How to Have the Perfect Staycations: Best Staycation Ideas
Vacations don’t always require a passport or a long flight. In fact, some of the most refreshing escapes happen right in your own city or even in your own backyard. Staycations have become the ultimate way to relax and explore without taking a plane or traveling too far.
They offer the perfect chance to rest, reset, and create lasting memories. I love a good staycation where you can play tourist in your own city. Book a hotel room for the night without worrying about overpacking, order room service after a long stroll through your favorite local park and end the evening with a swim in the hotel pool or a glass of wine at the bar. That sounds like the perfect way to recharge.
The best part is that staycations are flexible. You can enjoy them with family and friends or experience them all on your own. With the right staycation ideas, you can capture the feeling of adventure and luxury without ever crossing a border.
How to Make Staycations Feel Special
The key to a great staycation is treating it like a true vacation. That means planning ahead and creating rituals that make the experience feel memorable.
Here are a few of our favorite tips to elevate your staycation:
Set boundaries: Turn off your work email and silence notifications. Don’t let others assume you are available just because you are nearby. For all intents and purposes, treat this time as if you were on an international vacation.
Indulge in small luxuries: Upgrade your linens, order gourmet food, or light a few candles to set the mood.
Try something new: Choose a fun activity or experience you normally wouldn’t include in your daily routine.
Be intentional: Decide what kind of staycation you want, relaxation, romance, adventure, or family fun, and plan around that theme.
Best Staycation Ideas to Inspire Your Next Local Escape
When we think of staycations, staying at a local hotel is often the first idea that comes to mind. But with a little creativity, there are endless ways to make a staycation feel just as special as traveling far from home. These staycation ideas go beyond the basics, offering nature escapes, urban adventures, and cozy nights in that can transform your next local getaway.
Book a Unique Airbnb
One of the easiest ways to turn a simple weekend into a magical escape is by booking a stay somewhere unique. Airbnbs and boutique hotels are full of hidden gems and personalized touches that large chain hotels often lack, making staycations unforgettable. Here are some of the top Airbnb recommendations in California, in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Chicago, or in New York:
Joshua Tree Geodesic Dome House
A one-of-a-kind stay with spectacular surroundings and views. Anyone in the Joshua Tree area should check out this unforgettable dome house. It’s an incredible way to experience this gorgeous part of the U.S.
Hudson Valley Tiny Home Escape
This glasshouse offers unparalleled views of the Hudson Valley through massive windows. You’ll feel immersed in nature while enjoying modern comforts.
This sleek penthouse feels like living inside an art museum. Stylish, cozy, and unforgettable, it’s one of the coolest places to stay in Chicago.
For those who love clean modern design and live near the Blue Ridge Mountains, this cabin will be like something out of your dreams. This stunning house is close to the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway, making it the perfect home base for discerning travelers exploring the natural wonders of the area.
A charming red brick barn with modern amenities. Guests can collect fresh eggs from the farm’s hens and enjoy a pool on warm days.
Upstate Glamping at Gatherwild Ranch
This no-electricity yurt offers a true digital detox. Perfect for reconnecting with nature, it’s an unforgettable staycation experience.
Another great option for the art lovers, this warehouse style home in LA features tons of custom-built furniture and features. It's the sort of bare authentic experience that many visualize when they think of the life of an artist, and it looks like an awesome place to spend some time.
Here’s a great chance to experience nature and peacefulness while staying in this beautiful modern cabin in New York. Enjoy the outdoor shower and heated pool or spend some time inside soaking in the egg tub. You can even sleep in a glass solarium with its own wood stove!
Airy and inviting, this A-frame is just a short walk from the lake. With a loft, deck, and fireplace, it’s ideal for both outdoor fun and cozy nights in.
Have a Spa Staycation
Beyond fun stays, sometimes the best staycations begin in your local spa or your bathroom, if you’re on a budget. One of the most indulgent staycation ideas is turning your weekend into a spa retreat. You can either book a day of treatments you’ve been wanting to try along with time at the pool and sauna, or recreate the calming, restorative atmosphere of a luxury spa without leaving your house or paying the high price tag.
Set the mood: dim the lights, and add some drops of lavender, mint, or eucalyptus essential oil to a diffuser to instantly transport you to a sanctuary of calm. Slip into a fluffy robe, pour yourself cucumber- or citrus-infused water, and declare the space your sanctuary of relaxation.
From there, treat yourself to DIY treatments that leave you feeling rejuvenated from head to toe. Soak in a warm herbal bath and apply a homemade hair mask to restore shine and moisture, or use a gentle scalp scrub to relax, remove buildup, and promote circulation. Use another mask for your face and lips while playing your favorite tunes.
For full-body renewal, a warm soak will not only soothe tired muscles, but the aromatherapy effect will help melt away stress.
To finish, pamper your face with a calming clay mask or a hydrating sheet mask, sip on herbal tea, and take your time enjoying the serenity you’ve created.
By weaving DIY treatments into your staycation, you can transform ordinary self-care into an extraordinary retreat.
Glamping
Some of the best vacations, or in this case, staycations, are the ones that make us feel like kids again. Remember the magic of sleepovers, when you and your best friends would spend the night whispering secrets under the glow of sticky, glittery stars on the ceiling? Glamping captures that same sense of wonder, now combined with the comforts we’ve come to love as adults.
Glamping is one of the most popular staycation ideas. Instead of sleeping on the ground in a basic tent, you enjoy the charm of camping with a touch of luxury. Think cozy tents with plush beds, and even hot showers. At night, step outside to stargaze, roast marshmallows by the fire, and reconnect with the simple joys of nature.
A glamping weekend is the perfect way to turn your staycation into a memorable escape without traveling far. Wake up to birdsong, sip your morning coffee under the trees, and spend time hiking, reading, or simply doing nothing at all while enjoying the fresh air.
If glamping isn’t easily accessible, or you prefer staying closer to home, you can even recreate the experience in your own backyard. Pitch a tent, hang fairy lights, and invite your best friends. Let your imagination take over, just like when you were a kid staring at those glow-in-the-dark stars.
Go on a Food Tour
Food has a magical way of turning ordinary days into unforgettable experiences, which is why spending a day or weekend on a culinary adventure makes for a perfect staycation. Go on a date to your favorite restaurants, food markets, and breweries you’ve always meant to try. A food-focused weekend is one of those staycation ideas that not only satisfies your taste buds but also leaves you with stories to share long after the plates are cleared.
Alternatively, you can sign up for a food tour or class to sample local flavors you may have overlooked. You can also organize your own progressive dinner: enjoy appetizers at one restaurant, entrées at another, and dessert at a cozy café.
For foodies who love cooking, a staycation is the perfect opportunity to dive into recipes that have been sitting on your bucket list. Transform your kitchen into a Parisian café by baking fresh croissants, or whip up a Japanese ramen bowl complete with soft-boiled eggs and rich miso broth.
If it’s fall or winter, try comforting homemade soups like butternut squash or Mexican lentil stew. In the summer, experiment with Latin-inspired dishes and drinks: think arroz con pollo, flan, or mojitos. Seasonal recipes not only celebrate the moment but also make your staycation feel truly immersive.
Plan a Themed Movie Marathon
Staycations aren’t just about relaxation; they can be a playful weekend at home, too. One of the easiest yet most memorable staycation ideas is hosting a themed movie night. Choose a theme that excites you, such as romantic comedies, family favorites, or even travel-inspired films that transport you across the globe without leaving your couch.
To make it feel special, pair your movies with themed snacks or cocktails. For example, imagine an Italian-inspired movie night: set the mood with pizza, a bottle of Chianti, and classics like Roman Holiday or La Dolce Vita. Or go nostalgic with Halloween favorites, complete with popcorn, candy, and cozy blankets.
Want to take your movie night to the next level? Get a mini projector and transform your living room into a private theater.
Go on a Day Trip
Sometimes the best staycations are just a short drive away. Even two hours outside your city can feel like a world away. Pack a small bag, put on your favorite playlist, and head out to see your region with fresh eyes.
This staycation idea is perfect for discovering hidden gems close to home, such as scenic hiking trails, local art galleries, or historic landmarks you’ve never had time to visit. A mini road trip lets you experience the excitement of travel while keeping costs low and stress minimal.
Sometimes the most memorable staycations are found just beyond your own backyard.
Try a Tech-Free Staycation
One of the most refreshing staycation ideas is taking a complete digital detox. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb or turn off your devices entirely. Imagine you’re traveling in Morocco’s Sahara Desert, where cell service is scarce and Wi-Fi doesn’t exist.
A tech-free staycation allows you to slow down, strengthen bonds with loved ones, and even make new friends, free from constant notifications. Use the time to play board games and enjoy activities that encourage real human connection instead of screen time.
By unplugging, you’ll discover that some of the most rewarding staycations are those that help you recharge mentally and emotionally.
Seasonal Staycations Ideas
Different seasons call for different types of staycations. Here are a few ideas based on the season:
Spring staycations: Enjoy a weekend or day of garden picnics, cherry blossom long walks, or escape to a countryside Airbnb.
Summer staycations: Go to a local boutique hotel and spend your stay by the pool, enjoy some outdoor concerts, or sunset picnics.
Fall staycations: Cozy cabins, apple picking, and pumpkin-flavored everything, of course!
Winter staycations: Hot cocoa bars at home, or a chalet hotel near the mountains.
Staycations for Couples
Staycations can be incredibly romantic and special. Here are some of our favorite ways for couples to enjoy quality time together:
Book a boutique hotel with a rooftop view and watch the sunset.
Treat yourselves to a couple’s massage or a shared spa day.
Go on a wine-tasting tour.
Pack a picnic and catch the sunrise or sunset.
Explore a nearby art museum or gallery.
Staycations for Families
Family staycations are a great way to bond and make memories. Here are some ideas:
Organize a city-wide scavenger hunt with small prizes.
Take a family bike ride.
Enjoy a board game marathon or tackle a big puzzle together.
Host a family movie night complete with themed snacks.
Spend a day at a local farm or orchard picking fresh produce.
Have a DIY pizza night
Get creative with an arts and crafts day and display everyone’s creations.
Bake cookies or cupcakes together and hold a tasting contest.
Beyond Staycation Ideas
Staycations prove that you don’t need to fly across the world to recharge and create lasting memories. From glamping in nature and booking a stylish Airbnb to exploring your city’s hidden gems, there are countless staycation ideas to inspire your next getaway. I hope you found your next staycation idea on this list!
For more inspiration beyond staycations, explore our travel section for guides, tips, and ideas to satisfy all your vacation dreams. Pin this guide so you can save it for later!
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Note: This post was written in collaboration with Airbnb, as always all opinions are my own!
Besitos,
Laura
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Discover the best staycations with our ultimate list of creative staycation ideas. From local Airbnb and foodie weekends to glamping and mini road trips, relax and recharge close to home.