If there’s no time for an extended summer vacation trip this year, you can still get a weekend recharge with a “staycation”. With a couple of days off for the weekend (or any 2 days) you can lounge by the pool of a posh hotel, try an amazing new restaurant, or just feel like you are getting a little rejuvenation away from it all.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, everyone craves a bit of relief from the daily grind of work, responsibilities, and routines. The idea of a vacation naturally evokes images of exotic locales, crystal clear beaches, scenic mountains, or bustling, foreign cities. However, the reality of taking those dreamy vacations often involves hefty financial resources, time, and complex planning.
It can also be depressing sometimes to see everyone’s vacation pics on social media when you are stuck at home with no vacation in sight.
Everyone needs a break! It’s hard if you don’t have the time off, so it just takes a little off-day or personal time creativity to make the perfect epic staycation getaway that is close to home.
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What Is a Staycation? 🏖️
A staycation (stay + vacation) is a vacation where you stay close to home. Whether it’s a night at a luxury hotel, a beach day, or exploring new spots in your city, a staycation gives you the break you need—without the travel hassle.
🌴 Save Time & Money
- No flights, road trips, or time wasted in transit.
- Avoid the high cost of airfare, rental cars, and long hotel stays.
- Many hotels offer local discounts for residents!
🍷🌴Find the best stylish resort wear outfits for your epic staycation that are still budget-friendly on Amazon!🌅
Choose a Summer Vacation Hotel Close to Home
Check out what the hotels in your closest downtown area or city have to offer. It can even be a quaint bed and breakfast that will provide a welcome break from the daily grind.
🏡 Discover Hidden Gems in Your Own City
- Explore museums, art galleries, historic districts, or local landmarks.
- Try new restaurants, craft cocktail bars, or trendy cafés.
- Experience festivals, live music, or special local events.
We love to do “Staycations” in our downtown area of New Orleans because it really feels like a vacation! There are so many things to do in walking distance like fantastic restauratns, stellar craft cocktails, live music, and just soaking up the atmosphere of the French Quarter!
One of our favorite staycation destinations that we love and always return to is the Virgin Hotel in New Orleans! We don’t even leave the hotel because they have a great bar, restuarants, and fun pool area (the pool is small, but the lounge and bar areas are great)! The rooms are really nice as well.
Some other hotels we love close to home are The Saint Hotel, Hyatt Centric French Quarter, Hyatt Regency, and Hotel Fontenot. We even wrote reviews of Kimpton’s Hotel Fontenot and The Saint Hotel with lots of photos in case you want to plan a trip.
☀️See our video reel we did of our staycation of the Virgin Hotel’s Chamber room and morning coffee in the Funny Library cafe in the lobby.
🧘♂️ Reduce Stress & Truly Relax
- No packing stress, airport security, or lost luggage.
- Choose a slow, relaxing weekend or an adventure-packed itinerary.
- Come home refreshed instead of exhausted!
How to Plan the Perfect Staycation
1️⃣ Pick a Local Hotel or Resort 🏨
A change of scenery makes all the difference! Check out hotels in your city for a mini getaway.
💡 Pro Tip: Look for local resident discounts at nearby hotels to save money.
🏝️ Best Hotel Staycation Ideas:
- Luxury Resorts – Relax by the pool, enjoy spa treatments, and sip cocktails at the bar.
- Downtown Boutique Hotels – Experience your city like a tourist with a stylish hotel stay.
- Bed & Breakfasts – Cozy, charming, and a great escape from routine.
2️⃣ Plan Fun Staycation Activities 🎉
Instead of a jam-packed travel itinerary, focus on relaxation and fun close to home.
🍽️ Food & Drink Experiences:
- Try a new restaurant you’ve been eyeing.
- Go on a food tour or bar crawl in your city.
- Take a cooking or mixology class to learn something new.
🏖️ Relaxation & Wellness:
- Spend the day lounging by a hotel pool.
- Book a spa day or at-home self-care session.
- Try morning yoga in the park or by the beach.
🎭 Explore Like a Tourist:
- Visit a museum, historic site, or art gallery.
- Check out a local festival, concert, or theater show.
- Take a day trip to a nearby town or scenic spot.
3️⃣ Make It a Budget-Friendly Staycation 💰
Vacations don’t have to break the bank! Try these money-saving staycation hacks:
- Use Hotel Points – Redeem points for a free or discounted stay (we love using Hyatt points!).
- Check for Local Deals – Many hotels and attractions offer discounts for residents.
- Pack Snacks & Drinks – Bring your own goodies to save on dining costs.
- Explore Free Activities – Parks, hiking trails, museums, and street festivals are great budget-friendly options.
🚨 Money-Saving Tip: Use hotel credit card rewards for free nights and perks.
“Nearcations” are a thing too!
If you want to venture a little further, a “nearcation” (nearby vacation) is the perfect alternative.
🌊 Best Nearcation Ideas:
- Beach Resorts – Spend a weekend at a nearby coastal town or lake resort.
- Resort Hotels – Larger hotels offer pools, restaurants, spa services, and nightlife.
- Glamping or Cabin Rentals – Experience nature without roughing it too much.
💡 Nearcation Tip: Look for hotels 1-3 hours away for an easy, stress-free drive.
Staycation vs. Vacation: Which One Is Right for You? 🤔
| Feature | Staycation | Traditional Vacation |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 💰 Low | 💸 High |
| Travel Time | 🚗 None | ✈️ Long travel days |
| Relaxation | 😌 High | 🏃♂️ Often rushed |
| Exploration | 🔍 Local spots | 🌍 New destinations |
| Planning Stress | ✅ Minimal | ❌ High |
👉 A staycation is perfect if you:
- Need a quick break but don’t have much time off.
- Want to relax without the stress of travel.
- Prefer to save money while still having fun
Relax or Party on Your Epic Staycation?
It is totally up to you what you need for your epic, close-to-home, summer vacation staycation trip. We have done both and always had a great time.
TIP: You can save money on your New Orleans (or many other cities) Staycation by using Sightseeing Pass! We use it to discover things we wouldn’t normally do. New Orleans Sightseeing Pass Free Entry to 20 Attractions in New Orleans
Some Benefits of a Staycation
Find New Appreciation for Your Local Hometown’s Culture and Envionment
Staycations can lead to a newfound appreciation for your local surroundings. Exploring local parks, museums, art galleries, or restaurants can provide a sense of renewed discovery and connection with your community. You also feel more confident because you know the area and how to get around more than someone visiting for the first time!
Staycations Help Save You Money
The most apparent advantage of a staycation is the financial aspect. Traditional vacations often come with high costs – airfare, accommodations, dining, attractions, and more. A staycation can save money on these expenses without compromising the spirit of taking a break. The money saved can be invested in other areas or saved for a future vacation farther away.
Check out our article on how to stay on budget during vacation too!
There is Less Planning and Less Stress with a Staycation
Planning a vacation, especially to a foreign country, can often be a stressful affair. There are tickets to book, accommodations to secure, itineraries to plan, and a myriad of other things to arrange.
Staycations, on the other hand, require significantly less planning and therefore, less stress.
You can start and end your holiday whenever you want, and you don’t have to worry about packing too much or arriving on time for your flight or train.
You Can Spend More Time Relaxing and Feel More Refreshed
When you’re not spending time traveling or moving from one tourist spot to another, you can have more time to unwind and relax. This can allow you to return to work or your daily routine feeling more refreshed and revitalized.
Staycations Can Foster Self-Improvement and Wellness
A staycation can provide a much-needed break from digital distractions and work stress. This pause can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health.
You can use this time for mindfulness, yoga, reading, or other relaxing activities that you usually don’t have time for.
Travel is good for us even if it is just a short drive away! We’ve even looked at the current research on why travel can bring happiness.
Stay local and discover amazing things to do in your city.
Final Thoughts on an Epic Staycation Getaway
A staycation is an amazing way to escape routine, explore hidden gems, and truly relax—all while staying close to home. Whether you choose a luxury hotel, a food-filled weekend, or a quiet spa retreat, an epic staycation is just what you need to feel refreshed!
The best part about having a little vacation break close to home is that you are not far away when it’s all over and it’s time for the dreaded return travel.
Traveling back home is much easier when you are in your own town and don’t have to drive for hours or deal with airports for a flight home. The sometimes stressful part of travel is virtually eliminated when it’s time to check out and go home.
Do you think a staycation would work for your summer plans?