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A staycation is a holiday that one spends in their home country rather than abroad or one spends at home but involves day trips to local attractions. Staycations are a great alternative for when one is unable to take a trip abroad. You can stay in your own city or visit one nearby and take a break from your daily life.
A staycation can also be done at a local five-star hotel at discounted weekend prices where you get the full five-star treatment without having to incur travel expenses and many other expenses that come with travelling out of the country.
Here are a few ways to plan the perfect staycation.
1. Figure out what you want to do
The key to a great staycation is figuring out what you want to do. Whether it’s a spa getaway or a hiking adventure, you will have to pick out the things you want to do during this short holiday. You can visit local parks, go horse riding and even go for road trips to a different town from yours and learn about the residents and their culture. Choose places that offer the best of what you want to do.
2. Create a staycation budget
It is important to have a staycation budget in place. Just as you would have a budget while travelling out of the country, have the same while planning a staycation. Do not allow yourself to get into debt. You can save money while planning and have a little splurge, within your budget.
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3. Use online resources
If you need staycation inspiration, you can use different websites or applications for help. Depending on where you live, you can use sites like TripAdvisor to look up nice hotels that are within your budget. You can also search for restaurants where you can eat local foods while exploring the local food culture.
4. Rent a place, house-sit or camp
You can rent a place on Airbnb which offers a variety of places depending on how much one is willing to spend. A proper holiday, whether it is a staycation or not, is all about experiencing your city in a new light and seeing places you have never known existed. There is no better way to do this than renting a house and having an amazing break with everything working at your own pace and your own timing.
Camping can be fun and is low cost as well. There are many different places that are designated for camping where you can go and have a good time and meet new people.
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5. Check for credit card discounts
Many travel-focused credit cards offer special or reduced admission to concerts, restaurants and other events in addition to the points or miles you gain whenever you make a purchase. Different banks have different offers that help their clients get the best out of their holidays by visiting exclusive restaurants and visiting different places at discounted prices.
6. Be a tourist in your own city
Take a tour of your own city. Start by visiting different historical sites that are available near you and learn more about your history and your city’s history as well. Go cycling on local trails or take it a step further and join a tour company that will take you around like a tourist and show you different places you have not been to. Go sightseeing and bird watching, learn about the environment, historical buildings and many other different places that are of importance to your countries history.