5 Fun and Affordable ideas for the Ultimate Staycation

You finally have a few days off and you started your morning sipping from a hot cup of coffee, scrolling through your social media feed. As you see the mandatory post from someone who’s always on an exotic vacation, you’re starting to feel a bit jealous that while they’re out there having fun, you’ll use this break to catch up on groceries and binge watch whatever’s trending on Netflix.

But don’t let your enthusiasm fade away just yet. Just because you’re at home, that doesn’t mean you can’t relax and have fun. You don’t necessarily need a plane ticket and a fancy hotel to try something new, and being at home doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you live alone or with your family, a staycation can be a fun way to unwind. Who knew you don’t need to spend weeks syncing schedules, checking the weather, and comparing accommodation options?

1. Be a tourist in your own city

It’s totally understandable that you would rather be in Paris right now, but did you know that even Parisians get tired of their amazing city simply because they see it every day and they’ve already got used to it?

Think of the last time you saw something in your area for the first time. Your daily commute, coupled with the stress of daily life, can prevent you from discovering and enjoying your city with a tourist’s excitement.

Forget about your work-home route and the park you usually walk through every day. Did the local museum open a new exhibition that you never got around to visiting? Or maybe a nice restaurant that’s trending on Yelp? Have a look on TripAdvisor and you might be surprised to see that there are many attractions you don’t know. Getting into the vacation mindset at home can reignite the love for your city and make you feel refreshed, as if you’ve been away.

2. Spend a lazy weekend by the pool

Does your home have a pool, but you’ve been so busy that you forgot about it? This staycation is the perfect occasion to take that sunbed out of the garage and get a little bit of sun. Swimming is incredibly good for your health, and this light workout is just what your body needs after sitting in an office chair for so long.

Don’t have a pool? Installing one is easier than you’d expect. Above the ground pools, for instance, are surprisingly easy to set up, not to mention affordable. Another benefit of being above the ground is that they require little maintenance, so this won’t be a costly investment. If you also take the time to decorate the area around the pool and invite your friends over for a cocktail, you’ll feel like you’re having a vacation in a fancy hotel in no time!

3. Treat yourself to a spa day

If you lead a busy lifestyle, chances are you make time for haircut appointments, massage, and manicure between meetings or chores, or maybe you don’t even remember when you didn’t do all these things at home.

Since you won’t be spending any money on a vacation, why not treat yourself and take an entire day just for the pampering things that make you feel like a princess? We’re talking massage, manicure, hair styling at the salon, spa, facial, the whole package. And if you still don’t like splurging on beauty rituals or you feel more comfortable at home, there are many great DIY ideas you can try. If you have a daughter, you can go for a 2-in-1 and use this at-home SPA day to catch up. To end the day, watch a comedy together and bond over hot chocolate and popcorn.

4. Attend a local event

There are many events that happen in your city every weekend, from food festivals and free dance classes to concerts and art exhibits. Most of the time, we’re too busy and tired to check them out. This staycation, have a look on Facebook and find out what fun events are happening near you. Who knows, maybe this way you’ll meet new people, contribute to a noble cause and even discover a new hobby.

Don’t be afraid to go a little out of your comfort zone and check out something that you wouldn’t normally attend.

5. Go camping in your garden

If you’re the lucky owner of a large garden, you probably use it for the occasional barbecue or get-together with your friends. But why not step things up a bit and go camping in your garden? Set up the tent and, when the sun starts to set, gather the entire family and get ready for some good old-fashioned digital-detox. Tell stories, share a meal, play games, read a book together and, most importantly: do not go in the house. Roleplaying is a major part of this experience, which is why it can be so much more whimsical if you spend it with your kids.

When spending your days off at home, you might feel tempted to slip into the same routine, even though many fun things are happening around you. Staycations don’t have to be boring and uneventful. By changing your mindset and finding fun things to do, your staycation can leave you feeling as inspired and refreshed as a city break!