For hard-working people like you, a staycation can be a fun and budget-friendly way to enjoy some time away from home without having to drive for hundreds of miles or wait in endless security lines at the airport.
While you are fine with the idea of a staycation instead of your traditional adventures, you still want to feel like you are getting away and relaxing, instead of merely camping at some local resort. Fortunately, with some pre-planning, it is quite possible to have an amazing staycation in your home town. Here’s how.
1. Choose a Theme
Decide ahead of time what type of staycation you want to have, suggests Allianz Travel Insurance. This will help you choose which resort and/or other activities you do, and it will decrease the likelihood of you merely frittering away your days off. Ideas include a Foodie Staycation and making reservations at a couple/few incredible local restaurants; a Tourist Staycation where you finally see the local museums and other locations you’ve always wanted to check out; or the Ahhhhhh Staycation, where you book rooms at a cushy resort and spend your days at the pool or getting pampered in the spa.
2. Prepare Your Home
Since you will be close by during your staycation, you may feel you don’t have to be as careful about securing your home. But just as you would before any vacation, make sure you stop the mail or ask a trusted neighbor to pick it up, set timers so lights will go off and on, and refrain from telling your co-workers and everyone you know on social media about your staycation dates and plans. If you have always wanted to invest in a home security camera system, doing so before you head to the local resort is a great idea. You can purchase a camera system that allows you to buy the devices outright without signing a contract. For example, Lorex Technology offers a variety of security camera systems, including wired-in versions along with wireless and wire-free that are easy to install. As a major bonus, you can use the Lorex app to access the footage; this way, if you want to check in on your home and property while you are away, you can easily do so and set your mind at ease.
3. Don’t Forget to Look Online for Deals
You are probably used to searching for deals online when planning an out-of-town vacation. As Business Insider notes, you can do the same when planning your staycation. Sit down on the couch with your laptop and check for any and all discounts and coupon codes that you can use at the hotel or resort, restaurants and other activities you want to do. Your research might also uncover hidden gems and ideas that you hadn’t considered, like a city tour, pub crawl, outdoor concert and/or other fun activities.
4. Set a Budget
Like any vacation, you want to set a budget and have a general idea of how much money you can spend. Fortunately, since you are not shelling out big bucks for plane fare, rental cars and several tanks of gasoline, you will probably have some room in your budget for a few splurges. You can probably visit that amazing steakhouse and enjoy an incredible dinner on your staycation and/or have a mini shopping spree at the nearby outlets while keeping your Visa balance low.
Have a Wonderful Time
You do not have to travel hundreds or thousands of miles from home to have the vacation you need and deserve. By staying local and enjoying a cushy resort and some other activities, you will return from your staycation relaxed, refreshed and ready to plan the next one.
