Taking a staycation doesn’t have to be a boring time where you stay at home and do nothing besides watching TV. It can be a great time to unwind and learn more about the place you call home. Follow these five tips to plan the perfect staycation.

 

Make an itinerary

Treat your staycation like you would any other vacation and create a list of everything you want to do during your time off. Discover all of the unique things your town has to offer. Make it a point to try out that new restaurant that just opened or explore a local hiking spot. Having a plan for what you want to do during this time will help prevent you from just sitting around your house. You may even discover a new favorite activity you never knew your town offered.

 

Unplug

Being at home may make you feel like you should be checking in on your email and social media profiles. However, unplugging will help make your staycation feel more relaxed and like an actual vacation. Set aside a small amount of time each day to check social media, but don’t spend all day scrolling through your newsfeed. Avoid checking your work email at all, as the thought of the work that you’re missing will consume your thoughts and ruin your time off.

 

Deep clean

Before starting your staycation, deep clean your home, or have someone come in and clean it for you. This way, you’re not worried about cleaning during your time off, and your home feels more like a hotel than your house. Having a clean home will help you to feel more relaxed and laid back.

 

Treat yourself

Since you’re saving money by staying at home, you can afford to splurge on some amenities you normally would forgo. Treat yourself to a day at your local spa and get a massage and facial. Head to the fanciest hotel around and enjoy some craft cocktails at the bar. Get dinner from your favorite restaurant that you only visit on special occasions because of the price.

 

Take a walk

If you live in a larger city, chances are there are some walking tours offered to explore the area. Sign up for one of these tours and take in your town from a tourist perspective. You may think you know everything about where you live, but chances are there are some hidden gems and history that you aren’t aware of. This is the perfect time to discover them.