With summer coming up, you’re probably looking forward to some well-deserved time off or adding a little excitement to the months ahead. Most people seek out more fun, relaxation, or adventure in the summertime, which often means taking a vacation. But you don’t have to lug your suitcase around to enjoy the sunny season or spend quality time with the people you love.
While vacations can offer a welcome change of scenery, many are discovering the benefits of staycations as an appealing alternative to traditional road trips, weeks at the lake, beach getaways, and jetting off to tourist hot spots. A staycation allows you to take a break from your daily routine while enjoying the comforts of home, addressing concerns, and offering advantages beyond just cost savings.
Staycations are a great way to reduce stress and allow more time for relaxation. Traveling to new destinations is often stressful and exhausting, with the pressure to see and do everything in a short amount of time. Staycations, on the other hand, allow you to take a more leisurely approach to your downtime with no strict itinerary or schedule to adhere to. You can enjoy having plenty of time to rest, recharge, and indulge in much-needed self-care. Don’t want to take a full week or more away from your daily life? You can make your staycation as short or as long as you want. You can even pause it for an afternoon to keep an appointment that was made months in advance.
A staycation can be a wonderful opportunity for you to strengthen your relationships and social connections with family and friends who live nearby. It allows grandparents to spend quality time with children and grandchildren while engaging in shared activities like cooking, playing a board game, or participating in other hobbies. A staycation allows you to maximize the time spent with those who matter most, fostering deeper connections and creating cherished memories.
Last but not least, staycations save you money. Traveling can be expensive, and a staycation can provide a relaxing break without the added costs of transportation, accommodations, and dining out. And while the idea isn’t to deny yourself the joys in life but to use your money wisely, skipping your annual family trip to the beach this year can also help you save up for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
What to Do on Your Staycation
The goal of a staycation is to create memorable experiences and enjoy a rejuvenating break from your daily routine. Whether you're looking to relax and unwind, explore local attractions, or spend quality time with family and friends, these staycation ideas will ensure you make the most of your time off and create cherished memories.
Embrace the Comforts of Home
Have a movie marathon. Choose a theme, such as classic movies, movies from a particular genre, or back-to-back runs of your favorite sequels, and spend the day watching them. Make it even more fun by dressing up in costumes with the kids, setting up a projector and screen in your backyard (which is surprisingly affordable now!), or making themed snacks or meals.
Create a spa day at home. Set up a relaxing atmosphere with candles and soft music, and then treat yourself to a variety of spa treatments. Make your own face masks, give yourself a pedicure, or even take a bubble bath. To make it even more luxurious, purchase a few spa products like massage oils, bath salts, or essential oils. If you’re able to splurge, you could even hire a professional to provide services in the comfort of your home or take a trip to your local spa.
Host a game night. There are endless options for game nights, from classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Backgammon, to modern party games like murder mystery kits, trivia, and Taboo, and even video game tournaments or virtual reality play. If you're feeling creative, do a DIY scavenger hunt or a treasure hunt to take your guests on an adventure around your home.
Have a themed dinner night. Choose a cuisine or dish you've always wanted to try or know your family loves and spend the day preparing it. You can even decorate your dining room to match the theme.
Whatever activity you choose, spending meaningful and intentional time at home is an excellent way to unwind and have fun during your staycation.
Play Tourist In Your Own Town
Explore local attractions. Nearly every town has museums, art galleries, historical landmarks, or other points of interest, and locals tend to miss out on what’s right under their noses. If you’ve ‘been there, done that’ too many times, consider venturing beyond your immediate area for a nearby day trip. One of the best ways to discover local attractions is to check out the website of your city or town's tourism board, which should have plenty of information on local sights and activities to relish during your staycation.
Try a new restaurant. This is an easy way to sample different types of cuisine and delight in a new dining experience. You might want to try out a restaurant recommended by friends or family members or do some research online to find out about local dining options. Many cities and towns have a thriving food scene, so you should be able to find a restaurant that suits your tastes and budget. If you’re able to splurge, you could even try a new spot every night of the week.
Pack a picnic. Looking for a low-key activity during your staycation? Consider packing a picnic and heading to a local park, riverfront, or recreational area. Keep it simple; bring sandwiches, pasta salad, tea for a nostalgic flair or charcuterie, and a bottle of wine for a more sophisticated vibe. The idea is to spend some quality time with your family or friends.
Go on a hike. If you’re an outdoorsy person, taking a hike or visiting a state or national park nearby is an exciting way to spend a day during your staycation. Pack some snacks and water, and don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. There are probably plenty of hiking trails and natural areas to explore without going far, and this is a perfect way to get some physical activity and fresh air while basking in the beauty of nature.
Get away without leaving town. If you're looking to indulge in some luxury during your staycation, why not book a night or two at a local hotel or bed and breakfast? Many places offer special deals for locals, so you might be able to find pleasure in pampering and relaxation without breaking the bank. Take advantage of the inn’s cozy accommodations or the hotel's amenities, such as the pool, spa, or fitness center, order room service, and immerse yourself in a change of scenery without having to travel too far from home.
Why Staycations Are the Perfect Choice
Staycations provide a wide range of perks, from cost savings and reduced stress to exploring local attractions and maximizing quality time with those you love. By focusing on activities and experiences that cater to your interests and needs, you can create a memorable and rejuvenating staycation that rivals any traditional vacation. So, embrace the idea of a staycation and discover the joys of relaxation and exploration right in your own backyard.
John J. Diak, CFP® is the Principal & Client Wealth Manager at Oatley & Diak, LLC in Parker, Colorado. He assists clients through many difficult lifestyle changes such as business downturns, retirement planning, divorce, the death of a spouse, and family estate issues among others. Oatley & Diak, LLC is a family-run registered investment advisory (RIA) firm that provides clients with investment management and financial planning services in a hands-on, intimate environment. Learn more about them at oatleydiak.com.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
This material was prepared by Crystal Marketing Solutions, LLC, and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate and is intended merely for educational purposes, not as advice.