Sometimes you want to travel and you just can’t. Whether that be your bank account screaming at you while you hurriedly refresh the page praying that it’s not true. Or you’re out of vacation days and a weekend trip doesn’t appeal to you. Whatever the reason may be, you can still “travel” and be a tourist in your own city. I’m talking about the ultimate staycation folks. Here’s how to do it!
Find a hotel
Skip this step if you’re broke AF but if you’re not, then consider booking a hotel for your staycation even if it’s just for the night. It’ll give you a change of scenery and make you feel like you’re traveling even if you’re just down the street. I’m always a sucker for a good hotel.
Look up things to do in your city
Don’t roll your eyes at me! Seriously don’t give me the whole “I’ve lived here for years and years…I know what there is to do in my own city”. Because you know you’re a creature of habit and you’ve found your fav activities and you don’t wander much from them. During this staycation, you’re going to do something completely new. What haven’t you tried before in your city? Do some google research. I’ve lived in Charlotte, NC for 4 years and I had no idea we have a pretty highly rated ghost tour, a plethora of food tours, some amazing looking cooking classes, etc. This part doesn’t have to cost money. What about a picnic in a park you’ve always wanted to go to? Or renting bikes for the day? Or even just exploring an area of town that you rarely frequent?
Find a new place to eat
There’s no way you’ve tried every single restaurant in your city. There has to be a place you’ve never eaten at before. Check out yelp or search for local blogs in the area and find something you haven’t tried before! That’ll definitely make your staycation feel like any other vacation.
Disconnect yourself
You don’t want this to feel like any other weekend in your city. Close your laptop, don’t take work calls, get a babysitter if you need to, etc. Get in the mindset of traveling because even if you didn’t drive or take a flight, you’re still on vacation!
Treat it like any other vacation
How do you usually prep for your other trips? Do you create a detailed itinerary? Call ahead and make reservations at every place? How about pick out all your clothes so that they go perfectly in all the insta photos? DO THE SAME FOR THIS!
Also, treat yo self
You’re on vacation…(have I said that enough times?). Splurge a little for your staycation. Get the wine pairing with that meal. Get a massage at the hotel. Buy yourself a new dress at a little shop you found. Or even just have your coffee in a real freaking mug instead of in a to go cup that you grabbed in between meetings.
Follow these steps and you’ll end the weekend thinking you just went on a trip. And better yet, you’ll discover all these wonderful spots that are just down the street.
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16 Comments
We like to do staycations here in Omaha! I love that it doesn’t require a huge investment, but it’s exactly the break that we need.
Absolutely! It’s all about taking a well deserved break!
Great tips here! Sometimes I take for granted how close I am to someajor tourists attractions (from Toronto) and should play tourist more often!
Absolutely! You’ll be surprised at how much there is to discover in your own city
I love the idea of trying to find unique experiences in your city. I’m always trying to find new restaurants, but never thought to look up cooking classes or other fun “date” activities.
Yes!! It will def make your next staycation better!
There is nothing like a weekend getaway – even in town, staying somewhere else helps me ignore the to do list and chores needing to be done around the house!
Most def! Such a fun way to just unwind
Love the tips….Weekend getaways are the best….But, i think sometimes, its also fun to not plan anything and randomly just decide and go on a trip with your bestie! its fun and I have done it!!!
Definitely! Unplanned trips are the best!
Honestly unplugging seriously is the most important part. I love staycations and will definitely remember this for my next one.
It truly is! Unplugging can be the hardest part sometimes but that makes it the most rewarding!
what a brilliant idea to plan it as if it was a vacation…. Choosing your outfit and making reservations etc always makes things feel more exciting – am definitely going to try this one weekend!
Yay glad to hear it!!
So funny- my hubs and I were actually just talking about taking a staycation! Love these tips 🙂
So glad you love them! Hope you have a wonderful staycation <3