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how to plan the best staycation

 

Staycations are the best, for a slew of reasons. They’re cheap and cheerful but with all the benefits of a proper vacation, and you can even make them happen at the last minute if you suddenly find that you have some PTO (Paid Time Off) that is expiring soon.

With everything up in the air at the moment and international travel a whole different ball game, a lot of us have had to change our plans. Perhaps you were looking forward to a cruise in 2021 or you had plans to go and see the Pyramids or the Northern Lights. We can still look forward to when we’re eventually able to do them, but we can also treat ourselves to an affordable staycation in the meantime.

And the good news for you is that if you’ve been thinking about having a staycation but you’ve not been sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know.
 

How to plan the best staycation

1.      Stay away from home

Just because you’re on a staycation, it doesn’t mean that you can’t stay away from home. Spend some time looking into retreats, hotels and Airbnb’s in your local area and pick one that’s affordable in a different neighborhood. Just the act of staying away from home will make your staycation much more enjoyable and help it to feel like a proper vacation.

2.      Rent a boat

If you live near a river or a shoreline, why not book some time on the water? There’s something about open water that has always made me feel comfortable, probably because we used to spend a lot of time in my grandpa’s boat when I was a kid. Boats are pretty cheap to rent (especially just for a day or two), and you don’t need to be a master seaman to spend some time on the water. If you prefer a more active vacation then you can take to the sea, but you can also have a lovely time taking it nice and easy on the rivers by renting a kayak or canoe.

3.      Have a spa day

Spa days can get expensive if you go to an actual spa, but who needs spas when you can pamper yourself at home and on the cheap? Whether you’re using DIY coconut oil hair masks or whether you’re simply sweet talking your partner into giving you a massage, it’s a great way to relax and unwind without stressing too much about money.

4.      Seek out your town’s tourist attractions

If you haven’t already, head over to TripAdvisor and look at your town’s top tourist attractions. Then make yourself a list of all of the ones that you haven’t been to and go and check them out. Remember that everywhere is home to someone, and whether you live in a small town or a big city, there’s sure to be something offered that’s designed to bring tourism into your town. You might as well enjoy it when it’s right there on your doorstep.

5.      Go on a walking tour

Walking tours have a number of benefits, from the fact that walking is good for you to the fact that tour guides tend to know a huge amount about the places they cover. Nowadays there are even some digital walking tours which are a great option for exploring the hidden secrets and historical significance of the city you call home.
 

Conclusion

Now that you know how to plan your perfect staycation, it’s up to you to make it happen. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to plan a staycation, and so now you just need to carve out some time in your calendar. Make time for activities outside your normal routine. You’ll feel just as refreshed as you do after any good vacation, and you won’t have to pay big bucks for the privilege. Happy staycation!



Note: This information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the businesses in question before making your plans.

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