To be clear, time off is essential, both to your mental and physical health<\/a>. We\u2019re not advocating working 52 weeks a year without a breather. We just don\u2019t think that breather needs to add to your stress<\/a> by costing you an arm and a leg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A staycation can be just as \u2014 if not more<\/em> \u2014 relaxing than a vacation (remember, you\u2019re skipping all the stress that comes with travel!). That\u2019s why we\u2019ve decided to share how you \u2014 even while you\u2019re working your way out of debt \u2014 can have the most spectacular staycation ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First you\u2019ll need to figure out what you can afford. This number may be no more than you\u2019ve already been spending weekly, and that\u2019s OK! You can still have a fabulous staycation with no extra expenditure. If you are<\/em> able to afford a few extra luxuries during this time, great. But make sure you have your budget set ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTreating yourself\u201d means something different to everyone. For some it may mean binging all three Lord of the Rings<\/em> movies. For others, it\u2019s a spa day or massage. For others still, it\u2019s experiencing an exciting new cuisine. Figure out what kind of things would genuinely make you feel good during this time, and keep this in mind when planning your staycation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ll be spending a fair amount of time in your home, make sure it feels relaxing! Clean the place or, if it\u2019s in your budget, hire someone else to do it. You might even buy some fresh flowers, put out candy dishes \u2026 anything to make it feel extra ritzy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have kids and you worry they may get in the way of relaxation, see if a friend or relative can take them for the next few days. This will go a long way when it comes to allowing you to focus on you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because you may be spending more time at home, you might feel obligated to continue to do your regular chores. Don\u2019t fall into this trap. Set some boundaries in advance around what and how much you\u2019re \u201callowed\u201d to do on your staycation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also want to restrict the amount of outside communication and distraction you let in. Limit your tech usage and social media visits, even if this means removing the apps from your phone for a week. Certainly don\u2019t check your work email. Limit the amount of news you read and watch. In fact, think about putting your phone and computer away all together! This is a time to \u201cget away from it all\u201d \u2014 even if you\u2019re staying right where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you might enjoy vegging out with a favorite show on one of your staycation days, you don\u2019t want to reach the end of your break only to realize you spent the entire time on your couch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With the budget you\u2019ve landed on, figure out exactly what you\u2019d like to do each day of your staycation. If you end up encountering an unexpected adventure and want to stray from the original itinerary, that\u2019s fine! Just make sure you\u2019ve actually laid out a plan and scheduled some fun and relaxing things to do so it really feels like a rejuvenating change! (Hint: Groupon could be your best friend here.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below we\u2019ve laid out plenty of ideas to fill your staycation schedule, some requiring a bit of money, some requiring none at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out some of these ideas to incorporate fresh air and sun into your gorgeous staycation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pick a park you haven\u2019t been to and have a lovely picnic! Enjoy the sites, sounds, and some delicious food. You can even up the \u201cfancy factor\u201d with some wine, cheese, and fresh bread. If you\u2019re alone, bring a book, journal, or sketch pad to keep you occupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many times we\u2019re rushing around so much we don\u2019t take time to literally<\/em> stop and smell the roses. Schedule a walk \u2014 perhaps in an unfamiliar area of the city or suburbs \u2014 where you can simply explore, and enjoy what\u2019s around you. You may be surprised at the hidden gems you find just a stone\u2019s throw from where you live!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t have a bike, borrow a friend\u2019s or rent a Divvy. Check out your local bike trails and pick one that speaks to you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If there\u2019s a river or lake nearby, rent a canoe or kayak and get to paddling! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Birdwatching can be a deceptively exciting pursuit: it gets you out into nature, provides that \u201cthrill of the hunt,\u201d and becomes really fun when you start \u201ccollecting\u201d rare bird sightings. See if there are birder tours in your area, or print out a guide to local species and set out on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Depending on where you\u2019re located, you may have access to a sparkling body of water right on your doorstep. Gather your beach ball, sunscreen, towel, and book, and head to the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re not close to a national park, there are often nature preserves and trails even in large cities. Find one you haven\u2019t been to (or one you have!) and take a relaxing hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plenty of activities and adventures right in your hometown! Check out some of these ideas to get you going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whenever we visit a new place, we hit all of the classic attractions, but many of us have skipped over the things that make our own town unique. Do some of those touristy things! If you\u2019re in a large city, check out CityPass<\/a> or Go City<\/a> for deals that bundle multiple attractions into one discounted pass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re on a strict no-frills budget, there are likely to be a myriad of free or discounted local events in your area! Do your research and see what kind of low or no-cost concerts, outdoor plays, or fests are happening during your staycation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may have been to some of the museums in your area, but the truth is that each time you go, there are new things to discover! Museums can transport you to other times, places \u2014 even dimensions \u2014 if you let them. Visit one of these local treasures and see what there is to see. You can even check which days are free or discounted, to save on cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you enjoy knocking back a few brewskis and throwing a deathly heavy ball at ten little innocent pins? Make sure to schedule some bowling during your staycation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Geocaching is essentially treasure hunting \u2026 using your phone. You download a geocaching app, and use GPS to track hidden \u201ccaches,\u201d write in their logbooks, and potentially trade out mini-treasure items for mini-treasures of your own! To get the best experience, you\u2019ll want to do a free trial membership<\/a> for the premium version of the Geocaching app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These lifesize puzzles can be super fun! Just make sure you have enough friends and family members participating to solve all the clues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you don\u2019t have the funds to go watch a professional game, it can be really fun to watch amateur players throw their all into a sport! See who\u2019s playing in the area, and go cheer them on as if they\u2019re your absolute favorite professional team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re in a city, check out the local tours offered! Ghost tours, boat tours \u2014 even wine tours \u2014 these things can be loads of fun and will often have you learning more about where you live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you don\u2019t need anything, checking out your local farmers\u2019 market can be a fun way to stretch your legs, get to know your neighbors, smell some flowers, and admire the gorgeous array of homegrown fruits and veggies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your budget allows for some pampering, consider a day-pass for a spa. If that\u2019s too pricey, check around for an affordable massage nearby. These can be absolute relaxation game-changers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sign up for a one-time painting, art, or cooking class \u2014 whatever sounds interesting to you. This is a great way to explore a new skill, meet new friends, and just plain have fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve budgeted a nice meal or two into your staycation, there are still ways to save! Do a little research into happy hours and early bird specials. Just by eating a little earlier in the day, you can get some great deals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a cinephile, see if there\u2019s a film festival going on during your staycation. By purchasing a pass, you\u2019ll often be able to see multiple films over the course of a day or weekend. If you just want to catch a single flick, make it a matinee and save some serious dough. Just beware of those inflated snack and beverage prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment we get from giving back. Add that satisfying feeling to your staycation with a few hours of volunteer work at an animal shelter, food pantry, or another place in your community which has meaning for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may feel like doing a fair amount of relaxing at home during your staycation. This is, of course, the very best way to keep from spending too much money. But staying at home doesn\u2019t mean having to lay around! There are plenty of fun and luxurious experiences to have right from the comfort of your own home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sure, we did<\/em> say staying at home doesn\u2019t mean having to lay around, but sleeping in is the exception here. You should be able to catch up on some winks during your staycation, so think about scheduling in some late morning snooze time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If an official spa day isn\u2019t in the budgetary cards for you, that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t recreate a spa all your own! Light candles, put on some spa-like music, throw epsom salts in the bath, and get relaxing. Feel free to go the extra mile with cucumber slices, a facial, flower petals, fresh towels, and a fluffy robe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re spending your staycation with a partner, take turns serving a lavish breakfast to each other. There\u2019s nothing like being brought a mimosa and eggs benny in bed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lavish meals don\u2019t have to end at breakfast. Either order or prepare your own indulgent dishes. If you\u2019re cooking the meals yourself, it doesn\u2019t have to feel like work! Put on music, dance around, and enjoy every part of this wonderful food, including its preparation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pick a country or area of the world you\u2019re unfamiliar with and explore it from your very own home. Check out a library book, watch a movie, eat the cuisine, and listen to music from this fascinating foreign location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is there a skill or craft that\u2019s interested you, but you\u2019ve never gotten around to taking the first step? Use your staycation as an excuse to dive in headfirst! Watch some YouTube videos and get knitting, baking, watercolor painting, or whatever other activity that\u2019s caught your eye.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like, set aside some of your staycation funds on deluxe ingredients or more permanently, some fancy home stuff. Whether it\u2019s a delicious charcuterie spread, or soft new sheets, make sure it\u2019s something that\u2019ll really give you joy and comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are few things that relax quite like an exquisite cocktail. Do some online research for a drink that speaks to you, gather the ingredients, and get mixing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pop some popcorn, grab your favorite candy, and stream your all-time favorite movies. Or if you\u2019re feeling more adventurous, pick a genre or director you\u2019re less familiar with and explore an entirely new body of work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Journaling can help reduce your anxieties, sort out your thoughts, and encourage a little extra introspection. It can also just be a great way to preserve memories! If any of this appeals to you, make sure to add some journaling time to your staycation schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Love competition? Gather the friends and family and have a board game night or outdoor sports tournament \u2014 your choice! Or if it\u2019s just two of you, have an all-out video game throwdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You know that book that you\u2019ve been dying to read? Or perhaps it\u2019s a Netflix show you\u2019ve been trying to find a moment to binge. There\u2019s no better time than the present! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Making pizza is incredibly affordable, easy, and \u2014 as it turns out \u2014 fun! You can certainly do this on your own, but it\u2019ll be a blast to do with a partner or the whole family. The best part? Everyone gets to pick their toppings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puzzles can be another great way to unwind. Pick some background music or a podcast, and tackle a puzzle with a picture you love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buy some cheap paints and brushes and throw a paint night! Invite a few friends or just do it with your family. Paint each other, the family dog, or recreate your favorite Van Gogh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Invite your friends over and have everyone bring one wine and one cheese. Go around the table, with everyone giving their best impressions of professional sommeliers. If you prefer beer, swap wine out for ale! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meditation and mindfulness can bring peace, improve focus, and slow the thoughts whizzing through your brain. Find some different guided meditations on YouTube and schedule a brief one at the start of each of your staycation days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While you can certainly stay right where you are and have a brilliant time, you might enjoy these budget-friendly options to change up your surroundings, while still staying close to home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Camping can be one of the most relaxing and fun ways to have an affordable break, and as a bonus, it allows you to breathe some fresh air and connect with nature. Bring some hot dogs, s\u2019more makings, and ghost stories and enjoy a few nights under the stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want to recreate the \u201cgetaway\u201d experience at no cost at all? Perhaps a friend is going on a trip and you volunteer to house watch! Or alternatively, you and your friend could simply swap places and both get that home-away-from-home experience. Just make sure you both hand over keys to clean living spaces!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a little extra cash to spare, rent a low-cost Airbnb! This can give you that change of scenery without having to spend hundreds on airfare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of your planning stages, schedule in a search of sites like HotelTonight<\/a> which let you book fancy rooms \u201cday of,\u201d for a fraction of the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is there a nearby quaint area you\u2019ve been meaning to explore? There\u2019s nothing that says you can\u2019t be in the next town over for your staycation! Either take a daytrip to this place, or rent an affordable motel room or Airbnb there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nFirst Things First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Staycation](\"https:\/\/www.beyondfinance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/776x437_BeyondBlog_StaycationBudget_v2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBudget<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
What Does Treating Yourself Look Like?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Staycation Preparation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/www.beyondfinance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/776x437_BeyondBlog_Staycation_Planning.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYour Home<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
The Kids<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Setting Some Ground Rules<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Staycation Planning<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n~44 Budget-Friendly Staycation Ideas~<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Outdoor Fun<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Group](\"https:\/\/www.beyondfinance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/776x437_BeyondBlog_Staycation_BackyardFun.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n1. Have a Picnic<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
2. Take a Walk<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
3. Go for a Bike Ride<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
4. Go Canoeing or Kayaking<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
5. Go Birdwatching<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
6. Enjoy a Lake or Beach Day<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
7. Check Out a Nearby National Park or Nature Trail<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
About Town<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Image](\"https:\/\/www.beyondfinance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/776x437_BeyondBlog_Staycation_OutAboutTown_v2.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n8. Be a Tourist in Your Own Town<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
9. Find Free or Discounted Festivals & Events<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
10. Go to a Local Museum<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
11. Go Bowling<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
12. Try Geocaching<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
13. Do an Escape Room<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
14. Watch a Minor League Game<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
15. Take a Tour<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
16. Hit Your Local Farmers\u2019 Market<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
17. Have a Spa Day or Get a Massage<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
18. Take a Class<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
19. Have a Delectable, but Affordable Meal<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
20. Go to a Film Festival or Matinee Movie<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
21. Volunteer<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
At Home<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Couple](\"https:\/\/www.beyondfinance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/776x437_BeyondBlog_Staycation_VideoGames.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n22. Sleep In<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
23. Create Your Own Spa<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
24. Split Room Service Responsibilities<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
25. Plan Indulgent Meals<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
26. Immerse Yourself in a New Culture<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
27. Start a New Hobby<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
28. Splurge at the Grocery Store or on Home Stuff<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
29. Learn to Make a New Cocktail<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
30. Throw Your Own Film Fest or Movie Marathon<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
31. Journal<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
32. Throw a Game or Sports Tournament<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
33. Catch Up on Some Reading or Streaming<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
34. Make Homemade Pizza<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
35. Do a Puzzle<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
36. Have a Paint Night<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
37. Create Your Own Wine or Beer Tasting Party<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
38. Meditate<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Change of Scenery<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.beyondfinance.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/776x437_BeyondBlog_Staycation_Food.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n39. Go Camping<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
40. Swap or Borrow a Friend\u2019s Home<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
41. Rent an Airbnb<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
42. Try a Last Minute Hotel Site<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
43. Explore a Nearby Town or City<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
44. Change the Scenery Right Where You Are<\/h5>\n\n\n\n