Staycation Ideas at Home
Make the house feel like somewhere else, and stretch the budget.
Plan a StaycationStaycation Ideas at Home
Not every staycation needs a hotel. With a little effort, staycation ideas at home can make the house feel like somewhere else for a few days — as long as you keep the chores out.
Hotel at home
Fresh sheets, folded towels, robes and breakfast in bed. Make the bed for each other.
Home spa
Candles, a long bath, face masks, music and a do-not-disturb sign.
Backyard campout
A tent, a fire pit or grill, and phones left inside.
Travel-themed dinners
Cook a dish from a place you want to visit, with music and a film to match.
Movie or reading marathon
Pick a series or a stack of books and give it a whole day.
Garden or balcony retreat
Hammock, plants, lemonade — no weeding allowed.
Staycation Budget Tips
- Set a total before you start, and pick one splurge.
- Use free days at museums, zoos and gardens, and check your library for passes.
- Go outside: parks, beaches, trails and free festivals cost little or nothing.
- Book hotels off-peak: rates in many cities vary a lot by day of week and season.
- Pack food for day trips and eat out once a day instead of three times.
- Watch for deals on local hotels and attractions through newsletters.
Get hotel and short-trip deals in your inbox with our free travel deals newsletter, and compare hotel rates on Rooms Cheap before booking a night out. Planning a bigger trip later? Travel From Home walks through budgeting and booking.
A sample at-home staycation day
| Time | Idea |
|---|---|
| Morning | Sleep in, then breakfast in bed or on the porch |
| Midday | Picnic at a park you have not visited, or a free museum |
| Afternoon | Home spa, nap or a long read in the garden |
| Evening | Cook a dish from a country on your wish list, then a movie under blankets |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good staycation ideas at home?
Turn the bedroom into a hotel room with fresh sheets and breakfast in bed, set up a home spa, camp in the backyard, host a cooking night from a country you want to visit, have a movie marathon with homemade snacks, or spend a day in the garden with no chores.
How can I do a staycation on a tight budget?
Lean on free things: parks, trails, beaches, free museum days, library events and festivals. Cook special meals at home instead of eating out every day, and spend on one highlight you will remember.
Want a Staycation That Feels Bigger?
A travel specialist can find a local hotel or getaway that fits your budget. Tell us what you have in mind.
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