With the rising costs of travel, staycations have become increasingly popular. A staycation is when a person stays near home and partakes in activities in their area. There are many benefits to staycations including no intense planning, no packing bags and less unwanted stress. Here are some of the best tips to start planning your vacation at home.

Set A Budget

Determine early on how much you are willing to spend on the festivities. Take into consideration meals, transportation, potential activities, treats and how long the staycation is.

Create A Theme

Designating a theme for your time off can help you feel more special. It could be a relaxing spa, an action-packed movie night or something tropical like the beaches you wish to be on. Then, you can decorate your space accordingly to make you feel like you’re somewhere else. Add things like pillows, blankets, candles and more that all fit the theme. This will make your home more comfortable and relaxing. You can also plan appropriate meals and snacks. Order from your favourite spot, experiment with a new recipe or try out the restaurant you’ve been eyeing.

Before the festivities begin, make sure to declutter and clean your space. That way, you won’t be thinking about it while you’re supposed to be relaxing.

Make A Rough Plan

Create an itinerary mixed with relaxation and activities both indoors and outdoors. Account for leisure time – with activities like reading and meditating – and trying new hobbies. During this break, you can stay up as late as you want and sleep in the next day. Remember to stay flexible. Things won’t always go according to plan, so leave room to be spontaneous. It’s still your time off, so go with the flow.

Play Tourist

Spending time at home means you can go to all the places you’ve been meaning to visit. Play tourist and explore all your local attractions including museums, amusement parks, trails and more. Get recommendations from family and friends - they know you better than any tourism site does. Depending on how much you want to spend and if you’re wanting a change of scenery, you can book a hotel right in the centre of the action. Just make sure to factor all these costs into your budget while planning.

Go Offline

Limit your time on social media and your phone in general. Use this time to create healthy habits and spend time with the people you love. Disconnecting will help you feel like you are truly on vacation.

Cherish The Memories

Vacations are a great way to remember what’s important to you, so make sure to cherish it. Whether you’re solo or with your family, make a scrapbook to summarize your adventures and remind you of the good moments. Most importantly, make sure to have fun!