11 Little Ways To Have the Best Staycation

You don’t need to spend hundreds on a plane ticket for a much-needed change of pace. Plan a staycation that appeals to all your senses and leaves you feeling more fulfilled and refreshed than before — without draining your savings in the process. We’re sharing our go-to tips for making your staycation extra special, including low-cost activities, day trip plans, cocktail recipes and more to help shape your summer at home into one to remember.

First up: Hang an outdoor swing. Nothing says relaxation like swaying the day away on a breezy porch. Use the money you're saving by staying home to invest in a porch swing you'll enjoy for years to come. You can even build your own.

Jet-setting to new destinations and learning about different cultures is one of life’s greatest adventures. That said, sometimes it’s easy to miss the rich history and charm that’s right under your nose. Lean into your locale and spend your staycation playing tourist in your city or town. Drink a locally-crafted beer at a top-rated brewery, see the latest exhibitions at nearby museums and find ample landscaping inspiration winding through celebrated botanical gardens. Other ideas include: perusing mom-and-pop shops in historic downtown districts, watching a sports game and signing up for a guided tour of the nearest city to learn more about your area.

You don’t need to leave your house to enjoy an aesthetic alfresco happy hour. Skip the trip and put the money you're saving towards purchasing outdoor furnishings that transform your porch, deck or patio into a permanent destination. Make this monochromatic space your muse; incorporate crisp white upholstery and sandy beige accents as your base color palette. Drape your outdoor seating with striped Turkish towels in diffused white, beige or blue tones to lean into the coastal look. Polish off the patio with a flashy palm frond arrangement, potted bougainvilleas and a citronella candle (or five).

If your kids have begged you for a camping trip for the last three summers, but you know the chances of snoozing in a sleeping bag without throwing your neck out are zero to none, we’re here with a solution. Set up shop in the backyard and forgo nylon cocoons for an adult-friendly air mattress dressed in breathable sheets and piled high with pillows. Bring out a wireless fan, cozy lanterns and an outdoor rug for maximum comfort. Pro tip: Choose a tent that’s tall enough for you to stand up in because, let’s face it, tall ceilings feel luxurious in every setting.

Pick a new-to-you local park and plan a festive summer picnic with your family or closest pals. Roll out all the stops with artisanal sandwiches, a charcuterie spread and a bottle (read: two) of bubbly rosé. Bring along a deck of cards, a board game or your go-to lawn games to ignite the spirit of friendly competition between your besties.

And jump in it! Pull up a map and find a lake, beach or pool within your preferred driving distance. Hit the road with a stack of fluffy towels, a packed cooler and a change of clothes in tow to spend the day splashing around in the sun.

Host your happy hour crew for a summer soiree and serve up our signature, big-batch summer cocktails like grapefruit gin and tonic, boozy berry patch lemonade and the peach sweet tea punch. And since you’re saving money on travel — why not treat yourself to new glassware for the occasion?

Everyone loves a vacation photo opp — but you don’t have to travel far to find a shoot-worthy location. Capture a slice of summer spent close to home with the help of a professional photographer in your area from Flytographer, Snappr or Shoot. These unique services enable you to book with talented photographers in destinations worldwide, with pros in hundreds of cities in the United States. You can make an afternoon of it or keep it quick and easy with various photo shoot lengths and packages to choose from with each company.

Who says checking into a hotel is a prerequisite for enjoying luxurious bedding? Put the money you’d spend on one night at a swanky hotel towards investing in high-end bedsheets you’ll use for years. Take your staycation one step further and transform your bedroom into a calming oasis by splurging on quality sheets, a fluffy robe and buttery-soft bath towels.

Eat your way through your city with a DIY culinary crawl. Start with a stack of pancakes and seasonal coffee at the breakfast spot everyone always raves about, then follow up with an alfresco lunch with photo-worthy views. Return home for a power nap before heading out for happy hour and settling in at your favorite fine dining establishment to enjoy the chef’s tasting menu.