20 Mini Staycation Ideas to Travel Locally


Taking a mini staycation is the answer for traveling longer and more often. I’ve asked 20 travel bloggers their favorite ways to travel locally. Consider this article your local trip planner, with all the best mini staycation ideas from relaxing staycation ideas for couples to local travel for families, there are so many fun things to do on a staycation!

Table of Contents

    What is a Staycation?

    A staycation is a vacation where you stay close to your home and travel in your own country. The word is a mix of “stay” and “vacation”, in a way it can be defined as a local vacation.

     You can have an at-home staycation or drive or take a train to a destination nearby. Staycations became a trend during the 2008 crisis but they can be as cheap or as luxurious as you want them to be!

    What are some benefits of a staycation?

    There are many reasons to be a local traveler and have a staycation near you:

    • It reduces your carbon footprint

    • It promotes sustainable tourism in your own country or city

    • You are supporting your local economy, especially if you choose to shop locally in smaller businesses along the way

    • You have more time to travel as you spend less time on transportation

    • You don’t need to plan as much and can have a last-minute staycation

    • The people you want to travel with might be more available to go on a local trip rather than far away

    • You can take a local weekend trip and not use any vacation time

    • It is a great way to get out of your comfort zone in your daily life and see things that you maybe have overlooked

    • If you learn how to plan a cheap staycation, it is a great way to save money

    Overall taking a local mini trip is a fun and easy way to expand your horizons!

    Want to know what to do on staycation and how to plan a staycation? Keep reading for fun local travel ideas!

    Local experience travel: 20 fun ideas for a staycation

    1. Get inspired with a street art tour

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    One of my favorite ways to travel close to home is to explore cities in my home country by taking a street art tour. Since most major cities around the world are magnets for creatives and artists, street art is likely to be prevalent in the majority of them. 

    In the past, street art was mostly frowned upon and looked at primarily as vandalism. Today, street art has gained in popularity and is a widely accepted form of urban art. For travelers looking to explore a new city, or get to know their own a little better, a street art tour can provide significant insight into the culture and personality of a city. 

    In many cases, street art serves as a commentary on local perspectives ranging from social justice issues to political topics like immigration reform. You can really get to know what’s important to a city just by walking through its streets and observing the art around you. 

    Some of the biggest street art cities in the world are New York City, Paris, London, Medellin, and Reykjavik. However, many smaller cities are hot spots for street art too. 

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    One of my favorite smaller cities in my home country for a street art tour is Austin. While the city is primarily known for its music and Texas-style BBQ, it’s also the perfect city for a local street art tour. In fact, many of Austin’s colorful murals have become tourist destinations themselves. 

    One of the most popular things to do in Austin is taking a picture with the famous Greetings from Austin mural located on the side of Roadhouse Relics on 1st Street. It’s styled after a vintage postcard and is one of the most photographed spots in all of Austin. 

    Even if you don’t live close to Austin, exploring cities close to your own home through a street art tour makes a unique and interesting way to see a new destination, and it doubles up as a free staycation idea!

    Eden from Rock a Little Travel 

    2. Explore natural places in your area

     
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    One of the best ways to travel close to home is to look for new natural places you haven’t explored yet. If you like hiking, try and search for new trails you haven’t been to yet. I’m sure there are plenty of beautiful hikes around your area as soon as you get out of the city. It could be mountain trails but also trails in the countryside or the coast, depending on where you live. In the summer months, you can also look for new beaches. 

    Maybe there are hidden gems not far from your hometown and depending on the laws of your country or state you could try packing for some beach camping! It’s so rewarding waking up at sunrise to the hypnotizing sound of the waves crashing into the beach and the morning brings clear cool water to shore. If you like lakes over the beach, why not look for hidden lakes or rivers flowing near your home that you haven’t discovered yet. 

    There are so many beautiful spots, and often you’ll get surprised you didn’t know about them before. I have lived at my current location in Spain for the last 6 years. And I travel a lot around home. Still, I can find new places I never heard of before. Last year I walked a river hike through a canyon I didn’t know existed before. 

    I also found El Saltillo trail which is a hidden gem only an hour from home and rivals other well-known trails!

    Now, my local travel in Spain consists of exploring a coastline in Cadiz where I’ve only been to a few places before. I decided to explore beyond, and it’s amazing how much natural beauty I found. I know it’s great to go back to places you know, but try something new, and it might even feel like you just traveled to a different country. Going somewhere new in nature really recharges your batteries!

    Linn Haglund from Brainy Backpackers

    3. Take day trips and visit uncrowded popular spots

     
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    Since I am not planning on doing much international travel this year, I'm now looking forward to traveling locally and taking advantage of uncrowded popular spots. There are quite a few interesting places to visit locally, usually within a couple of hours' drive from my home in Lisbon, Portugal, so my husband and I have already started taking some day trips and are planning many more.

    Our most recent day trip was to a social housing project on the outskirts of Lisbon, called Quinta do Mocho. Once a notorious crime-ridden neighborhood, the place has been transformed by street art and is now the largest open-air street-art gallery in Europe. We were the first people to take a tour of the street art in Quinta do Mocho since its reopening after a three-month lockdown. Our guide was quite happy to be back in business!

    Since Quinta do Mocho is not well-connected to Lisbon, we got there by a combination of metro and Uber. But for most other day trips, we plan to use public transport. Of course, we will be wearing masks and will bring hand sanitizer with us on every trip.

    We have already made two-day trips to the magical town of Sintra, about 40 minutes from Lisbon by train, and we plan to make several more. Prior to the pandemic, Sintra was really suffering from overtourism, and some of its palaces were so crowded that it was impossible to enjoy them.

    With Portugal's borders closed, we had the incredible opportunity of having these world-famous sights all to ourselves. We'll see how quickly tourism rebounds, but I expect that even the most popular sights will remain uncrowded for a while.

    Take advantage of uncrowded popular spots in your hometown to visit places that would have been almost impossible to visit before!

    Wendy Werneth from The Nomadic Vegan

    4. Follow your hobbies or try out mine: birdwatching

    Following your passion – whether new or established – will take you to many interesting places. For me, one of them is bird watching. It started when we bought our first home and put up bird feeders. Suddenly we had all kinds of colorful visitors, and I wanted to know who they were. Cue the purchase of binoculars, bird identification books, a CD course on bird songs
 (Yeah, I tend to go all in.)

    Not only did I get to know my own backyard and the plants and other animals better, but my husband and I developed this shared interest and started venturing out on short and long walks in our area to see our feathered friends in their own habitat or as they migrate through in the spring and fall.

    We’ve discovered all kinds of hidden treasures in and just outside our town, Ithaca: tiny nature preserves, out-of-the-way parks, and also some better-known destinations that otherwise may not have been as high on our to-visit list.

    If you’re interested in doing the same in your region, look up local bird-watching clubs, such as the Audubon Society. They may lead walks and give presentations. They’ll also be able to recommend guides – books, and people! – to take you to interesting local parks and preserves. And then combine your outings with some other local sightseeing. Maybe there’s an ice cream stand down the road from the park that you haven’t tried yet?

    Of course the same is true for many other passions, too: Collect coins? Travel to nearby numismatic conferences. Love history? Explore your region’s hidden treasures. Any nature-related sports are especially suitable, e.g. hiking, canoeing, climbing
 You’ll see that adventures are right in your backyard!

    Olivia from Happy in the Hollow

    5. Travel at home with a themed dinner night 😋

     
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    If you’re the type of person who travels to eat, consider hosting a themed dinner night with your friends and/or family. When international travel was banned in Fiji, my globetrotting friends and I wondered how we’d cope without venturing off our island for the foreseeable future.

    This is how themed dinners for at home travel were born. Each week, my friends and I choose a potluck theme and bring a dish that represents the destination. While Italian nights were easy to cook for (with a little help from the internet, of course), more creative themes like Iranian night had us searching for ways to cook dishes we’d never sampled before.

    This is an easy backyard staycation and a great way to try new foods and feel as though you’ve teleported into another country. Go all-out with music playlists that highlight some of the destination’s best songs. Once dinner is done, put on a film that takes place in the destination in the background. Extra props go to anyone who takes the time to learn a few key phrases from the theme country’s language as well. 

    If you have friends from other countries, having them host the night with the theme of their home country will be a great way to make them feel at home, and you’ll have someone who can vouch for the authenticity of each recipe. Can you take it even further by learning a new dance, sport, or craft that the destination is famous for?

    For many, travel is about bonding with others and novel experiences. Cooking a dish you’ve never cooked before and eating it among friends and family will have tick the boxes. A themed night to a destination you’ve yet to visit might just inspire your next international trip!

    Chantae from Chantae.com

    6. Travel underwater with freediving

    My favorite way to travel without going far from home is to freedive every Sunday, which makes me feel like I get to have a vacation every week. It may be a quick local getaway trip but the taste of saltwater and a little tan makes it a legit vacation. I get the feeling of as if I traveled that far when I go back to work.

    Freediving is a type of diving underwater while holding your breath. It is cheaper than scuba diving and does not need the aid of an air tank. I go to Mabini, which is 2 to 3 hours away from where I live in the Philippines, and home to several wondrous diving spots, so it is popular to freedivers and aspiring freedivers. 

    I got started by taking a course to gain confidence in the open water. Freediving beginner courses held in the open water usually take 2 days with two dives and including transportation, accommodation, and meals. I recommend you start your freediving adventures by taking a similar course in your hometown (you can even take one in a diving swimming pool!) before adventuring a looking for spots close from home.

    After my beginner course, I was hooked and wanted to join every weekend to improve my freediving skills, and also have a fun staycation weekend routine.

    After arriving at the resort, I will join them for a light breakfast, yoga, little conversations then warm-up before the dive. Freediving will make you feel relaxed and amused at the same time by holding your breath while going deeper and appreciating the magnificent marine life.  After the dive, we will wash up, have lunch then I will join the van ride back to the city which is the end of my mini-vacation!

    Katie from the Hollapinos

    7. Discover new places biking đŸšČ

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    My hometown of London is blessed with a fantastic public transport network including trains, underground, buses, taxis, boats, and cable cars! Using public transport, you can easily visit anywhere, but the problem for me is you miss everything in between! London is fascinating at every corner, so by disappearing into a tube station and popping up at your destination you will arrive quickly and efficiently but miss centuries of history and intriguing sights connecting the two. Walking in London is wonderful, pavements are good, and you can connect fully with the environment, but it’s pretty slow. Cycling, however, is the answer!

    Traffic is substantial, but a minimum of effort allows you to plan routes using quieter roads, residential streets, and cycle routes which are increasing every year. There are essentially two ways to cycle in most big cities: either you have your own bike or you use one of the many hire bikes widely available throughout the center. Using your own bike is very convenient, you get to choose the type you want, and you can add panniers, child seats etc. as you wish, but whatever you choose make sure you buy a good bike lock (I trust U locks more than chains) and securely lock up when you leave your bike to explore! 

    London can be described as a collection of villages, and my favorite weekend staycation activity is to pick a village area such as Hampstead,  Shoreditch, or Fulham, cycle there in the morning and spend the day cycling around it exploring the local shops, parks, sights, and restaurants, there is so much variety within each area! Sometimes, however, if you want to visit an area far away for a day trip, or that last stop was a little too convivial then it is possible to bring your bicycle on the train or tube to split your journey! Check carefully the rules for routes and timings for bicycle transport.

    There are so many places to discover by bike next to your home and biking is a fun way to get a workout in while exploring new spots!

    Clotilde from A Princess Traveling With Twins

    8. Use Instagram to discover cool places

     
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    I have been living in Seoul for 3 years now and have visited all the main touristic sites multiple times over the past years. Most weekends I try to go out of the city, into the country, but when I don't manage to go out of Seoul, I always try to find a new thing to do in Seoul. This is a city of 10 million inhabitants, so it is absolutely huge and there are loads of undiscovered local sights, cute cafes, and restaurants. 

    Most of my inspiration for traveling locally I find on Instagram as there are specific hashtags that can lead me to cool places: like the hashtags in Korean for Seoul cafes (#서욞ìčŽíŽ˜), restaurants (#서욞맛집) and places to visit (#ì„œìšžì—Źí–‰). If you browse around on these hashtags, you're bound to come across some cute themed cafe, a cute little temple, or stunning flower field somewhere on the outskirts of Seoul. You can also check out the official Instagram of where you live. The official Instagram of Seoul City, for example, posts about a lot of local and new places to visit. These days many places pay special attention to their interior and decoration as they want to make it as instagrammable as possible. This makes Seoul a great city to go get some cute pictures. 

    Even if you won't find anything you like on Instagram, you can just pick a random subway station and start walking around the neighborhoods. In Seoul, The street scenes are very different from other places around the world, even I'm still impressed with some of the street scenes I come across. Whatever you are planning to do in Seoul, you will enjoy it. 

    Marie from BeMarieKorea

    9. Travel by train instead of plane 🚂

    One of the best ways I like to travel close to home is by train, and in Europe, with so many countries with such diverse cultures, it’s a great way to see and experience so much with just hours from home.

    Living in Florence, Italy, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the train station and within a few hours on a speed train, I can reach all the popular destinations in Italy such as Rome, Milan, Venice and Cinque Terra, and can even double that with an art excursion in the Puglia region to see the work of Peppino Campanella. And to reach France, Switzerland or Austria it’s just a few hours longer.

    And the best part with a train, unlike catching a plane, there are no lines, no passport, no security checkpoints to undress at, and you can get up and walk around, get something to eat or just relax with a book or smartphone.

    I can also work on my laptop easily with enough room to move as well as free wifi, so I can maximize my train journey by staying on top of my work even when traveling.

    A train is often cheaper than other forms of transport such as flying and even driving, when you factor in fuel, insurance, etc. And it’s also an eco-friendlier option than flying or driving too.

    I also love the seat space you get on a train vs flying. You’re not crammed in and there’s plenty of storage space for luggage.

    It’s great that with a train you can even just turn up at the station at the last minute to buy a ticket. Although it’s best to plan ahead just in case, the flexibility offered by train travel can’t be overlooked.

    Overall, train travel is a popular, affordable, efficient, and fun way to get around!

    Matt from It’s all in Italy

    10. Discover local Glamping options

    A popular way to travel locally is camping. However, while it’s an affordable way to explore your local region - for many people who don’t have a tent or caravan, it’s not a practical option. A great alternative is to discover all the ‘Glamping’ options you have nearby.

    Many camping grounds now offer more than just powered and unpowered sites. Standard alternative accommodation includes cabins and villas. But other camping grounds are branching out and providing more exciting options such as safari tents and vintage caravans. These are a great way to experience your local region affordably, but also comfortably. Even some wineries are offering luxury camping on-site - there are many creative options to explore.

    With this type of accommodation, all you need to do is pack your clothes and toiletries before you head off on your next local adventure. The benefit of this kind of travel is that they are often located in scenic areas - with lots of outdoor activities to enjoy.

    We recently stayed in a vintage caravan at a local farm stay camping ground. This was so much fun for our son - and we were able to explore the small towns, hiking tracks, and cultural experiences nearby. The best part was that we were traveling responsibly by supporting local small businesses and learning about our local history. 

    We have also camped at a popular theme park called Paradise Country - just an hour's drive from us on the Gold Coast, Queensland. They provide luxury safari tents, and even standard tents already set up for you to enjoy. This allowed us to explore the animal park and other nearby theme parks at our leisure, before enjoying sunset activities and dinner at the on-site restaurant. It was such a fun way to enjoy local attractions and support our local tourism industry. 

    There are so many of these experiences popping up now - have a search online and see what you can find for your next local adventure! 

    Stephanie from Navigating Adventure

    11. Have a romantic staycation with your partner ❀

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    It’s hard to relax when you’re spending more time in your own home. It seems there’s ALWAYS something you feel you could
 no
 SHOULD be doing; a pile of laundry that needs folding, a closet that hasn’t been organized in some time, a work project you should be completing
 the list goes on. It creates anxiety and frankly, it’s just plain exhausting. 

    If you are anything like me, the ones you love get less of your attention as a result of it.

    For this reason, I recommend planning a date night in your home town with these fun couple staycation ideas! Mine is Quebec City and I love planning a romantic night there!

    Distance from home has been proven to increase relaxation and rest. Even if that distance consists of just not sleeping in your own bedroom! So, first and foremost, book a hotel room. If you think this is frivolous, trust me, it’s not. I can’t stress enough the positive benefits of getting out of your own home. Now, once you’ve booked that hotel room, start planning a fantastic evening with your significant other. 

    Spend an afternoon doing something you both love, something you both will enjoy doing together. Whether that be taking in a show, getting active in nature, or being creative at a class of some sort, just pick something you can both get excited about. Follow it up with dinner at one of your favorite restaurants. Splurge on that bottle of wine if you enjoy it! Then spend a night in a hotel room where you don’t have any responsibilities and can just focus on each other. It’s good for your mental health, and it helps your local businesses. Win, win.

    You’ll thank me later. 

    Hillary from Hillary Newman Photo

     

    12. Get a different perspective by stand up paddle

     
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    Stand Up Paddle has become very popular recently. Although it was originally used to catch waves just like in the case of surfing, it is possible to use it on flat waters and have lots of fun with it. 

    The beauty of flatwater paddleboarding is that it is very easy to master. The board is big and pretty stable and it usually only takes a few minutes to find your balance. Then a short introduction to basic paddling technique, and you're ready. Everyone can do it, however, if you're not a good swimmer, you should wear a safety jacket just in case. 

    Stand up paddling is fun and can be a great way of exploring the waters in your neighborhood. There's always a river or a lake nearby. You can pack some food in a water-resistant bag and go for a whole day trip with a picnic. It can also be an alternative to kayaking, as you can use the same routes for SUP trips. Finally, if your city has a river running through it, you can use it to see your hometown from an entirely new perspective. You can even discover new places, impossible to access from land. Last but not least, you should definitely try paddling out at sunrise or sunset. This can be a very romantic experience if you share it with your special one. 

    The only equipment that you need for SUP is a board with a leash and a paddle. You can easily rent those. If you want to have your own, though, it's a good idea to buy an inflatable board so that you can easily fit it in your car, take it on a bus or plane. It needs pumping up but that's always a good warm-up exercise before paddling. 

    Anna from Liquid Traveling

    13. Go on a local road trip adventure 🚗

     
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    I love planning local road trips around the places I live in. They are a great way to get to know your home state or country, depending on where you are. You can easily tailor a road trip to be just right for you, like an outdoorsy Florida road trip for me or an artsy city road trip, a foodie tour, a leaf-peeping New England trip, or the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky. It can be a multi-state adventure, a whole single state, or just a small section of one state or country. No matter what you decide to do, it will be fantastic.  

    Road trips are not only great for getting to know your home better, but they're also a great way to support local economies and local businesses. Plus, local places are where you'll find some of the best food, art, and souvenirs. One of the best parts about road trips is that you can go alone, with family, or with friends, and whichever it is, you'll come home with lots of awesome memories and some new ideas for how to do it better next time.  

    Road trips are also perfect for local travel because if you already have a car, you don't have to spring for a rental. And if you don't have a car, a friend might. You can always offer to help pay for a tune-up pre-trip to try and sweeten them up a bit if necessary. They can also easily be done on a budget or more luxuriously so no matter your budget or taste, it can be exactly what you want. I love road trips and will almost always drive over fly, no matter where I'm going.  

    Megan from Red Around the World

     

    13. Rediscover your home through local winery stays đŸ·

    While I consider myself a world citizen, I spent the majority of my life in Henderson, Kentucky. A small riverside city located in the state's Northwest, it is quaint, southern, and wholesome at its best. After leaving Kentucky in 2010, I fell out-of-touch. Other than visits during holidays, I overlooked the expansions and re-developments of its historic neighborhoods and downtown businesses.

    When I returned in the summer of 2019 after living abroad, I decided it was time to explore like a local. In partnership with Tour Henderson, I experienced the best of my hometown. The sponsored trip included my favorite experience -- a luxury glamping local staycation at the well-known winery and cafe, the Farmer and Frenchman Winery (F&F).

    F&F is a local gem, known and loved by many. Locally owned by Hubert and Katy Mussat in June 2016, the business has since flourished into a gathering place for weddings, milestone celebrations, family dinners, and most recently, solar-powered cabins.

    The "glamping", (fancy camping), experience at F&F is magical. Available for rent year-round, their three identical cabins provide 360-views of rolling farmland, vineyards, and woodlands. The kid-friendly accommodations include heated floors, king-sized beds, queen-sized pull out couches, double-headed showers, and kitchenettes with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. For those who want to experience true rest and relaxation, the on-site cafe and restaurant serves a private breakfast-in-bed for hungry glampers. 

    After a hearty meal of delicious locally produced food (biscuits, fruit, quiche, and coffee), take a guided vineyard tour or walk one of the many trails near F&F. 

    Research your local area for farms and wineries you can stay at, as it is one of my favorite local staycation ideas!

    Alexandra Booze from East Coast Contessa

     
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    15. Go camping in local parks

    One of the easiest ways to travel local, while still feeling like you’re going on an adventure, is to go camping in local parks. This could be a national park, a provincial or state park, or even a conservation area. Camping offers a unique experience and a chance to disconnect while being close to home and budget-friendly.

    The easiest way to find local travel destinations for camping near you is to start with Google Maps. Look for big green spaces (which usually indicate a park or protected area). Find the name of the park and then Google the name with the words “camping” or “campsites”. This will give you a shortlist of destinations for camping near you.

    Nearby will mean different things to different people. For some, it’s within a one-hour drive, whereas I consider anything within a four-hour drive near-enough for a weekend camping trip. The further you’re willing to go, the more options you will have.

    Most parks will require you to book a specific campsite, and this can usually be done online. For your first few camping trips, select a campsite you can drive into with washroom facilities. (These are often denoted as "front country" or "car camping" campsites.) Most sites like these also have a picnic table and firepit.

    You’ll also want to plan your equipment well in advance. A tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag are important (unless you’re camping in an RV). You’ll also want tools for making a fire, like a lighter and kindling (you can often purchase these at the park office). Finally, I recommend packing clothing that isn’t cotton, just in case it rains. Denim and cotton hoodies take days to dry on their own, so if you get stuck in the rain your clothes will be wet for the rest of the trip. I have a comprehensive post on all the camping gear I use here. Finally, you’ll need to plan your food. You can make food ahead of time and bring it with you, or cook something over the fire to make sure you eat healthy, nourishing food. You can also research in advance to find locally sourced food in the area you’re going to.

    For any of your mini getaways ideas like the one I’ve outlined below, that’s about all the staycation planning you’ll need. But definitely spend a little time researching camping in the specific park you're going to. You may find additional tips for local travel. Camping is an excellent way to explore local areas in a new way, without venturing too far.

    Mikaela from Voyageur Tripper

    16. Explore the world through food 🌎

    I love to explore the city (Los Angeles) and region (Southern California) I call home through food.

    My husband and I have spent countless evenings and weekends trying dishes all over the city.  We do the same for nearby places such as Ventura, Santa Monica, Laguna Beach, and San Diego. The gastronomic scene changes quickly. Therefore, there is always something new to discover.

    One way to decide where to go next is by keeping an eye on new restaurant openings. To accomplish this, I have subscribed to the e-newsletters of organizations dedicated to cover the restaurant scene in the city. As an example, I receive e-mails from The Infatuation, Eater, and the LA Times Food Section. In addition, I receive notifications from websites offering discounts such as Groupon and Travelzoo. Once in a while, I find a voucher to eat at a place I have not tried before.

    We also like to explore the city based on a single dish. Sometimes, we turn into ramen or burger mode. Then, we proceed to collect information on where the best places offering this particular dish are located. We put together a list based on Google searches, friend’s recommendations, and YouTube videos. It is so fun to pick our own favorites and see if we agree with experts.

    Visiting ethnic enclaves is rewarding as well. We have been to Little Ethiopia, Little Tokyo, Koreatown, and Thai Town looking for regional dishes that are hard to find outside that neighborhood. If places like these do not exist close to where you live, try picking a restaurant representing a cuisine you have not tried yet.

    Joining a local tour or attending a food festival are two additional options to get even deeper into the gastronomic scene of a city. You will discover new places, meet professionals in the business, and make new friends.

    Ruth from Tanama Tales

     

    17. Go on a retreat đŸ§˜â€â™€ïž

     
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    I was so focused on traveling abroad that for a while, I forgot how fulfilling it could be to travel close to home, and just how beautiful staying local could be. It helps that I’m currently staying in Southern California, which has such a vast array of landscapes – everything from sunny beaches to dry deserts to rugged mountains and peaceful lakes. You can truly drive to any of these within a couple of hours.

    I have taken countless Southwestern USA last-minute road trips and tend to be very drawn to deserts and dry regions. In fact, hiking in these desert regions has been a long-time favorite activity of mine. So when I stumbled across a Yoga + Hiking retreat roughly three hours from home, in the desert-like Mediterranean region of California’s Central Coast, I knew I had to join. 

    Retreats are a great way to escape your normal routine. You can be within a few hours of home on and feel like you are in another world. Usually, these are hosted in areas full of nature, providing a powerful and calming escape. For me, being in nature is very grounding.  It’s easier to tune into what is going on in your mind and heart when far away from the noise of the city.

    Whatever the retreat theme or activity – yoga, hiking, surfing, or even meditating – it is such a great opportunity to dive into these passions without the distractions of home. How often do we get to devote multiple days simply to yoga? Or hiking? Or surfing? Not often enough.

    In my case, the Yoga + Hiking retreat was the first of several I’ve now attended. It is one of my favorite ways to experience areas that are in your own backyard, and I imagine I’ll be doing another yoga staycation in the future!

    Monica from This Rare Earth

    18. Explore underrated spots nearby

    I have spent the last three years living in Athens, Greece. In that time, I have discovered dozens of incredible places to visit on day trips from Athens

    Many of these places are spots that most international tourists are not even aware of. This is most likely the case with many cities across the globe - you never have to travel far to have an adventure! 

    Hydra, Spetses, Aegina, and Poros are stunning islands in the Saronic Gulf. They can be reached within just an hour’s boat ride from Athens’ Piraeus Port. These stunning islands see just a fraction of the tourists that the Cyclades or the Ionian islands do. However, they are every bit as stunning. 

    Hydra island feels like a journey back in time. There are no cars on the island and people get around by horses and mules! Each of these islands boasts pristine coastlines boarded by translucent cerulean waters and scenic hiking trails that weave through incredible natural scenery. 

    Travelers that have an interest in Greek history and mythology will not be disappointed at the opportunities to travel locally from Athens either. The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is a dramatic temple that is perched on the edge of a cliff just an hour south of Athens. Similarly, the ancient ruins of the city of Delphi are just an hour north of the Greek capital. 

    Both cities have played an important role in the country’s history. The best thing of all is that Greece has an excellent public transport network that makes getting around very easy. If you want the independence and flexibility of renting a car, driving around Greece is not as intimidating as it may seem.

    When discovering underrated spots nearby, take some time to learn about the history and culture of the place, you might be surprised!

    Melissa Douglas of High Heels & a Backpack

    19. Feel like a tourist with a hotel staycation in your city

    A staycation with friends in the city you live in is the perfect way to reconnect and enjoy time together. Chicago, where I live, is one of the best cities in the U.S to enjoy a staycation as it has so much to offer people of all ages and interests.

    If you’re wondering how to plan a relaxing staycation, I recommend you book a hotel for the added vacation feeling. For overnight stays, I recommend hotels near the Magnificent Mile. The InterContinental or Embassy Suites are conveniently located in the hub of activities and have amazing breakfast buffets to start the day. Club Quarters is an older hotel that is less than 1/2 block from Michigan Avenue with lower price points. They offer a complimentary Continental breakfast for guests, and wine in the evening which is always a fun moment to share with friends. 

    Next thing, go explore and feel like a tourist in your hometown! The Riverwalk is a newer development along the Chicago River with plenty of restaurants, bars, and activities. After breakfast, you should rent kayaks or an electric boat and cruise the river as a group. If you'd rather enjoy it at a more leisurely pace (without rowing or steering), a Wendella Architectural Tour is the best option. This way, you can relax, enjoy the scenery, get some sun, and socialize more. While walking along the Riverwalk, you can enjoy the public artwork and take some Instagram-worthy photos. The path is slightly over a mile, but there are bike rentals available which will enable you to explore the lakefront or Navy Pier if desired.

    hotel-staycation

    Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza. My favorites are Lou Malnati's and Pizano's because the flavors are rich and so delicious. The Grand Luxe Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants to visit with friends.  Request a window seat in the turret for views of Michigan Avenue and shopping inspiration! After shopping, break for afternoon tea at the Millenium Knickerbocker Hotel. If you prefer cocktails, a rooftop bar with phenomenal is the answer -- Cindy's Rooftop, ROOF at TheWit, and London House are great choices. They easily transition into a nightlife experience. Whew! That's a pretty full day.  

    Tanya from Travel Treasuresï»ż

    20. Go hiking close to home 🏔

    If you’re wondering what to do on a staycation, my favorite way of traveling close to home is to go hiking. I recently had more time to explore my own hometown and all of its hidden gems. 

    One of them is the trail to Cherni (Black) Peak in Vitosha mountain in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is quite easy to get to its starting point either by car or by catching bus 93, which takes you to Aleko hut. Once at Aleko hut, you should hike up in an almost zig-zag way until you reach the top of the hill ahead. This first part of the trail can be quite hard, as it will require you to climb, but in the end, it is absolutely worth it. Then, continue straight up passing by a destroyed shelter from where Cherni Peak can easily be noticed. From there, keep on walking for about 1 hour or 2, until you reach the top. 

    The view will simply take your breath away! You will not only see the city from above but also the whole mountain range along with nearby mountains.

    Another hiking trail I like to embark on is the one to Boyana’s waterfall. However, be prepared, because this trail is one of the hardest trails in Vitosha for sure. Although, this trail is very beautiful, as it is going up through a very beautiful forest surrounding the streams that derive from the waterfall. To get there simply catch bus 64, which will take you to Boyana district and to its last stop – Boyansko Hanche.

    Once there, simply go straight up the road and walk until you see a thick forest and signs showing the beginning of the hiking trail. There are two signs for the hiking trail to Boyana’s waterfall, the one marked with green is the one that is a bit easier, the other one is the harder one that goes through the streams of Boyana. I would definitely recommend the harder path, as it offers some beautiful trails surrounded by lush vegetation and cool streams along with it.

    Hiking is one of the best ways to feel like you’ve traveled far away without actually going far!

    Alexandrina from Earthosea

    I hope you enjoyed these fun staycation tips and now know how to plan a fabulous staycation! Do you have any local travel tips that were not mentioned here?

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