Planning Your Ultimate Summer Staycation

If a getaway isn’t financially viable, a staycation can offer the relaxation you need. Your local area likely has a wealth of activities waiting to be explored. Begin organizing your summer staycation with these economical ideas and tips.

Look for local discount offers on hotels and activities

Many hotels and resorts provide exclusive discounts for residents, particularly during the off-peak season, as they have expenses to manage too. These offers may not be prominently displayed on their websites, so don’t hesitate to make a call.

In case you find no local discounts, inquire about other types of savings like AAA, student, military, or seniors’ discounts if applicable.

Discover “Locals Welcome” events at local resorts

Many boutique hotels host summer events aimed at residents, helping to foster connections with local communities. I’ve enjoyed attending complimentary summer cookouts at a few mini-resorts that invite locals. You can enjoy the pool, grab some food, and connect with fellow staycationers or even visitors. Check the websites of nearby hotels for event details, and don’t hesitate to send a quick email to confirm your participation.

Create your own outdoor escapades

My partner and I have recently embraced creating our adventures, most recently enjoying a hike at a state park followed by a serene picnic near a waterfall—all at no cost! I recommend using the Bivy app to find DIY adventures near you. Additionally, your town’s Chamber of Commerce website may list plenty of local activities.

Investigate free or discounted museum hours

Whenever I visit new places, I make it a point to explore a museum, zoo, or educational center, but I never pay full price. Instead, I check their websites or social media for free entry times. For instance, the Museum of Modern Art in NYC offers free entry on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., while the city zoo in Houston has free admission on the first Tuesday of each month from noon until closing.

If it’s been a while since your last visit to a local museum or zoo, this is a great time to go back! (See also: Tips for Free Museum Visits)

Head to your library for local tourism resources

We often think to ourselves, There’s nothing exciting to do nearby. This is seldom true! A trip to the library to explore local tourism books can provide numerous ideas for enjoyable outings that you previously overlooked. Be open to discovering activities that are outside your usual interests; you might be pleasantly surprised by your enjoyment. (See also: 7 Reasons to Visit Your Local Library Today)

Review your coupons for activities

If you’re like me and enjoy saving, chances are you have a collection of coupons—either physical or digital—waiting to be used. Go through your collection to find deals that allow you to participate in enjoyable activities while keeping expenses low. (See also: 8 Free Activities for Any Vacation)

Utilize daily deal apps and websites

Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial continue to offer substantial savings, so be sure to browse their local deals pre-staycation. Recently, Groupon had discounts of up to 80 percent for several activities in my area, including escape rooms, spas, arcades, and yoga classes.

Prepare your home before your staycation

While saving money is vital for a successful staycation, relaxation is equally essential. To truly unwind, ensure that your surroundings are tidy and organized. Unlike a traditional vacation where chores are miles away, it’s challenging to ignore them when they’re present in your home.

I suggest tackling any household tasks before your staycation begins. Cleaning your home and managing weekly errands in advance will help eliminate stress. If possible, consider hiring a cleaning service just for this occasion. Since you’re already saving money by staying local, spending a bit on cleaning can allow you to enjoy your time off with peace of mind. (See also: 4 Ways to Save Time and Money by Outsourcing Chores)

Host a gathering at your place instead of going out

Why pay high prices for drinks in a bar when you can organize a fun evening at home with friends, complete with cocktails and games? Your home should be ready for hosting by now. If your space isn’t quite suitable, perhaps another friend would like to host, or you could all enjoy snacks together in a local park.

Create an itinerary similar to a vacation schedule

Some of my travel plans are so packed with activities that I sometimes struggle to find a moment to relax. While you don’t have to over-schedule your staycation, having a plan can prevent you from wasting time deciding what to do. Without a clear itinerary, it’s easy to lose motivation and end up doing nothing.

Include at least one new experience daily

The thrill of a staycation is discovering new adventures without traveling far. Strive to keep things exciting each day.

“Explore a location you haven’t visited before—whether it’s a nearby lake, a new hotel, a water park, or a museum,” suggests Jamie Harper, a family travel blogger at FlyByTheSeatOfOurPants.com. “You might also find different offerings at a library or park in a neighboring town. Attend an outdoor festival or music event, or create a ‘food passport’ for restaurants you’ve never tried and reward yourself with stamps!”

Plan to unplug

Taking a break from your devices to fully immerse yourself in the present can be challenging, but it’s crucial to disconnect occasionally. Keep your phone for emergencies but aim to limit usage. I often delete social media apps during my downtime to avoid compulsively checking them.

If you want to take photos, do so, but consider waiting until the end of the day or your staycation to share them. The truth is, your updates aren’t a priority for others, so there’s no rush.

Embrace downtime

While it’s important to stay active during your staycation, make sure to allow yourself time for relaxation. If sleeping in is your choice, go for it! Feel free to lounge on the couch binge-watching shows if that’s what you desire. Just be careful not to fill all your free time with routine activities that turn your staycation into any other day off. Taking breaks is perfectly fine in moderation, but don’t make it the centerpiece of your staycation.

Don’t hesitate to treat yourself

You’ve already saved money on travel costs and accommodation, so why not indulge a little?

“Consider dining at that favorite restaurant and ordering that wine you usually skip,” suggests Byron Ellis, a certified financial planner and the founder of Doing Money Right. “Invest in upgraded tickets for a show. You deserve that treat! Although you’ll still aim to spend less than you would on a trip out of town, it doesn’t have to feel budget-restrained.”