10 Staycation Ideas That Feel Like a Real Vacation

Staying somewhere? Here’s how to make a staycation feel like you’re anywhere but home. You don’t have to go far to find something new. Whether you’re seeking adventure, luxury, or a creative break, these staycations prove you can explore without ever leaving town.

Popular Staycation Trends

What is a staycation?

A staycation is a vacation at home. It involves staying in your own city or country and often includes local experiences. It means using your time off to create a memorable experience close to home or without leaving the house at all.

Are staycations still popular?

Yes, according to 2025 staycation statistics from Hotelagio, staycations are on the rise. Not only are Gen Z and Millennials opting to stay close by for vacations, staycations are also catching on globally. They're not just a bi-product of Covid-19; research indicates that this travel trend is sticking around.

Why people plan staycations

People plan staycations for a variety of reasons, including restrictions such as finances. People also choose staycations based on personal preferences such as avoiding crowds and long travel times.

While there are many different reasons for doing a staycation, everyone wants to feel like they’re on a real holiday. Rest assured, you can plan a memorable experience while staying put.

Travelers on a budget can make the most of their time off without spending money on flights and typical travel expenses.
Those with restrictions such as health and medical reasons, mobility challenges, motion sickness, or travel anxiety. By staying home, you can seek out the same rest or adventure at home that others travel thousands of miles for.
Whether you live in Buenos Aires, Argentina or San Diego, California, your city has a lot to offer. Though many people live in travel locations, they may find themselves in the same routine. It can be difficult to find the time to thoroughly explore your own city. If your city has a lot to offer, it makes sense to set aside time to enjoy it.
Perfect for last-minute travelers, staycations generally require little to no planning. Whether you find planning stressful or simply find yourself with extra vacation days, you can quickly create a getaway—even if it’s venturing down the street.
Next time you have visitors, you can confidently share a list of tried-and-true recommendations. It’s always nice to vet hotels, restaurants, and local experiences to pass along to friends and family.
You don’t need an extended period of time off to enjoy a staycation. Staycations tend to be shorter than an average vacation. You can plan a staycation for a single day if that’s all you have.
Explore quieter corners of your city, visit local spots during off-hours, or book experiences that let you unwind in peace. A staycation gives you the freedom to relax on your own terms. No lines, no stress.

woman laying in glamping tent with white duffle

Plan the best Staycation

10 ideas for a staycation

Learn a language
Get scuba certified
Take a cooking class
Tap into adrenaline - test out an adventurous activity
Support a local artisan
Book a hotel or spa day
Watch the best travel movies of all time
Get creative with a disposable camera
Rent a camper van or go camping
Let ChatGPT plan your itinerary

Deep Dive: The Complete Staycation Guide

Find ideas, inspiration, and discover how to plan a staycation you won’t forget.

10 Things To Do on a Staycation

1. Learn a language

Find a private tutor, group class, or language exchange. You can learn a new language right at home.

Quickly search in-person language classes near you on Google. You can also look up language exchanges such as intercambios, where you can learn a new language and connect with people from all around the world. Language exchanges are unique because participants take turns practicing and teaching each other their native language.

If in-person isn’t your thing, there are plenty of online language classes and exchanges as well. Duolingo is a great language app to get started on. However, take it a step farther and practice in real-time with live people. Popular apps such as Tandem, HelloTalk, Hi Native, Itaki and Speaky are all apps to exchange language.

Get a taste of different cultures through classes and interacting with people from other countries. Learn something new and put yourself out there. You might make some new friends along the way.

2. Get scuba certified

You don’t have to live near water to get your scuba diving certification. Open water diving is perfect for entry-level diving. There are several certifying organizations, with the most widely used agency being PADI. SSI and NAUI are also options to consider,

3. Take a cooking class

Whether local or global cuisine, learn a new skill or dish with a cooking class. Transport yourself to another culture through cooking an international dish. Alternatively, you can master a local dish or use locally sourced ingredients to dig into your home town roots. You might just find your next favorite meal.

4. Tap into adrenaline: Test out an adventurous activity

Who says you have to go far to find adventure? Step outside your comfort zone by skydiving, bungee jumping, renting an ATV, dirtbike, mountain bike, surfboard, etc. Additionally, you can make outdoor plans such as rock-climbing, kayaking, surfing, and stand up paddle boarding. The possibilities are endless.

5. Support a local artisan or shop

Check out an artisan market or find a local artist. Find local souvenirs such as handmade goods. It’s always nice to patronize a locally owned cafe, restaurant, shop, etc. Support your local community and artists alike.

6. Book a hotel or spa

Change your scenery without changing timezones. Switching up your surroundings allows your brain to shift into vacation mode. Remove the temptation to check off your home chore list or get into work mode. Nothing says rest and relaxation like hunkering down in a hotel or booking a spa day.

If you’re lucky, you may live by a hotel like Populus in Denver, Colorado that feels like Barcelona. Rumor has it, this hotel’s design was inspired by aspen trees, which are prominent in Colorado. This hotel combines local heritage and global travel inspiration.

7. Watch the best travel movies of all time

Queue up some wanderlust, and stream your way around the world. Watch travel TV series like Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, The Amazing Race, or Terrace House to experience cultures, cuisines, and everyday life around the world…including an intimate glimpse into life in Japan.

List of top travel movies:

Secret Life of Walter Mitty
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Eat, Pay, Love
Thirteen lives
The Terminal

8. Get creative with a disposable camera

Take your city in through a new lens...literally. Photography helps you access the right side of the brain, tapping into creativity. Capturing moments and sites through a disposable camera is a unique experience in and of itself. Also, you can document the memories you make on your staycation.

9. Rent a camper van or go camping

Pitch a tent in your backyard, nearby woods, or the closest camping ground. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. Or travel back to childhood and set up a living room fort. You can go camping the traditional way, or rent a camper van. Camper vans offer accommodation, transportation and adventure all in one, Get creative with the resources you have, and make it a memorable staycation.

10. Let ChatGPT plan your itinerary

Would you trust AI to plan your trip? Put ChatGPT to the test at home and see how it does. It may surprise you…for better or for worse. We’ve put together some prompts below to help you get the best results.

Added challenge: Commit to doing everything on the list before AI generates your itinerary.

woman on rocky terrain wearing black backpack

AI Challenge

ChatGPT Prompts to plan a travel itinerary anywhere

Give these AI prompts a try. Adjust for specific details as needed to get the best results.

Build a food-focused [x day] itinerary in [location], highlighting local markets, must-try dishes, and authentic eateries.
Create a wellness weekend in [location] with yoga, spa visits, hikes, and healthy food options.
Plan a budget-friendly 48-hour staycation in [location] that feels like a mini escape.
Design an adventure-heavy staycation in [location] featuring outdoor activities and unique local experiences.
Create a creative weekend itinerary in [location] with charming cafés, artisan markets, local galleries, and sites perfect for a disposable camera.
Plan a detailed 1 day itinerary for a trip to [location], including must-see attractions, hidden gems, and local dining.
Create a [x day] staycation itinerary in [location] with a balance of relaxation, culture, and adventure.
Design a morning-to-evening itinerary for each day in [location], minimizing travel time between activities.
Plan a luxury staycation in [location] that includes both local and global cuisine, at least one adventurous outdoor activity, and mid-range hotel.
Suggest a staycation itinerary for couples in [location] with cozy spots, scenic views, and intimate restaurants.

Garnet, Arctic White, and Charcoal Flatpak toiletry bottle hanging from chrome bathroom rack

Stay well

These ideas can be combined or mixed and matched. Use this guide to spur your own ideas. Staycations don’t have to be tame. Whatever you’re searching for is likely within reach. Whether it’s rest and relaxation, adventures, creative space, or cultural experiences, there’s a staycation for everyone.