7 Easy Ways to Plan the Perfect Staycation
Travel experts share simple ways to unplug, reset, and rediscover your city—no flights required
If you need a vacation but don’t have the time, money, or energy to travel far from home, don’t fret. Increasingly, travelers are planning staycations in their own cities to get some much-needed rest and relaxation.
“It’s about intentionally carving out restorative time and getting a break from your usual routine,” explains Mandy Menaker, director of communications of ResortPass.
She says people are drawn to staycations because they “want quicker, more repeatable rest—not a once-a-year escape. Even a day can make a real difference. A few intentional hours of rest or play are better than none.”
Moreover, a staycation can help you gain a deeper appreciation for your hometown or a nearby city.
“A staycation is about becoming a tourist in your own city—intentionally stepping outside your routine to rediscover experiences close to home,” explains Brent DeRaad, president and CEO of the Arlington Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“You eliminate airfare, long drives, and travel stress, allowing you to maximize your time and budget while still enjoying something new,” he adds.
Here are seven tips for planning a fantastic staycation
1. Intentionally disconnect
Even if you’re only going around the corner, inform everyone you know and trust that you are on vacation.
“Put an out-of-office on, silence notifications, block off your calendar, and set boundaries,” recommends Brad Jones, executive director of Visit Bellevue, Washington. “A staycation only works if you protect the time.”
2. Choose a theme for your trip
If you aren’t sure what to do during your staycation—or think you’ve already experienced everything your city has to offer—pick a theme, suggests Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit.
“A culinary weekend, arts and culture escape, or sports fan getaway creates a focus and makes the experience feel curated,” he says.
3. Plan an itinerary
“The key to a successful staycation is commitment,” says Jones. “Treat it like a real trip and plan an itinerary, even if it’s light. Once you book a room, dining, and activities, you mentally switch gears.”
To get into this mindset, consider what you would do with your best friend if they were in town for the weekend, suggests Frederick Jones, guest relations director of the AAA Four Diamond NH Collection New York Madison Avenue.
“Think of a heartfelt itinerary that highlights the best of the best, including a few off-the-beaten-path options,” he says.
4. Leave space for unplanned moments
Even though having a plan is important, Brad Jones advises against overscheduling.
“Leave space for wandering, coffee shop hopping, or lingering in a park,” so your staycation is truly restorative, he suggests.
Frederick Jones agrees: “Leave time to be spontaneous. Some of the best memories on a staycation are those that are unplanned.”
5. Book one indulgence
Even if you are on a budget, include one splurge during your staycation.
“Booking a suite, trying a tasting menu, or indulging in a spa experience becomes the highlight that people remember the most,” says Molinari.
Upgrading from a standard poolside lounger to a cabana or daybed can also make a staycation feel special, Menaker adds. If that isn’t in your budget, she suggests splurging on a few fun drinks or desserts to make your experience feel extra special instead.
6. Try something new
Part of the excitement of being on vacation is discovering something new. Even if you have lived in the same city your entire life, there’s always something fresh to discover, whether it’s a special museum exhibit or trying a restaurant that recently opened.
“A staycation is an excellent way to experience something you haven’t tried before,” even if it’s in your own backyard, Molinari says.
7. Select your hotel wisely
Don’t overlook the impact your hotel choice will have on your staycation experience.
For many, a key element of a restorative staycation is “checking into a hotel, enjoying a beautifully made bed, lingering over breakfast, sitting in a calm lobby with a coffee or a cocktail, and letting someone else take care of the details,” Frederick Jones says.
Some hotels that excel at creating memorable stays include AAA preferred partners such as Grand Hyatt, Tempo by Hilton, and JW Marriott properties around the country.
Contact your hotel’s concierge ahead of your stay for insider tips and recommendations to elevate your visit. You may even be surprised with a special touch that makes your staycation more memorable.
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With a little intention and planning, your next staycation can feel just as refreshing—and just as meaningful—as a getaway miles from home.