Home away from home: 20 tips for an amazing staycation

If you've already foregone the flight and exotic destination, splurge on a great hotel for your staycation. You can check last-minute booking websites, like HotelTonight, for good deals on fancy hotels that might typically be out of budget. 

Short-term rentals, on Airbnb or VRBO, are also a great option, especially if you're traveling with the family. They offer more room, the ability to cook your own meals, and many come with unique amenities that can make your staycation a little bit more fun. 

During the summer, a pool is essential. Considering spending a bit more to find a spot with a pool for a staycation that feels especially relaxing. Bring lots of sunscreen, plenty of good books to read, and prepare to soak up the sun. 

Many of us often stick to our own little bubbles, and a staycation is the perfect opportunity to explore. Spend a little time researching shops, cafes, and attractions in a neighborhood you're unfamiliar with, and plan a day wandering down the streets in search of something fun and new. 

Whether you want to find your city's best public art or simply search for a fun way to spend an afternoon, a scavenger hunt is a great idea. Pick 5-10 spots/items that you want to seek out, and snap photos of each. You'll have spent a fun afternoon and have a cool souvenir to remind yourself of this staycation. 

If you've got a little wiggle room in the budget, a spa day is a great way to take your staycation to a whole new level of luxury. Book a massage or facial, and be sure to check out what amenities the spa you chose offers — some allow all-day access to pools, hot tubs, saunas, and more. 

Probably thanks to its often whopping price tag, most of us skip room service in favor of dining in a restaurant. But splurging on dinner in bed while you binge-watch Netflix is an indulgent way to unwind on your staycation. 

If you really want to embrace the vacation vibe, pretend to be a tourist in your own city. Check out its biggest attractions, hit the zoo, and maybe even take a side trip to a nearby theme park. 

Whether it's New York City's Times Square or Chicago's Magnificent Miles, a place's reputation as a "tourist trap" doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. Find a cheesy spot you love, and spend a little time there for the full tourist experience. 

Wandering leisurely through a museum is a great way to unwind, and many offer free access to their permanent collections on certain days (or all of them!). Plan a museum day, where you'll hit 2-3 of your city's best, and don't forget to take your time and really enjoy the audio tour and the art. 

If you've lived in your city for a while, there's probably some old haunt that you've stopped going to, and a staycation is a great time to revisit those old favorites. Swing by your college watering hole, or head to the park where you spent tons of weekends with friends, for a nice day of nostalgia. 

Alternatively, you could skip the nostalgia altogether and make a plan only to visit places you've never been before. Just grab a map, and start exploring an unfamiliar area. From cafes to art galleries and cultural centers, it's a great way to get a totally different perspective on the place you live. 

If it's not too hot, getting outdoors is essential on a staycation, and most cities have tons of hidden gem parks. Pack a picnic and a few books, and make your way through some of your city's best parks for a leisurely afternoon that won't cost a dime. 

If your city is near a state park or national park, why not go camping? You don't need a ton of gear for a short camping trip, especially if the weather is nice, and you can get the benefit of the great outdoors without having to travel too far. 

Souvenirs are an essential part of vacations, and staycations are no exception! Set aside a little money in your budget for a souvenir that will remind you of your staycation, whether that's a cheesy mug from a museum gift shop or something more splurge-worthy, like a locally made piece of jewelry or art. 

Many cities offer self-guided historical walking tours that you can download directly to your phone. Whether you're wandering down Boston's Freedom Trail or checking out Chicago's Old Town, these tours offer a great way to see your city in a new light on the cheap. 

Classes are popular attractions at far-flung resorts, so why not try one out on your staycation? Whether you want to try your hand at wine tasting or making pottery, there are tons of options to spark a new interest while on your staycation. 

Because you're staying in your own city, there's no reason to pack your staycation full of too many activities. Make sure you're building in time to nap, chill by the pool, or simply lounge in bed with a book, and watch the stress melt away. 

Getting dressed up and heading out for a show is a solid addition to any staycation. That could mean a new touring theatrical production or simply heading to your favorite movie theater to catch the latest release. 

Perhaps most importantly, make unplugging a priority of your staycation for maximum benefit. Put your phone in Do Not Disturb mode, ignore your work email, and try to focus on total relaxation.