{"id":17154,"date":"2023-08-24T17:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-24T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/?p=17154"},"modified":"2023-08-24T13:38:27","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T17:38:27","slug":"how-to-plan-an-amazing-staycation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/how-to-plan-an-amazing-staycation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Plan an Amazing Staycation\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vacation is something we all need once in a while. It helps us decompress, let go of the normal preoccupations of daily existence, and live in the moment through rest and relaxation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But when vacation itself becomes a source of stress\u2014often because travel is so expensive\u2014the whole purpose gets lost. If you feel that need to get away, but you\u2019re on a tight budget at the moment, it can be a huge challenge to imagine how you\u2019ll pay for airfare, lodging, food, entertainment, and everything in between. What if you could get away without actually going away? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vacation isn\u2019t about where you are, it\u2019s about how <\/em>you are. You can experience all the same mental health benefits and save a huge chunk of change by taking a staycation, or dedicated time off without traveling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are an infinite number of options when planning your perfect staycation. You could chill at home and reconnect with loved ones, or explore your hometown like a tourist. Staycation is much easier to coordinate than a trip abroad, far more cost-effective, and an amazing way to discover a deeper appreciation for the place you live. Learn how to take advantage of this flexible option for a rejuvenating break from your normal routine.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Treat your staycation just like a vacation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most important aspect of any successful staycation is approaching that time off with the same level of intention you\u2019d normally dedicate to a big trip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It doesn\u2019t matter whether you\u2019re in Paris, France, or Paris, Texas\u2014you deserve to have a special experience, and the only limit on the fun of a staycation is your own creativity and imagination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pamper yourself <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just because staycations are typically budget-conscious doesn\u2019t mean you have to avoid spending money. A simple change of scene can go a long way.  You\u2019re going to save a whole lot of money by not paying for flights, so maybe you have the means to book a hotel room in your city for a night or two. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re staycationing from home, you might do a little splurge on something out of the ordinary, like a high-quality massage or a delicious meal at your favorite restaurant.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make a local bucket list <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter how long you\u2019ve been living in your area, there are bound to be a few sights and attractions you\u2019ve never seen or tried. Think about how many New Yorkers have never visited Ellis Island, how many Chicagoans have never seen a game at Wrigley Field, or how many Angelinos never toured a movie studio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try new things with new friends  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cross some items off your list by connecting with other locals interested in the same experiences. If you\u2019re looking to participate in more cultural activities, a Meetup group like More and More<\/a> in Houston would be a great start. You could connect with more than 1,700 adventurous people who love popular music, classical music, arts, lectures on civic affairs, museum visits, and more. For example, on Saturday, September 16<\/a>, the group will get together to see The Duke Ellington Orchestra perform for free at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. If you\u2019ve never seen a jazz concert, this is an unbeatable way to dive in! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A great way to synergize two popular staycation trends\u2014exploring your city and finally making time to read\u2014is to find communities like The Book Buffet<\/a> in San Diego or Books by the Beltline Book Club<\/a> in Atlanta. Both of these Meetup groups have hundreds of members who gather to discuss books and trade ideas in interesting locales, whether it\u2019s a famous park or an eclectic dive bar.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Create space for the things you love  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Being curious and trying new things is a hallmark of any good vacation, even when you\u2019re vacationing from home. But it\u2019s also so refreshing to spend your time off doing exactly what\u2019s familiar and what comforts you. Maybe that means going out to the movies all weekend long, or hiking a trail you know like the back of your hand. You could link up with communities like the Denver Movie Meetup<\/a> Group or the Chicago Hiking, Outdoors, & Social Group<\/a> to embrace more opportunities to do you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When done the right way, a good staycation not only recharges your battery, but provides some perspective on your passions and motivations. Ultimately, it demonstrates how full and exciting your home town can be with just a little effort and intention. And that insight allows you to appreciate how special daily life is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re considering a staycation, you can always create your own Meetup group<\/a> and invite other locals to explore your city through a new lens.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Travel isn\u2019t a prerequisite for having a good time and experiencing new things. Learn how to unwind and appreciate your hometown in a deeper way by planning your perfect staycation.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":17155,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Plan an Amazing Staycation\u00a0 - Meetup Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/blog\/how-to-plan-an-amazing-staycation\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Plan an Amazing Staycation\u00a0 - Meetup Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Travel isn\u2019t a prerequisite for having a good time and experiencing new things. 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