With travel costs constantly on the rise, spending a holiday in one’s home city has emerged as an attractive option in recent years. This concept, known as a staycation, involves vacationing in one’s local area rather than traveling to faraway destinations. Staycations have many benefits, including cost savings and less time spent on commutes. Besides, they help support the local economy by eating at the restaurants and cafes in one’s area.
To make holidays memorable, individuals can check out certain top US cities for staycations and try out certain tried-and-tested US staycation planning tips.
Difference between vacation and staycation
The major difference between a vacation and a staycation is that the latter does not involve expensive flights. While a staycation is pricier than simply staying at home, traditional travel expenses such as airline tickets, rental cars, and luggage fees are skipped.
How to plan a US-based staycation
Planning a staycation is simple. All people need to do is create a schedule to follow throughout their staycation. Scheduling brings more structure and coherence to one’s staycation. One must remember that taking a staycation does not necessarily translate into spending entire holidays indoors. Instead, a particular way to turn staycations into special memories is to build the schedule around a theme. These themes can include enjoyable activities in a comfortable and familiar environment while allowing one to stay relaxed, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
1. Foodie staycation
For those looking to turn their break period into a foodie getaway, they can try this option. One can explore various high-rated restaurants in one’s area, try out new dishes, and attend food-related events. Additionally, one can consider attending or organizing cooking classes or wine tastings.
2. Relaxing staycation
Many holidaygoers overlook the importance of resting in the middle of their vacation. All that extensive traveling in a vacation can leave one exhausted. To make one’s staycation as relaxing as possible, one can book a day pass for a local hotel spa, plan and do some yoga in a nearby park, catch up on one’s favorite movies or shows, get a manicure or pedicure at a nearby local shop, or visit a botanical garden.
3. Active staycation
This kind of staycation is all about keeping oneself physically active. To achieve that, one can sign up for a local 5k marathon/walk, tackle the most popular hikes in one’s locality, or organize informal pickleball tournaments with close friends.
4. Artsy staycation
One does not need to travel to faraway historic locations to enjoy art. They can visit a local museum on a free public admission day, attend local film screenings, search for open mic nights at local pubs and bars, or do a public art tour in a nearby city if it is easy to reach.
Staycation destinations in the US for families
The term staycation inherently includes a minimal amount of travel. Still, certain cities are considered to be staycation hubs because of the diverse range of local attractions, activities, and cultural experiences they offer. People who live close to such cities can visit them to enjoy the ultimate staycation experience.
1. Orlando, Florida
One of the most affordable US staycation destinations is also among the best alternatives. Orlando is ideal for a staycation because there are many different things one can do in the city. There are many water parks, amusement parks, nightlife activities, festivals, several affordable, high-quality restaurants, zoos, and arcades scattered throughout the city. With so many options to explore, people will find it easy to fill a holiday week with different fun outings every day during their staycation.
2. Lake Michigan, Michigan
This lake is a treasure trove of attractions. One such attraction is Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, located at Oak Park. This is the best place to learn about one of the country’s pre-eminent architects. Lake Michigan’s sparkling waters also invite travelers to dive right into it. This lake is located in a place that is easily accessible by road or rail to people living in nearby cities and states.
3. Cincinnati, Ohio
Sports enthusiasts in this city will appreciate the numerous parks, swimming pools, and baseball fields of Cincinnati, as these were created to keep travelers active and entertained. Widely known as the “Queen City,” Cincinnati’s cuisine and desserts are famous across the country, making it an ideal option for food-themed staycations.
US staycation planning tips
1. Deciding where one will stay
One must pay for hotel accommodations or rented homes well in advance before their holidays begin. Booking accommodation in towns close to key attractions can reduce travel time and improve convenience.
2. Allocating money to eat out or buy exotic groceries
To make a staycation special but different from a homestay, people should have the budget to enjoy carefree meals. Working food expenses into one’s budget allows people to try out their favorite foods whenever they crave them.
Those who intend to prepare special meals at home instead of eating out can increase their grocery budget. Cook a gourmet meal at home using exotic ingredients for a personalized dining experience.
3. Looking at one’s city through the lens of a traveler
To make up for the lack of traveling to faraway destinations, one can consider exploring one’s own city to discover lesser-known attractions and taking guided tours to familiarize oneself with the area’s history.
4. Spend less time on gadgets
Staycations are meant to be a time to find inner tranquility and a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of one’s professional life. So, to make the most of it, reduce the use of smartphones and disconnect from work-related activities and emails to commit to the relaxation mode.
Best staycation ideas in the US
Including certain attractive activities and ideas in the staycation schedule that one might not usually make time for can make the experience memorable.
- Plan walking tours or hikes
- Take advantage of last-minute hotel deals
- Visit nearby amusement parks
- Participate in virtual tours of cultural landmarks
- Set up a movie marathon with friends and family
- Explore a local state or national park
- Learn a new language