The best ways to turn a staycation into a vacation

February 9, 2024 • 5 min read

Destination travel is not always possible when budgets are tight, but there’s a whole world of relaxation and adventure to be found without leaving your zip code. We’ve compiled the best tips for staycation inspiration, from expanding your list of family day trip ideas to booking a vacation rental in a new neighborhood in your hometown, all to help you make the most of your time off.

Points of interest

Vacation is a state of mind
Give your phone a vacation, too
Consider a vacation rental in a different neighborhood

A man and two children walking down a dirt road into a field with many sheep.

1. Adopt a vacation mindset

A successful staycation means treating it like any other vacation and protecting that time from the demands of everyday life. Switch into vacation mode, even if you're staying at home, by doing everything you’d normally do before an out-of-town trip. Set aside some staycation-ready outfits and get your family together to create an itinerary for your time “away,” including lots of new experiences, restaurants, and entertainment. Our sense of “felt time” tends to expand when we are in a new place (which is why a weekend away always feels longer than the same amount of time at home). So break up your routine and plan to do something new every day.

2. Explore like a tourist

To discover new things it helps to reconnect with your sense of adventure and think of your hometown with a tourist's mindset. Are there museums you’ve never taken the kids to? A water park that always seemed a bit too out of the way? A staycation is an opportunity to discover the culture and fun of the place you already live. Try researching family day trip ideas for your area such as a trip out to a local pick-your-own farm or driving to a different neighborhood for a walk, stopping for lunch at the first nice restaurant you see.

3. Make a little magic

Give your kids an unforgettable experience by helping them see your home in a new light. Look for new and special ways to use the space you already have.

Fun family activities that will make you feel like you’re on vacation

Go tent camping in your backyard
Rent a projector and set up an outdoor movie night
Create a culinary theme week inspired by bucket-list travel: Mexico Monday, French Friday, etc.
Take a pedicab or carriage ride if your city has them
Visit a family-friendly improv show
Book a local Airbnb for a night
Home swap with friends who live in a different part of town
Explore Airbnb Experiences in your town for even more family staycation ideas

Four people on a picnic blanket sharing a meal.

4. Stay in a vacation rental

Take your staycation to the next level by changing up your accommodations. A night or two in a new place can be very refreshing, especially if it’s located in an unfamiliar part of town or offers a different kind of lifestyle. For example, if you normally live in the suburbs, try a downtown pied-a-terre. Or if you have a tiny home, here’s your chance to experiment with living large. Create your own oasis of fun for the kids and find a home with a pool, a game room, or an out of this world design.

5. Enjoy a digital detox

When you commit to a staycation, treat it as a time to disconnect with these digital detox tips:

Put your out-of-office message on and spend your time “away” avoiding non-essential communications
Turn your phone on Do Not Disturb mode to enjoy more restful sleep
Try to swap screen time and television with real-life experiences
Pause everyday life to focus on your family, just like you would do while on vacation, and give yourself a mental break

6. Look for deals

When planning a vacation away from home, you would likely do some research into insider tips and deals. Staycation planning should be no different. Check out websites that specialize in local deals and family discounts on attractions. You’ll also find that many museums and art galleries offer free admission on specific days of the week or month. And if you are local to a major theme park, ask about resident rates and special discount days.

An A-frame house at sunset in a desert landscape.

Entire home in Torrey, Utah

7. Recreate what you love about vacations

For some, travel means exploring new food and cultures—experiences you could recreate by doing a tour of local restaurants or visiting a cultural fair. For others, vacations mean lounging by the pool, which can be made manifest with a day pass to a nearby resort or by staying in a vacation rental that comes with one. Think about what you love most about getting away, and try to create those feelings within your hometown.

A staycation with your family can be both a break from the routine and a joyful adventure that brings you closer together. After all, travel is not always about the destination—what matters most is spending quality time with those you love most.