The Beginner's Guide to Staycations

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Californians have had a pretty rough go of it lately. Hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, vacations have been canceled left and right. If you’re itching for a break from the monotony of everyday life and get out of the house this summer to do something fun, the good news is that you don’t have to go somewhere far away. Instead of traveling away from home for a summer vacation this year, stay close to home with a California staycation instead.

What Is a Staycation Anyway?

In order to plan an awesome staycation, you first need to understand what it is and how it’s different from a regular vacation. The explanation is somewhat built into the word itself. A staycation is essentially a vacation that you take without actually traveling away from your home. You plan things to do in and around your home and stay in your home instead of in a hotel or other accommodation.

Create Your Staycation Budget

Because a staycation removes the need to pay for plane tickets, the gas you’d need for a road trip, and the cost of a hotel or Airbnb, there’s a pretty good chance you won’t have to shell out as much money for a staycation as you would for a traditional vacation. That doesn’t mean that it isn’t a good idea to budget out your expenses though. Depending on what you plan to do during your California staycation, you’ll need to create a budget for how much you intend to spend on food and activities. You can go for expensive options, frugal alternatives, or a mix of both. Figuring out how much you can afford to spend on your staycation is a good way to get an idea of what sorts of things you can comfortably afford to do.

Trying New Things

After you’ve figured out your budget, it’s time to figure out what to do. A staycation is a great time to try new activities and new foods. You could try exploring your city like a tourist, find a new hole-in-the-wall restaurant, or try that one thing you’ve always wanted to but never had the time for. As you make your plans, make sure you do your due diligence during the pandemic. Learn what restrictions are in place at different establishments so you can be properly prepared to abide by them.

Preparing for Your Staycation

Once you’ve got your budget and activities figured out, it’s time to start preparing for your staycation. Whether you realize it or not, living in a clean environment does wonders for your mental health. Since part of the point of a staycation is to rest and rejuvenate, one of the things you can do to prepare for and enhance your staycation is to make sure your house is clean and organized before it begins. Try to make sure you have whatever supplies for food or activities you need beforehand as well.

The point of a staycation is to make sure you have a chance to break away from your normal routine like you would by taking a vacation without actually having to travel. Take the time to plan your staycation the way you would plan a normal vacation. Avoid things like the news and other sources of stress so you can enjoy the most relaxing California staycation possible.

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