either way, your dinner plans are sorted and you’ve supported a local business in the process.
Plan an outdoor adventure on your staycation
Hiking, biking, walking—the list goes on. No matter which activity you choose, get outside and leave the screens behind. Explore a part of your neighborhood you never even knew existed. Doing so will help improve your mood, release endorphins, and break a sweat—a boost for your mind and your body.
Read the books you’ve been meaning to
Whether your Goodreads app is overloaded with “Want to Read” books or your bookshelf is moaning under the weight of your to-be-read pile, a staycation is the perfect time to indulge in your second favorite form of escapism: reading. Looking for a tale to satisfy your wanderlust? I rounded up 15 books with stories from around the world.
Tip: If you can’t get to a bookstore, you can order online from Bookshop and still support your local indie.
Schedule a spa day
Speaking of zen, what staycation is complete without a spa day? The key is to plan ahead for the self-care essentials you’ll need. I'm thinking face masks (the moisturizing kind), bubble bath, a deep-conditioning hair mask, a fluffy robe—you get the idea. Work your way through your subscription box miniatures or order the essentials from your favorite online beauty retailer. All that’s left to do is don your robe and slippers, pop a little bubbly, and treat yo’self.
Master the art of doing nothing
Of course, the last thing you need is a vacation from your staycation. So, if none of the above activities—make that, any activities—suit you, then do just that: nothing. Your staycation, your rules.
So today—no, right now—pick a day to take completely off. Submit your PTO request and mark it on your calendar; do whatever’s needed to make it official. There’s no time like the present to prioritize self-care and your mental health. Your post-staycation self will thank you for it.
