My wife and I make it a point to take a trip every year for our anniversary. Each year, instead of giving each other gifts, we save up our funds for a getaway. So far we have been alternating big and small vacations every other year. The honeymoon took us to Tahiti, so the next year we took a short road trip to the Grand Canyon. Last year we went big and saw Paris and London, so this year we decided to stay close to home and do a staycation of sorts in Los Angeles.
We spent a weekend at an Airbnb on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, just about an hour drive from our door. Sometimes you forget that where you live is surrounded by beautiful places to visit. This trip reminded me to take a look around and see what other vacations I could book in my own backyard for those times I need to get away without getting too far away.
Keep reading to find out how to make the most of your staycation:
Distance
The first thing to look for is a city or neighborhood that is within driving distance. Anyplace that is only a few hours away means you can save a ton of money on transportation costs, as you are really only paying for a bit of gas.
Find Inexpensive Lodging
Next up, find a place to stay on Airbnb or at an inexpensive hotel. Travel lodging has recently become an amazing experience for the consumer, because you can stay at some really unique and beautiful spaces for not a lot of money.
Research Local Joints
Once you have decided where to spend a couple days, make a plan for how you want to spend your time. For me, vacations are all about relaxing and food, so I start the search on Yelp for the best joints to eat in my temporary neighborhood. Then when I arrive, I spend some time cruising around looking for interesting spots to hang out and eat.
Enjoy it!
The best part about a staycation is spending a few days in someone else’s shoes. Not necessarily being a tourist in a new city, but living a life that is not your own to get away from it all for a short period of time. It really makes you appreciate your own neighborhood and also reminds you of some great things that may be available nearby.
More Staycation Ideas:
