Last Updated August 2026 by Kodia Byers | Originally written by TMoM Team Member Dennette Bailey

There are lots of reasons to staycation instead of traveling to a vacation destination. Cruises might be so popular because they have a staycation type of vibe, once you arrive you have everything in one area. You never have to get in a vehicle, you can walk everywhere you need to go, and you can take a quick nap and start again if you need to. I might have just convinced you to take a cruise, and if so, reach out to Rachel Plans Your Vacay. But if you’re still on board for the staycation, there are lots of reasons to do so.

Reasons for a staycation vary: avoiding the lines, the inconvenience of seating and ill-mannered passengers, packing and unpacking, setting the alarm and then obsessing over whether or not you set it or closed the garage door, finding somewhere to lodge the pets while you’re away or finding accommodations that accept pets, the list goes on.

Set the Scene

A staycation can be creative and cost effective if you do it right. This is more than just an idea of things to do, it’s about how to do them so you spend your money and your time wisely and get the most enjoyment possible.

A staycation can low key double as a decorating refresh. For example, if you’re looking for a spring getaway, think about what mood or emotions you’re looking to experience. Are you looking to smell the flowers, literally? See greenery? Consider a spring getaway at home. This would require buying some fresh flowers and plants, maybe some new curtains for the room or rooms in your home that you’ll dedicate to the staycation. Dedicating the staycation space ahead of time is very important to creating the experience. If you’ll use a bedroom, you’ll of course need a bathroom, and those spaces must be part of the plan. If the kitchen will be used, it must be considered too.

The idea above doesn’t require a construction crew, just some key items to change the mood: spring scented candles, bright colored sheets (splurge on the cotton), fresh flowers, new comfy bath towels, and pretty soap, or at least some soap you usually avoid during your regular shopping because of the extra cost. Consider investing in a couple of do-not-disturb signs, maybe even a lock, if you share your home with people who’ll be around during the staycation. You might also set your phone to Do Not Disturb, or hand it off to your partner, so you can unplug without being tempted to check email or work.

If you have a smart TV in your staycation space, you can use YouTube to play rolling scenery. The bigger the television, the more you can feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of Paris in the spring. Maybe beach scenery is more your speed, to make you feel like you’re at the coast. Consider visiting the library to grab a few books about the destination you’re trying to recreate, and position them around your space to build the ambiance.

Plan Your Meals

Next, decide on meals. Will you order out or go out to eat? Plan on visiting restaurants you haven’t tried before, ideally ones that fit the mood you’re trying to create. Get referrals from friends or local blogs like TMoM to find great places to eat. You might also consider hiring a private chef to create meals for you at home. Smack N Peace in Greensboro, for example, offers a private chef and catering experience that could be a fun option for a staycation.

Skip the Cleanup

Also, consider hiring someone to clean your home after your staycation. This way, not only do you not need to unpack, but you also get the same convenience a hotel offers by not having to clean up afterward. TMoM has plenty of referrals for home cleaning services if you need a recommendation. You might also pick up some fancy disposable dishes, so you can step up the experience without feeling like you’re eating out of paper products.

Plan Your Activities

Activities can be just as exciting during your staycation as they would be if you traveled. If you live in a complex with a pool, use it! Pick hours when your neighbors are more likely to be at work or school. Visit the parks, museums, and art galleries you haven’t gotten around to in your own city.

Hire a massage therapist or nail technician to come to your home and pamper you in your staycation space. Just be sure not to over-plan, every hour doesn’t need to be accounted for. Don’t forget to get some actual rest and sleep in the mix too.

Why It’s Worth Trying

Have you tried a staycation in the past and didn’t find it very gratifying? Maybe these ideas can offer a more fulfilling experience next time. A staycation isn’t just about avoiding packing or transportation, it may be about saving money, or it may simply be about convenience. A staycation can make taking a mental break more accessible. As a bonus, you get to keep using some of the items you bought for the experience, fresh flowers that last a couple of weeks, towels, sheets, candles, and more, long after the staycation ends.

I’m personally planning a mountain staycation. I don’t have a mountain home, but I’m designing a mountain escape through ambiance using these very ideas. I’ve already bought a couple of throws with bear and horse prints that won’t go to waste for future use!

Happy staycationing!

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