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Do you have some time off but don’t have enough time or finances to go away? Maybe you just don’t feel like dealing with the planning and traveling that is involved with a vacation. As amazing as a destination vacation can be, staycations can be just as, if not more, fantastic.
What is the difference between a vacation and a staycation?
A vacation is the typical scenario of traveling somewhere usually far from home. A staycation is spending your time off either at home or somewhere close to home.
Why are staycations popular?
Staycations are a great way to spend your time off without some of the stresses of a typical vacation, and they tend to be much more affordable. They are also much less time consuming and are usually much easier to organize. You don’t typically spend so much time planning, packing and traveling.
Staycations can be a less expensive, less time consuming and a less stressful option.
What should I do on my staycation?
The amazing thing about a staycation is the flexibility you have to do what you want and when you want. You can relax the entire time, do some household projects, have fun activities, or all the above.
If you are looking for some fun, easy and inexpensive staycation ideas and tips then keep reading!
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Movie Marathon
Who says you have to go to a theatre to enjoy the theatre experience? Dim the lights, pop some popcorn, grab some blankets, and gather up your favorite movies or shows. Bonus point: you can wear your pajamas to this theatre.
You can even make it an outdoor movie night on your balcony or in your backyard with a mini projector!
Backyard Camping
Camping can be such a great way to spend some time outdoors, even if you do it in your own backyard! Pitch a tent, have a BBQ, roast marshmallows over a campfire, and maybe even tell some fun ghost stories.
Picnic
Enjoy a nice lunch in the lovely outdoors. Pack a bag with a blanket, food, cutlery and enjoy a nice old fashioned picnic.
Alternatively, if the weather doesn’t permit an outdoor picnic, how about a picnic in the living room? May sound strange, but it’s a cute and different way to enjoy a meal at home. Make some space and set up a cute picnic area on the living room floor. This is a great idea for kids or even a romantic activity for adults.
Backyard Waterpark
Waterparks can be so much fun, but can also get super crowded and expensive. Why not create a mini waterpark in your own backyard? Play some music, have a BBQ, fill up some water balloons, turn on the sprinklers. To really take things up a notch you can set up a slip and slide or blow up pool.
DIY Beach
Have a beach experience in the comfort of your own backyard. Lay down some beach towels, play some beach sounds on a speaker, set up a blow up pool, have a sandbox. Enjoy the beach without the crowds and seagulls.
BBQ
Try turning lunch or dinner into a BBQ party. If the weather permits, enjoy a BBQ outdoors with some music, some yard games, and all the classic BBQ yummies.
If the weather isn’t the greatest, or you don’t own a BBQ, have a BBQ inspired party indoors by cooking your BBQ favorites like burgers or hot dogs on an indoor grill or on a grill pan on the stove. You can set the table with a checkered tablecloth and have all the yummy side dishes.
Fancy Dinner
What about a beautiful fancy dinner without the heavy bill at the end? Choose a favorite meal that you love but that you don’t always have time to make. Set the table with a nice tablecloth, bring out any special dinnerware, play some classical music and wear something fancy.
Board Game Cafe
This is a great indoor fun activity for the whole family or even as a fun couples activity. Grab a milk frother and make some yummy lattes or steep some tea, some snacks, and pile up some fun board games.
Cultural Themed Dinner
Experiencing different cultures is one of the many fantastic enjoyments of traveling. To bring some of that joy home, try creating a themed dinner of somewhere you would love to go. Wanna travel to Italy? Search the web for some amazing Italian recipes, play some Italian music, maybe even learn a couple Italian phrases. Get creative and have fun learning different cultures.
Spa Retreat
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxing, perhaps a DIY spa retreat will hit the spot. Stay in a comfy robe all day, drink fruit infused water, play some relaxation music in the background. Enjoy different spa-like activities like a nice bath, a face mask, doing your nails, or just lounging while reading your favorite book.
Paint Night
Create a fun and inexpensive paint night at home with a blank canvas, some drinks and snacks, some basic paint supplies and the internet. There are tons of beginner friendly painting tutorials online that you can follow to have a fun paint night.
Karaoke Night
Unleash your inner rockstar with a fun at home karaoke night. No karaoke machine? No problem. There are many online karaoke videos to choose from and follow along. Grab some snacks, a hairbrush as your microphone and sing your heart out.
I hope you found some inspiration for staycation ideas for yourself, with your family and friends, or as a couple. Comment below to share with others your favorite staycation tips and ways to spend a staycation!
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