A staycation can be a wonderful way to relax and recharge without the stress of travelling far from home. Whether you’re looking to save money or prefer the comfort of your surroundings, a well-planned staycation can be a great alternative to a traditional vacation. Pick the dates for your staycation and mark them on your calendar. Treat these days like you would a regular vacation. Let your workplace know you’ll be unavailable, and avoid scheduling any appointments or commitments during this time.

Create a budget

Even though you’re staying home, it’s a good idea to set a budget for your staycation.

• Money for special meals or takeout
• Funds for local activities or day trips
• Cash for small home improvements to make your space more relaxing
• Having a budget helps you plan and avoid overspending.

Prepare your space

Make your home feel like a relaxing getaway:

• Clean and declutter your living areas
• Set up cosy spots for reading or relaxing
• Buy fresh flowers or plants to brighten up your space
• Stock up on snacks and drinks you enjoy
• Creating a peaceful environment at home is key to a relaxing staycation.

Plan your meals

Decide if you want to cook special meals at home or treat yourself to takeout. You might:

• Try new recipes you’ve been wanting to make
• Order from restaurants you don’t usually visit
• Have a picnic in your backyard or a local park
• Set up a fancy dinner at home with candles and music
• Food can be a highlight of your staycation, so plan some enjoyable meals.

Explore your local area

Even if you’ve lived in your area for a long time, there might be places you haven’t explored:

• Visit a nearby town you’ve never been to
• Check out local parks or nature reserves
• Try a restaurant in a different neighbourhood
• Look for hidden gems like small museums or art galleries

You might be surprised at what you can discover close to home. If you’re looking for activity ideas, try here: search online for “staycation activities” to find local options.

Create a spa day at home

Pamper yourself with a spa day:

• Take a long, relaxing bath
• Give yourself a facial or foot massage
• Paint your nails
• Apply a hair mask or deep conditioner
• Listen to calming music and light some candles

You can find DIY spa treatment recipes online. Here are some easy ideas that use ingredients you might already have at home.

Learn something new

Use your staycation to learn a new skill:

• Start an online course
• Watch tutorials for hobbies you’re interested in
• Practice a new language
• Learn to cook a new type of cuisine
• Try out meditation or a new form of exercise

Learning something new can be both fun and rewarding.

Have a tech – free day

Consider having at least one day of your staycation completely free from technology:

• Turn off your phone and computer
• Avoid watching TV
• Instead, read books, play board games, or spend time outdoors
• Enjoy conversations without digital distractions

A technological break can help you relax and reconnect with those around you.

Create special moments

Make your staycation memorable with special touches:

• Have breakfast in bed
• Set up an indoor camping night in your living room
• Create a themed dinner night (like a Hawaiian luau or Italian feast)
• Write in a journal to remember your staycation experiences
• Take photos of your favourite moments

These special touches can make your staycation feel more like a “real” vacation. The key to a relaxing staycation is to treat it like a real vacation. Your time off is for relaxing, trying new things, and enjoying. With good planning and the right mindset, a staycation can be just as refreshing as any other type of vacation.