5 Relaxing and Luxurious Ideas for Your Next Staycation

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You’re exhausted, and you need a break, but the thought of packing, airports, and tourist traps doesn’t make you want to go anywhere.

When choosing your next big vacation destination, “nowhere” might not have been at the top of your list, but it may be worth a second look. Far from a default setting or consolation prize, a staycation may compete with all-inclusive beach resorts for your next vacation.

A staycation, or holistay, is more than a convenient option. It’s your chance to relax and rejuvenate in the comfort of your home with all of the benefits of a vacation. It is a fantastic way to celebrate life with friends and family while reducing some of the stress of travel.

With many of the same benefits of an upscale trip abroad, plus a few of its own, you may want to consider whether a quality staycation is ideal for your next trip.

Idea Number 1: A Spa Oasis

Take a step into serenity (at home). Turn your bathroom into a luxious spa with very little details. Pick out 2-3 fluffy white towels, scented candles, and some calming music. Run a bubble bath infued with essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus. Add a bath bomb for extra fizz and fragrance. Set up a DIY facial station with masks, scrubs, and moisturizers. 

Maybe add an in-home massage session. Then spend the day in your coziest robe, sipping herbal tea and letting your mind relax. Consider adding a light walk and healthy meals to keep the vibe going.

Idea Number 2: A Culinary Adventure

Do you love to cook. Plan a themed cooking day where you explore the cuisine and culture of another country. Gather recipes, shop for ingredients, and learn some new cooking tips. 

Set the mood with music from the region and decorate your dining area to match the theme if your heart desires. Make it an immersive experience and consider inviting your friends and family. Don’t forget a signature cocktail or mocktail to set the destination and toast your new culinary skills. This experience is guaranteed to transport you to another place. 

Idea Number 3: A Backyard Glamping Night

Who says you need to travel far to enjoy the great outdoors? Turn your backyard into a glamping paradise with a few creative touches.

Set up a tent or a cozy teepee, string up some fairy lights, and lay down plush blankets and pillows. Create a fire pit area for roasting marshmallows and telling stories under the stars.

Don’t forget the comforts of home—bring out a portable speaker for some tunes, a cooler filled with your favorite snacks and drinks, and maybe even a projector for an outdoor movie night. Work to blend the charm of camping with the luxuries you love. And if you need to sneak back inside for a bathroom break or extra marshmallows, it’s just a few steps away!

Idea Number 4: A Reading Retreat

Now’s the perfect time to dive in to that book you’ve been wanting to read. Create a cozy reading nook in your home with a comfortable chair, soft blankets, and good lighting. Maybe even set up a little bookshop café vibe with some fresh coffee, pastries, and a playlist of gentle background music.

Dedicate a couple of days to unplugging and immersing yourself in different worlds. Set goals to finish a book or two, and maybe even start a book journal to jot down thoughts and favorite quotes. It’s a mini-retreat for your mind, allowing you to relax and escape without ever leaving your home. Happy reading!

Idea Number 5: A Mini Escape

There’s never a bad time to vacation. Indulge in a mini escape easily without the hassle of long-distance travel.

Start by hiring a housekeeper to thoroughly clean your home while you enjoy a night in a local hotel. Then, choose a cozy boutique hotel or a luxurious suite where you can unwind and feel pampered. This brief change of scenery can do wonders for your mind and spirit.

Next, become a tourist in your own city. Visit attractions you’ve never explored, try a new restaurant, or take a walking tour of a neighborhood you rarely visit. Look for unique experiences like a local art exhibit, a food festival, or a scenic park.

This fresh perspective will make you appreciate the hidden gems right in your backyard. It’s all about breaking the routine and discovering the charm of your own city.

Staycation Trade-Offs

A staycation isn’t always the ideal choice. There are trade-offs that might make a traditional vacation a better option for you, at least this time. Since time off is a precious resource for most of us, it’s crucial to weigh all factors before deciding how to spend it.

One major factor is the allure of “getting away.” Traveling to a far-off destination can make it easier to disconnect from daily life, whereas staying home might mean dealing with a messy kitchen, off-the-clock work emails, or a leaky faucet.

Before transforming your home into the Mi Casa, the resort, consider the novelty aspect of a vacation. Many people love travel for the new experiences, whether it’s nightlife, excursions, or gourmet culinary adventures.

Creating such novelty at home may not feel as fulfilling or come as naturally, though it’s definitely possible to bring some excitement to your backyard.

As you’ve discovered already, there are several fantastic ways to plan a staycation that is restful, exciting, and fulfilling. You might find one that perfectly suits your next family holiday, but that doesn’t mean stay-at-home time off should replace all your family travels.

Benefits of a Staycation

At first glance, a staycation may seem boring compared to luxurious accommodations, distant getaways, and resorts overlooking the ocean. However, there are several perks to booking your next relaxing vacation right at home.

Whether your family trip is to a secluded getaway in the mountains, a blissful tropical cruise, a boutique hotel in a vibrant city, or a foreign country with a rich history to explore, the benefits of vacationing remain much the same:

• Disconnect from work and the day-to-day grind
• Unwind and connect with friends, family, or loved ones
• Discover new experiences and create memories
• Learn, explore, and gain a new perspective on life

The hidden truth is that you can achieve all these things without ever setting foot on a plane, ship, or train. There are many opportunities for you to heal, recharge, experience, enjoy, and luxuriate right where you are. All it takes is a bit of intention and creativity.

Unique Advantages of Staying Local

A staycation can have many therapeutic traits in common with a trip to Aspen, Tokyo, Disney World, or Bali. Although, at the same time, vacations to luxury hotels around the world carry many costs that a staycation does not:

• Per-person monetary expenses such as airfare, hotels, activities, meals out, souvenirs, and other purchases
• The emotional energy and stress of planning a big trip, working out an itinerary and where to stay, making sure all reservations and documents are in order, and remembering not to leave one of the kids behind at home
• The time and physical exhaustion of travel days, recovery days, and jet lag

If it is possible to achieve even some of the refreshing nature of a vacation, with none of these added stresses and costs, isn’t it worth at least considering? A staycation can be an effective way to have fun experiences, find some mental and emotional healing, and cut back on excess spending.