Ways to Plan a Great Staycation!

1. Create a Budget

The first step to planning a successful staycation is creating a budget. While staycations typically save money compared to traditional vacations, wisely managing your expenses is still essential. Your budget should cover various aspects of your staycation: 

• Accommodation: If you decide to stay elsewhere, whether it’s a hotel, vacation rental, or a cozy cabin, allocate a portion of your budget for lodging. Consider inviting friends or family to share the accommodation costs if you choose this option. 
• Transportation: Calculate transportation expenses if you plan to use public transit, rideshares, or any other form of transportation during your staycation. 
• Meals: Account for dining expenses, including meals at restaurants and groceries if you plan to cook at home. Dining out can be a delightful part of your staycation, but it’s essential to budget for these indulgences. 
• Activities and Entertainment: Allocate funds for activities, attractions, and entertainment, such as tickets to museums, amusement parks, or shows, as well as any equipment rentals or fees for guided tours. 
• Extras and Incidentals: Set aside some money for unexpected expenses or spontaneous treats that may arise during your staycation. 

2. Invite Your Friends

Staycations are often more enjoyable when shared with friends or family. Consider who you’d like to spend time with and plan activities everyone can enjoy together. Here are a few ideas: 

• Family Adventures: Plan family-friendly activities like a day at the zoo, a picnic in the park, or a visit to a local museum. These experiences create lasting memories and strengthen family bonds. 
• Friends Night Out: Invite your closest friends for a night out or a weekend staycation. You can go to a live music event, have a game night, or simply enjoy a cozy dinner together. 
• Couples Retreat: If you’re in a relationship, use your staycation as a chance to reconnect. Plan romantic outings like a sunset beach picnic, a couples’ spa day, or a hike to a scenic overlook. 
• Children’s Day: If you have kids, let them be part of the staycation planning process. Ask them what activities they’d like to do, whether it’s a themed movie night, a visit to an amusement park, or a day of crafting at home. 

Inviting loved ones to join your staycation makes it more enjoyable and allows you to share the cost of activities and accommodations, making it a budget-friendly option.

3. Try Something New

One of the joys of staycationing is the opportunity to explore new experiences right in your own city or town. Step outside your comfort zone and try things you’ve never done before: 

• New Restaurants: Make a list of restaurants or eateries you’ve never visited and sample their cuisine. Explore different cuisines, from exotic flavors to local specialties. 
• Unusual Activities: Seek out unique activities or classes in your area. It could be anything from pottery workshops and dance lessons to rock climbing or kayaking. 
• Different Accommodations: If you decide to stay elsewhere for a change of scenery, consider booking a boutique hotel, a cozy bed-and-breakfast, or a themed Airbnb. 
• Cultural Experiences: Look for cultural events like art exhibitions, live theater performances, or music festivals happening during your staycation. 

Trying new things during your staycation adds a sense of adventure and novelty, making your time off more memorable.

4. Do Things You Love to Do

While staycations are an excellent opportunity to try new things, remember to indulge in activities you already love. This balance ensures that you have a well-rounded and enjoyable staycation experience: 

• Favorite Restaurants: Plan meals at your favorite restaurants or order your go-to dishes for takeout. Enjoy the comfort of familiar flavors. 
• Hobbies and Interests: Dedicate time to your hobbies, whether it’s reading, painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument. Your staycation is the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in your passions. 
• Movie and TV Binge: Create a cozy movie night at home with a selection of your all-time favorite films or binge-watch a TV series you’ve been wanting to see. 
• Relaxation: Allocate moments of relaxation to unwind. These could be taking long walks, practicing yoga, or simply lounging with a good book. 

Balancing new experiences with cherished activities ensures that your staycation is exciting and restorative.

5. Plan Ahead for a Seamless Staycation

For coordinating schedules with others or ensuring that you get to do the things you want to do, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Booking essential elements of your staycation in advance will help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Here are some key aspects to consider: 

• Restaurant Reservations: If you plan to dine out during your staycation, especially at popular restaurants, make reservations in advance to eliminate the frustration of long waiting times and guarantee you a table at your preferred dining spot. 
• Transportation: If you’ll be using transportation services like taxis or rideshares, book them ahead of time to secure your rides when needed, ensuring you won’t be left waiting when you’re ready to explore. 
• Attraction Tickets: Purchase tickets to local attractions or activities in advance to make the most of your staycation, which can often save you money and help you avoid standing in line, allowing you to dive right into the fun. 

Proactively managing these aspects of your staycation will allow you to enjoy your planned activities without the stress of last-minute arrangements. This careful planning will maximize your relaxation and enjoyment during your time off.

To read more tips about planning your staycation, please visit our partner site, Living50+.