No matter the time of year, considering a vacation involves a lot of planning. Where to go, what to do, how long will it take to get to your destination, drive, or fly, how much is it going to cost, where to stay, what to pack, what to do with pets, making hotel reservations, or reserving a camping spot. The list goes on and on. Instead of being a fun time, setting up the itinerary becomes a time-consuming chore.

Instead of spending a lot of time trying to fit all the pieces together, consider the alternative to stressful planning and be a tourist in your own town. If you are wondering how to do this, plan a memorable staycation.

What is a Staycation?

The simple answer to the question "what is a staycation" is: Instead of taking a long-distance trip to a faraway destination, whether that's across the country or the globe, you stay at home and plan an itinerary of entertaining day trips within driving distance of your town. If you prefer, you also have the option of making reservations at a hotel or campground in your town. The point is to use your city as your base for things to do throughout your vacation.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Choosing to be a tourist in your own town can be an exciting adventure, discovering new places to go and things to do and rediscovering places you haven't visited in a while. You may learn about interesting places around town you didn't know existed, such as landmarks and historic districts.

Tips for Planning a Staycation

Planning a staycation itinerary is your way of seeing and doing what you want when you want. Begin planning your itinerary based on how long your staycation will last. This will help fine-tune each day's activities for exploring your town and help determine where you may need to make any reservations, if necessary.

Next, make a list of the things you would like to do, such as dinner at a swanky restaurant, a day at the spa, going to a museum, taking in a movie, enjoying a picnic at the park, hiking a nearby trail, taking dance lessons, or other activities you don't always have time to enjoy. Find new things to do in your city you haven't experienced. This could be a new coffeehouse, restaurant, shopping center, or attraction.

With the money saved by staying at home, a staycation is also the time to indulge yourself. This can be anything from having meals delivered from a favorite restaurant each day, to going on a shopping spree.

Resources for Planning a Staycation

Plenty of resources are available to help define and refine your itinerary. Use the internet for a general search for "things to do" in your city. Refine the search to specific things, such as tours, landmarks, parks, things to do with children, pet-friendly restaurants, and upcoming events, concerts, or festivals occurring during your vacation time.

Check the official tourism site for your city. These sites provide just about everything you need to know about what is available around town. If a map of your town isn't included on the site, add this to your list to help lay out your itinerary.

Check for current reviews. TripAdvisor is a great place to find information about day trips, city tours, day cruises, nature and wildlife, theme parks, and much more. Check restaurant sites, such as Yelp, Zagat, OpenTable, and Gayot for reviews of restaurants in and around your town.

Benefits When You Choose to be a Tourist in Your Own Town

  • Cost - A staycation is ideal for those who want to enjoy their vacation by maximizing their time and money. When choosing to stay home, you cut out the cost of tickets, a rental vehicle, and accommodations.
  • Security - You'll be at home, so no worries about leaving your home unattended.
  • Pets - There won't be a cost for boarding your pet(s) while you're traveling.
  • Time-Saving - If you're staying at home, there is no packing to deal with, and if driving, you avoid spending time traversing the highways to get to long-distance destinations.
  • Creativity - Use your imagination to create a personalized vacation environment, such as setting up your backyard for camping under the stars.
  • Restful Oasis - There is no check-in or check-out time. It's up to you if you want to rest, read, sleep, or watch TV all day.

Whether staying at home or staying in your town, a staycation is a sure way to get the most out of your vacation.