If an out-of-state getaway is beyond your financial means, organizing a staycation can deliver the relaxation you need. Your local area likely has numerous options for entertainment if you know where to seek them. Use these suggestions to begin organizing a budget-friendly summer staycation right away.
Look for local-only discounts on hotels and activities
Certain hotels and resorts occasionally offer discounts exclusively for residents, particularly during the off-peak season, as they also need to cover their costs. If these deals aren’t visible on the hotel’s website, don’t hesitate to call and inquire.
Even if you don’t find any resident-specific offers, it’s worth asking about other potential savings such as student, AAA, military, or senior discounts, if applicable.
Seek out events welcoming locals at resorts
Many boutique hotels organize summer events specifically designed for local residents as a way to foster connections. For example, I’ve enjoyed complimentary barbecue gatherings at several mini-resorts during summer where locals are welcomed. You can enjoy the swimming pool, grab a burger, and mingle with fellow staycationers or visitors. Check local hotel websites for their event listings, and feel free to reach out via email to see if you’re able to attend.
Create your own outdoor explorations
My partner and I have taken to crafting our own adventures, such as a recent hike through a state park leading to a waterfall where we enjoyed a picnic—both at no cost. I also recommend using the Bivy app, which helps you discover nearby DIY adventure opportunities based on your location. Don’t forget to check your town’s Chamber of Commerce website, which often features a calendar packed with events.
Look into free or reduced admission hours at museums
I make it a point to visit at least one museum, zoo, or educational facility whenever I explore a new city. However, I always check their websites and social media for free entry times rather than paying the full price upfront.
For instance, in New York City, the Museum of Modern Art offers free entry on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., while Houston’s zoo is open without charge on the first Tuesday of each month from noon until closing time. If you haven’t explored your local zoo or museum in a while, now could be an ideal moment to do so. (See also: Tips for Visiting Museums for Free)
Visit your local library for tourism ideas in your area
When planning a staycation, it’s easy to think, There’s nothing interesting here. However, a trip to the library can reveal many hidden gems about local activities. By browsing through local tourism books, you might discover several fun activities you weren’t aware of. Keep an open mindset; try out things you haven’t done before, and you may be surprised at how enjoyable they can be. (See also: 7 Reasons to Visit Your Local Library Today)
Review your coupons and select an enjoyable activity
If you’re a savvy saver, you probably have a stack of coupons—whether physical or digital—waiting for you to use them. Go through your collection to see what activities are available at low prices, ensuring you can have a great time while minimizing expenses. (See also: 8 Free Ideas for Any Vacation)
Utilize daily deal websites and apps
Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial continue to offer substantial discounts, so inspect their deals before you embark on your staycation. Recently, Groupon had discounts of up to 80 percent on various local activities, which in my area included escape rooms, arcades, spas, yoga classes, and more.
Clean your home thoroughly ahead of time
While saving money is key to a successful staycation, so is achieving a state of relaxation. To unwind fully, it is crucial to ensure your home life is in order. When away on a traditional trip, chores and responsibilities feel distant, but during a staycation, they loom large.
Therefore, I recommend tidying your home and completing household errands—like grocery shopping—before your staycation begins. This way, you can avoid being distracted by a list of tasks. If you can, consider hiring a cleaning service to take care of it for you; this one-time expense can provide you with peace of mind and keep you feeling guilt-free about indulging in a little luxury with the money you’re saving. (See also: 4 Ways Outsourcing Tasks Can Save You Time and Money)
Host a gathering instead of hitting the bar
Why spend a fortune at a local bar when you can entertain friends at home with cocktails and games? Since your place should be spotless by now, inviting friends over is a joyful option. If your space isn’t ideal for hosting, see if a friend is up for hosting, or consider bringing snacks to a local park for a more leisurely gathering.
Create a daily itinerary akin to a vacation schedule
During my travels, I sometimes pack my schedule with so many activities that there’s barely time to breathe. I feel for my partner as he trails behind, hoping for a water break.
While you don’t need to schedule every minute thoroughly, having a day-by-day plan for your staycation is advisable. Otherwise, you risk spending precious time trying to figure out what to do or, even worse, losing motivation and accomplishing little.
Incorporate at least one new experience each day
The joy of a staycation is uncovering new activities nearby, so aim to keep your daily plans varied.
“Explore somewhere you’ve never visited recently—perhaps a nearby lake, a new hotel, amusement park, museum, or attraction,” suggests Jamie Harper, a family travel blogger at FlyByTheSeatOfOurPants.com. “Even a library or park in another town may offer unique programs. Attend an outdoor festival or musical event. Create a food passport for restaurants you’ve never tried and reward yourself with stamps when you do.”
Prepare to disconnect
Cutting off from our devices to embrace real life can be challenging, but it’s necessary to allow yourself a breather. Keep your phone available for emergencies, but reduce its use as much as possible. I find it effective to uninstall social media apps during my break to prevent habitual checking.
If you’re keen on capturing your adventures, feel free to take photos, but save sharing them until the day is over or the staycation concludes. The truth is, no one is anxiously awaiting your updates, so sharing can definitely wait.
Allocate time for relaxation
While staying active is important on your staycation, don’t hesitate to embrace some downtime. Sleep in, or binge-watch shows on rainy afternoons—do what makes you happy. Just be careful not to fill your entire time off with idle activities that you already do regularly. Enjoy lounging in moderation, but ensure it doesn’t become the core of your staycation; otherwise, it’ll feel just like any ordinary day off.
Don’t shy away from spending (some) money
You’ve saved significantly by forgoing plane tickets and nightly hotel costs, so why not treat yourself a little?
“Dine at that fancy restaurant and treat yourself to that wine you usually skip,” advises Byron Ellis, a certified financial planner and founder of Texas’s Doing Money Right. “Consider upgrading your tickets to a show. You deserve it! While still spending less than you would on a getaway, you shouldn’t hesitate to enjoy a few luxuries.”
