3 Easy Steps to Planning the Ultimate Staycation

by Jenny Javitch, Founder of Global Game Plan

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Definition of staycation in black and dark blue text

Whether you typically plan an annual birthday vacation, take an international vacation every year or you’re a big fan of the multi-state road trip, there are plenty of benefits to taking a staycation versus a vacation (or in addition to your vacation). Follow these three easy steps to get started on planning a staycation and you’ll be on your way in no time.

Step 1. Decide the purpose and style of your staycation

Man wearing a hat and hanging out in the bathroom with swim toys, a beach ball and a selfie stick

Think about why you want to take a staycation and the type of staycation you want to have. Maybe you want to spend more time alone or with a significant other; take a break from the kids (or plan a family staycation); avoid the hassles of a big travel experience while enjoying your own city (with bonus points for reducing your carbon footprint); have fun without spending a lot of money; or just plain old relax.

Time is your friend during staycation planning – you can plan ahead to find the best deals on lodging or meals, and you can alter your plans if your child gets sick or the weather changes for the worse. Staycations are also the perfect way to use the work vacation day or PTO (paid time off) to which you are entitled so you won’t become one of the many Americans who waste or los e their annual vacation days.

Once you determine the purpose and style of your staycation, you can decide who to invite as your staycay companion(s).

Step 2. Choose your staycation activities

Some of your activity options will depend on your location and the size of your city. Decide which of the following fun staycation activity ideas (budget-friendly options included) would be a great fit for your staycation itinerary.

Make a list of all the attractions in your area you’ve been wanting to visit – everything from museum exhibits or pop-up shops to that classic video arcade or axe throwing bar.

Brightly colored outdoor wall with the word “museum” on it. Green grass below and blue skies with clouds above.

Budget-friendly alternative: Google or search the internet for “top free things to do in X city” and plan your day around these ideas. Stay nearby so you can walk or take public transportation.

Take a cooking class or eat at a newly opened restaurant.

Dark wooden table in a restaurant with two glasses of wine, some appetizers and a small vase with flowers

Budget-friendly alternatives: Plan your staycation around your city’s Restaurant Week or go out to dinner when your favorite restaurant offers a date night special, which usually happens during the week on less busy evenings. (Pro-tip – restaurants don’t care if the second person for this deal is actually your “date”). Or, eat and drink at off-times during happy hour or late-night happy hour. If you prefer to take it easy, pack a cooler with food and drinks from home and enjoy a picnic lunch at a local park.

Check to see if there are upcoming sporting events, concerts or shows during your staycation. Think about any movies you’ve been dying to see.

High view of a baseball stadium with fans in the surrounding seats

Budget-friendly alternatives: Hit up a matinee movie, or head to the discount theater. Also, maximize your babysitting hours and tack on an overnight stay to your already planned evening out.

Take a tour in your own city or view it from a different vantage point. There’s always the hop-on hop-off bus tour in bigger cities or other unique activities, but also consider a behind-the-scenes tour of a sports stadium, downtown architectural tour, ghost/haunted tour, an e-bike riding tour or a pub crawl.

Grey sign on a brick wall with the word “ghost walk” with an arrow written in white

Budget-friendly alternative: Go antiquing on your local Main Street or browse a local record shop or Barnes & Noble. Small towns within driving distance also make great staycation choices (or day-long shopping trips).

If you can’t decide on an established tour then create your own…go coffee shop hopping, search for street art/graffiti and murals while walking around the neighborhood, make several stops at local ice cream shops or create your own progressive dinner (with stops for drinks/appetizers, full dinner, and dessert).

Cappuccino machine pours two streams of coffee into a white mug

Budget-friendly alternative: Use up some gift cards or coupons you’ve been saving and make your way around town without being pressed for time. Gro upo n has lots of local discounts especially at off-hours that would be perfect for a staycation.

Book a trendy vacation rental or reserve a hotel with a swimming pool or hot tub.

White and grey lounge chair (with a blue patterned pillow) sits on the brown deck of an Airbnb rooftop deck. A green plant in a grey planter sits in the corner and a blue square side table sits next to the lounge chair

Budget-friendly alternatives: Since you’re not traveling out of town, be flexible with the date of your staycation and search for the best deal before you decide to book a hotel or Airbnb.. Book a refundable room with cancellation at least 24 hours before in case you find a better deal and you want to switch hotels. Also try to find one with complimentary breakfast or coffee included. If you’re using Airbnb for the first time, this article will help you choose the best one.

For a relaxing staycation, sleep in and then treat yourself to a spa day or retreat.

White bottle of lotion, light brown towel, a candle and pink flowers showcase a relaxing scene

Budget-friendly alternatives: Cozy up in a new space (or at home), read one of your book club recommendations or use a free trial on a streaming service to binge watch a show on your list.

Use a Polaroid or other instant camera to uniquely capture your staycation memories.

Budget-friendly alternatives: Cross something off your to-do list by creating that photobook you’ve been putting off for a while.

Step 3. Use these resources to book your staycation and then have a wonderful time!

Letters spell out “have fun” in red, yellow, green and orange letters

Helpful Research: Read your hometown’s guidebook, visit the website of your local Convention & Tourism Bureau or search through Pinterest for additional ideas.

Lodging: Orbi tz, VRBO or Airbnb

Tours & Activities: Airbnb Experiences, Get Your Guide, or Ticketmaster

Discounts: Group on, R akuten, or AAA (membership required)

Photo Gear: Quick Travel Camera Guide

P.S. If you’re dreaming of an international vacation while on your local staycation, you can try out a subscription box of worldly snacks or enjoy coffee from across the globe or read about your next destination in a popular travel magazine.

If you liked these ideas, there’s more where they came from. Check out the travel planning services that Global Game Plan offers. It’s our job to make travel easier for you! We can help plan your trip activities and transportation to your final destination, and we’re happy to help with Airbnb rentals as well. Contact us today!

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Activities, Travel TipsJenny JavitchMarch 15, 2020Staycation, Airbnb, Airbnb Experiences, Hotel