Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. workers left 33% of their paid vacation time unused in 2020. If you’re one of the many people who don’t use their vacation days, it’s time to make a change. While your job is certainly significant, the importance of time off from work can’t be overstated.

Taking time off work allows you to clear your head, reduce your stress, and decompress so that you can go back to work feeling recharged and refocused. Some people argue they don’t take vacation days because traveling is expensive and stressful. But, what if we told you that you can reap the rewards of going on vacation without leaving your home and spending a fortune?

The good news is, you can. It’s called taking a staycation.

What Is a Staycation?

A staycation is a vacation when you stay at home and participate in activities that are within driving distance. Traditionally speaking, a staycation doesn’t involve an overnight stay at a hotel, but some people opt to get away at a hotel in their town. It’s an easy and affordable way to enjoy time off from work without taking on the costs and hassles of traditional traveling.

Do you want the relaxation of a vacation without the downsides of traveling? That’s where the power of a staycation comes in handy.

What to Do on Staycation

The beauty of your staycation is that you can do whatever you want – even if it’s nothing at all. The options for what to do on staycation are endless and, even better, there are so many cost-effective staycation ideas. Here are just a few options to get your wheels spinning:

• Be a tourist in your own town. Maybe your city is flush with historical landmarks or museums, there’s a new restaurant to check out, or a convention is in town. Taking the time to explore your own city can help you discover those hidden gems.
• Get work done around the house. Do you have a laundry list of things to get done around the house? Taking a staycation is the perfect time to finish some of those tasks. It may not sound like much fun, but finally getting those chores checked off your list will help you enjoy other activities.
• Check out your city’s top spas (or create one at home). Everyone deserves to be pampered! A day of relaxation and indulging at your local spa is just what the doctor ordered.
• Enjoy the great outdoors. Naturescapes and parks are waiting for all ages to enjoy. Getting outside to enjoy the great outdoors for your exercise or leisure is a great way to spend your staycation. You could also go camping in your own backyard!
• Go on an in-town “getaway.” If you’re a parent or you live with roommates, a staycation idea might not be relaxing unless you can get away. Check out travel sites to score great deals on in-town hotels for an affordable way to leave the house without traveling far.

These are just a few of the several ways you can spend your staycation. Start by thinking about what you love to do, and plan your in-town activities from there.

Staycation Tips

No matter what you plan to do, follow these tips for having a successful staycation:

• Create – and stick to – a budget. Even though you’re not dropping thousands of dollars to travel across the country, it’s still easy to overspend on your staycation. Figure out a comfortable budget and stick to it!
• Be open to new experiences. Keeping an open mind while you’re on a staycation may just help you find your new favorite activity!
• Don’t think about work. If you’re taking time off work to decompress and disconnect, you need to act like you’re on a beach vacation with no internet access. Don’t check your work email or spend time on work while you’re home on your staycation.

Make the most of your staycation with the ideas and tips above, and you’ll reap the benefits of taking time off work without leaving your home or hometown.