The idea of the staycation, which emerged during the pandemic years, was a response to the escalation of travel restrictions. Staying at home for your vacation might sound less than exciting initially, but with a touch of creativity and a festive spirit, your staycation can easily rival an out-of-town trip. To make your staycation shine, here are nine fantastic ideas to consider.
The places the locals never visit
Most cities have tourist attractions that many locals never get around to seeing. Research online and visit local historical sites, amusement parks, hiking trails and museums that have been on your “someday” list.
Host a neighborhood backyard movie night
Rent a projector and a large movie screen and find a great film with popular appeal. Invite neighbors to bring their outdoor chairs and snacks and enjoy a backyard movie night.
Have special days for the girls and the boys
Mothers and daughters can schedule an at-home spa day with facial treatments, mani-pedis and other pampering. Fathers and sons can go golfing, fishing, or other outdoor activities together.
Family cook night
Have a family meeting to plan a big meal with many featured dishes. Let each family member prepare one part of the meal.
Back to nature, sort of staycation
Pitch a tent under the stars, roll out the sleeping bags, and light up the fire pit for a backyard campout. This is almost a mandatory rite of passage for kids and their parents.
Go day tripping
Take a day trip to magical places within a day’s drive of home. Picturesque little towns, antique shops, historical homes and state parks within an easy drive can make for a rich trove of memories. Research before you go so that you are aware of closures and restrictions on hours or crowd sizes brought on by the pandemic.
Start a new hobby
YouTube and other internet sites offer a virtual classroom for most anything you’ve been thinking you might like to learn. Use your time off to launch a new interest and life skill.
Volunteer
Join a church mission team or community service project that builds shelters, feeds or delivers clothes to people struggling to make ends meet. The personal reward is priceless.
Hit the country road during a staycation
Drive out of the city, leave behind the light pollution and go stargazing. Download an app like Night Sky or SkyView Lite to learn the names and locations of heavenly bodies. How cool is it to know that the bright star in the southern sky is the planet Jupiter?
Related – Buying a Vacation Home With Family or Friends
