Our Top 10 FAVORITE Staycation Hacks!

 

 

 

 

If you're looking for a pampering experience, forgo camping and reserve a room at a nearby hotel, resort, or charming bed-and-breakfast. This is a fantastic way to view your hometown from a new perspective and enjoy a weekend as a tourist. Plus, you can savor the pleasures of ordering room service and returning to a freshly made-up room each day.

 

 

An activity that lets you explore your local area, immerse yourself in the healing power of the great outdoors, enjoy a complete change of scenery, and learn new skills? That's what we call a staycation win. If staying at home during your time off is driving you stir-crazy, camping is the perfect remedy for cabin fever. Even backyard or living room camping can be a fun change of pace if you don't have easy access to campgrounds in your area.

 

 

You might live in a town that attracts many visitors, yet you've never fully embraced the role of a tourist and explored the area's main attractions. A staycation is the perfect opportunity to finally check off those landmarks and activities

 

 

Is there a neighborhood in your city that you've always wanted to explore more deeply, or an area you visit often but have never spent the night in? Make weekend plans to visit this part of town and stay in an Airbnb. Alternatively, arrange for a house swap with someone you trust. Booking an Airbnb is a great way to gain a fresh perspective on your hometown.

 

 

Treat yourself to a day of indulgent self-care by booking a visit to a local spa, whether it's part of a nearby resort or a stand-alone location. Many spas offer day passes for a fee, especially if you haven't booked a treatment, so consider treating yourself to a pampering service or scheduling a full day of back-to-back appointments.

 

 

For a fresh, enlightening experience close to home, consider taking a food tour of your city or a nearby area. Join a professionally organized tour with a guide if possible, or create your own itinerary with stops for small plates or single courses at restaurants you've been curious about. Another option is to theme your tour around a specific dish—like dessert, tacos, or appetizers—and explore different interpretations from various eateries.

 

 

While you might live far from your dream parks in Orlando or Anaheim, there's plenty to discover closer to home. Dig a little deeper and you'll find that some of the best theme parks in the United States are located in unexpected places like Dollywood in Tennessee and Silver Dollar City in Missouri. You might also be within driving distance of a Six Flags park, offering a fun day trip or weekend getaway.

 

 

If you've already explored much of your hometown, try a scavenger hunt to challenge your perceptions and see your surroundings in a new light. Gather your family and friends to create a list of scavenger hunt items, such as finding a specific type of car or street art, or incorporating riddles into the list for added fun and intrigue.

 

 

Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering participants the thrill of solving life-size puzzles. You may have several in your area that are worth exploring. In an escape room, participants are "locked in" and tasked with solving clues and puzzles to find the key that allows them to exit. These experiences are typically overseen by a supervisor who provides hints and assistance if needed, ensuring a fun and challenging adventure for all involved.

 

 

A staycation provides the perfect opportunity to finally try out that ceramics, aerial silks, woodworking, glassblowing, jiu-jitsu, rollerskating, or any other type of class you've been curious about. Explore your town to discover businesses offering classes or workshops that catch your interest. Even if you only take one class, stepping out of your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding.

 

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References: Travel + Leisure's article on best staycation ideas