Ever feel like your vacation bags are more “wishful thinking” than “well-traveled”? If so, it’s time to ditch the travel stress, channel that underconsumption core queen, and indulge in the latest trend taking over our wanderlust hearts: the staycation! Yes, you heard that right—no more hunting down the best flight deals, or testing your sanity in crowded airports. Instead, we’re bringing the vacation vibes straight to your living room, backyard, or wherever you find peace in your humble residence. Welcome to the ultimate staycation guide, where relaxation meets reality without stepping out the front door.
For a deep dive into the underconsumption core, check out “Underconsumption Core Is The New “Girl Math”” and “Beauty Tips For An Underconsumption Life”.
What is a Staycation, and Why Should You Care?
Let’s start with the basics. A staycation is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a vacation where you stay put. No planes, trains, or cars—just the comfort of your own home or local area. But here’s the twist: instead of getting caught up in the daily grind, you intentionally create a vacation-like experience. You can relax, explore new activities, and recharge, all without the hassle (and expense) of traditional travel.
Why Staycations Are Becoming So Popular?
Well, for starters, they’re incredibly versatile. Whether you’re flying solo (pun not intended), planning some family fun, or looking for a romantic retreat, a staycation can be whatever you want it to be. Plus, there’s the convenience factor—no packing, no travel time, no currency exchange hassle, no food poisoning, and no jet lag. Just pure, uninterrupted “you” time.
And let’s not forget the cost savings. A staycation allows you to splurge on experiences, not travel costs. So, go ahead, treat yourself to that gourmet meal delivery, or invest in those plush new linens you’ve been eyeing. After all, it’s your staycation, and you’re worth it! And our staycation guide will help you to achieve that inner peace and happiness that comes from stress-free planning.
A Perfect Staycation Guide
Now that you’re sold on the idea, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: planning. Just because you’re staying home doesn’t mean you should go with the flow. The key to a successful staycation is intentionality—making a plan to fully unwind and enjoy the experience. Here are some staycation tips!
1. Set the Date and Boundaries
The first rule of a fight club (staycation guide): treat it like a real vacation. This means setting a date, marking it on your calendar, and letting everyone know you’re “out of office.” No emails, no work calls, and absolutely no sneaky peeks at your work inbox. This is your time, and it’s sacred.
2. Create A Staycation Itinerary
(Yes, Really!)
Sure, you’re not navigating foreign streets or hopping from museum to museum, but an itinerary can still be a game-changer. Think about the things you love to do but never have time for. Sleeping in without worrying that it’s time to check out? A whole afternoon spent only watching your favorite series? An entire day dedicated to reading that book that’s been collecting dust? Plan it out so you have something to look forward to each day and stick to the plan. Don’t allow mundane things to steal your peaceful time.
3. Prep Your Space
Before your staycation begins, take a little time to prepare your space. This is your opportunity to turn your home into a retreat. Start by decluttering—nothing kills relaxation vibes faster than a pile of laundry or a cluttered countertop (shoving it all in the closet also works, out of sight—out of mind). Then, consider small touches that make a big difference: fresh flowers, cozy blankets, candles, and your favorite scents. Think of it as creating your personal sanctuary.
The Ultimate Staycation Guide For Ambiance
Now that your staycation is planned, it’s time to set the mood. You want your home to feel like a vacation spot, even if it’s just for a few days.
1. Home Decor Tips for a Relaxing Atmosphere
Transforming your space doesn’t require a complete home makeover (unless you’re into that sort of thing—then, by all means, go for it!). Start with the basics: lighting. Soft, warm lighting can make any room feel cozier. Swap out your regular bulbs for ones that mimic natural light or invest in a few dimmable lamps. Fairy lights are also a magical addition, bringing a whimsical touch to any room. If you don’t want to spend money on that, putting a sock over a light bulb also works greatly.
Next, focus on scents. Scented candles, essential oils, or even a simmer pot with citrus and herbs can elevate your space. Opt for calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or vanilla to help you unwind.
Finally, consider textiles. Swap out your everyday bedding for something luxurious—think high-thread-count sheets, fluffy duvets, and plenty of pillows. Add a few plush blankets to your couch, and you’ve got the perfect setting for a lazy afternoon.
2. Incorporating Nature Indoors
Nature has a way of soothing the soul, so why not bring the outdoors in? If you’ve got a green thumb, now’s the time to show it off. Add a few potted plants around your home, or create a small indoor garden. Also, if you are like me and not capable of keeping a plant alive, you can always put fake plants or borrow some plans from friends and family. One week is not gonna kill them, believe me. Even if you’re not a plant person, a simple vase of fresh flowers can do wonders for your mood.
If you have a backyard, patio, or balcony, spruce it up! This could be as simple as adding a few comfy chairs, stringing up some lights (check that Christmas lights box of yours), or laying down an outdoor rug. Make this your go-to spot for morning coffee, evening cocktails, or a quiet read.
Staycation Activities That Don’t Involve Netflix
(But Totally Can)
Sure, you could spend your entire staycation glued to Netflix (no judgment here), but why not mix things up? Here are a few ideas to make your staycation both relaxing and memorable.
1. A Spa Day: Because You Deserve It
Who needs an overpriced spa when you can create a pampering experience at home? Start with a relaxing bath—add some salts, a few drops of essential oils, and maybe even some rose petals if you’re feeling fancy. If you don’t have a bath, that’s okay too. You can take a long-hot-everything-shower. Follow it up with a face mask, and finish with a luxurious body lotion.
Don’t forget your nails! A fresh mani-pedi can make you feel like a new person. If you’re not a pro, no worries—there are plenty of easy-to-follow tutorials online.
2. Get Crafty: Try Something New
Have you always wanted to learn how to knit, paint, or bake the perfect sourdough? Your staycation is the perfect time to dive into a new hobby. Set up a crafting station and let your creativity flow. Not only is it a great way to pass the time, but you’ll also have something to show for it at the end of your staycation. Here is a great recipe for a brownie on page six for you.
3. Themed Movie Nights: Popcorn Optional, Fun Required
Transform your living room into a mini movie theater. Pick a theme—like ’00s classics, Oscar winners, or a marathon of your favorite TV show—and go all out. Make some popcorn, buy some chips and soda, dim the lights, and lose yourself in the cinematic experience.
Food and Drink: Indulge Your Taste Buds
One of the best parts of any vacation is the food, so why should your staycation be any different? Whether you’re cooking or ordering in, make sure your meals are a highlight of your staycation.
Channel Your Inner Chef
If you enjoy cooking, why not use your staycation to try out some new recipes? Think gourmet, but achievable. Maybe it’s a homemade pizza with all your favorite toppings, a decadent dessert you’ve been meaning to try. It doesn’t have to be healthy. Calories you consume when you’re happy, don’t count.
Cooking can be a therapeutic activity, and enjoying a meal you’ve put time and effort into makes it taste even better. Plus, it’s a great way to make your staycation feel special. You can use fancy but single-use plates and cutlery to avoid cleaning a pile of dishes.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: The Real Reason for Your Staycation
At its core, a staycation is about taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a time to relax, reflect, and recharge.
1. Meditation and Yoga: Finding Your Zen
If you’ve been curious about meditation or yoga but haven’t found the time to start, your staycation is the perfect opportunity. Even just a few minutes of deep breaths each day can significantly impact your stress levels and overall well-being.
There are countless apps and free YouTube classes available to guide you, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. Start your day with a short meditation session or wind down with some gentle yoga in the evening.
2. Reading and Journaling:
Simple But Effective
Sometimes, the best way to unwind is with a good book. Whether you prefer BookTok fiction, non-fiction, or something in between, take this time to get lost in a story or learn something new. Set up a cozy reading nook and let yourself escape into the pages.
Journaling is another great way to relax and reflect. Whether you’re writing about your staycation experiences, jotting down your thoughts, or setting goals for the future, journaling can be incredibly therapeutic. Just remember, there is no right way to do journaling. It can be just a stream of mind, everything you’re grateful for, excited about, or stuff that worries you. Sometimes putting stuff on paper helps to free your mind.
Conclusion: Our Staycation Guide, Your Rules
So, as your staycation blissfully winds down, remember that the magic of a perfect getaway doesn’t always require a passport or a suitcase; sometimes, it’s just a matter of seeing your everyday surroundings through a different lens. Whether you’ve found peace in a spa-like bath, joy in a home-cooked meal, or simply solace in the stillness of a lazy afternoon, carry these moments with you as a reminder that relaxation is always within reach.
The true essence of a vacation isn’t in the distance traveled but in the quality of rest. So, don’t wait for the next holiday to find your calm—embrace the staycation mindset whenever life gets hectic, and let your home be the haven you return to again and again, no plane ticket required. Here’s to discovering that the best escape is one where the only place you need to be is exactly where you are. And let our staycation guide be a completely free ticket to get there (no passport required).
