A staycation might sound like the “lazy” cousin of a proper holiday, but if you know how to do it right, it can be just as rewarding. After all, the beauty of a staycation lies in its simplicity. There’s no airport scramble, no jetlag, and no overstuffed itineraries. Instead, it’s the kind of break where the goal isn’t to tick off landmarks, but to pause, breathe, and reset.
Altogether, the art of the staycation is about leaning into the comforts and charm of your own locality. However, to really make the most of it, it pays to plan a little. With that in mind, here’s how to turn your next staycation into something far more satisfying than a mere weekend near home.
1. Pick Your Place With Purpose
The place you choose to stay will shape your whole experience. So, rather than settling for somewhere that simply ticks the boxes, choose an accommodation that changes the way you feel the moment you walk through the door. After all, a good staycation base should make you want to stay in.
Additionally, look for thoughtful details that you will enjoy. Perhaps it’s a deep bathtub, a cosy courtyard, or a spot where you can hear native birds in the morning. For instance, if you’re in the North Island and would like to rent a chalet, Taupō has many options that can give you private lake access and beautiful views of the lake and the Marina.
That said, you also want to pick an area you don’t usually explore so your staycation still feels like an adventure. For example, if you live in the suburbs, consider heading into the heart of the city. Conversely, if you’re based in the city centre, try visiting nearby lakes or the hills for a change of pace.
Last but not least, before booking, it’s a good idea to check if there are any major events on that weekend. After all, it’s no fun planning a peaceful break only to find there’s a wedding party booked across the hall.
2. Create a Gentle Structure
Now, while it’s tempting to let the days unfold without any plan, a completely unstructured staycation can end up feeling directionless. That’s why it helps to set gentle intentions, without locking yourself into a rigid itinerary.
For example, you might decide that one day is for relaxing in bed with a book and takeaway coffee. The next day, you can plan some sort of activity, perhaps a visit to a botanical garden or a walking tour. By setting just one or two things to look forward to each day, you give your staycation a sense of purpose without the pressure.
Moreover, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Museums often offer discounts for locals, and libraries sometimes lend free passes to galleries and exhibitions. If you’ve never been to that tucked-away museum you always drive past, now’s the perfect time. Alternatively, go stand-by for last-minute theatre seats. Weeknight shows especially tend to have availability if you’re flexible.
3. Eat Like You Mean It
No staycation is complete without good food. If you’re the sort of person who always says, “We should try that place,” but ends up skipping, now’s your moment. In fact, a staycation is the perfect excuse to finally book that restaurant you never seem to get around to.
Even if it’s just brunch at a popular café or dessert from a spot you’ve always wanted to check out, these little outings anchor the day in joy. For something a bit more creative, you could theme your meals. Try Italian one evening, a seafood feast the next, followed by a dumpling crawl through your favourite Asian eateries. Alternatively, you can go hyper-local. Visit a market or deli and build a picnic to enjoy in a park you haven’t been to in years.
4. Unplug to Recharge
At this point, it’s essential to address the digital side of things. You might not be far from home, but that doesn’t mean your mind has to stay in “daily life” mode. So, one of the best gifts you can give yourself during a staycation is to disconnect.
Start by turning off notifications. Then, set an email autoresponder and log out of social media for a few days. This gives you space to be present at the moment. As a result, you’ll notice how good a real coffee tastes when you’re not sipping it while checking emails. Or how much you enjoy reading a book uninterrupted for a whole hour. These tiny moments of stillness are where a staycation becomes truly restorative.
5. Don’t Rush the Ending
Finally, it’s important to think about how your staycation ends. It’s tempting to squeeze the last hour trying to “get things done” before Monday rolls around. However, if you can, try to stretch it out a little.
For example, take advantage of a late check-out and enjoy a long breakfast while enjoying the view. You can also take one final walk around the property you rented. Even something as small as packing slowly or writing a few thoughts about your week can help you hold onto that relaxed feeling. In doing so, you’ll find that the more gradual your return to everyday life, the longer the benefits of your break will last.
Staycations aren’t second-rate vacations. When done thoughtfully, they can be the most restful, fulfilling kind of break. That’s because they encourage us to pause, notice, and enjoy what we already have access to. So, during the holidays, think local. Book a weekend in a part of your city you’ve never stayed in. Then, eat, explore, rest, and repeat. You’ll come home refreshed without ever going too far.
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