How to plan the Perfect Staycation
When thinking of how to plan the perfect staycation, there are a number of things to consider. There has been a rise of staycations since last year and we have been reconnecting more with familiar spaces. People are in the era where they are more comfortable exploring where they live.
Living in the United Kingdom means that we are spoilt for choice of where to go for staycations. There is so much beauty within the country that I think staycations will continue for a long time to come. You just need your wellies and brolly and you are good to go haha! I mean, I suppose that is true but let’s get into more serious things. What are the main things to consider when planning the absolute perfect staycation?
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1. Budget – What are you willing to spend?
What are you willing to spend on this staycation? I feel like people are more willing to spend a bit more on international trips and less with staycations. This is obviously your choice. Staycations are not necessarily cheaper than international travel. Infact, some stately homes in the UK will cost you a lot depending on the grade listing and exclusivity of these buildings. Therefore, it is worth mapping out a budget and perhaps, thinking to share cost with a friend.
2. Make an Itinerary
Just like you would with any form of travel, you need an itinerary for the perfect staycation. I recommend google, Instagram, pinterest and of course, my favourite source – travel blogs for this. You would be so surprised to find a whole world of travellers who stick to travelling nationally. If in doubt or not entirely sold on a location, reach out to someone who has been. This will help you map out your itinerary more confidently.
3. Disconnect
In considering how to plan the perfect staycation, you have to disconnect. The fact that you are an hour’s drive from your flat does not mean you should be working. Keep your work phones and laptops at home. Take a book to read, go out, explore and try not to stay glued to social media. People think staycations are just an extension of your life at home. Unless that is the plan for the staycation, make sure to get as much rest as possible.
4. Take a lot of Photos
As you would on any holiday, photographs are a must. You need these for memories so when planning the perfect staycation, factor this in. The UK has the most beautiful scenery and I have taken the most stunning photographs in its countryside. I reckon it is the same in other countries. The deeper you explore, the more beauty you will come in contact with. So prepare to snap, snap and snap away!
5. Schedule in little treats
I especially recommend this on adventurous staycations. Perhaps a massage? A facial? A spa afternoon? A staycation is the perfect excuse to treat yourself. That excitement that comes with booking something cute or a little pamper is unbeatable! Mr E and I have had spa treatments and personalised tours on staycations, it gives you that additional touch.
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6. A guided tour perhaps?
When thinking of how to plan your perfect staycation, I recommend a guided tour. Most cities offer a free tour and this is usually a way to connect with locals. If it is a guided tour of Oxford Colleges or a historic tour of Winchester, you are sure to learn more about these locations you are visiting.
You could also consider crossing something off your bucket list and trying something you have never done. Why not? You are on holiday after all!
7. Sleep in and stay up late
This one is a no brainer. Sleeping in and staying up late always make me feel like I’m doing something I should not be. This is most especially on a school night. So a staycation is the perfect excuse to stay up as late as you can doing whatever and of course, sleeping in the morning after! When planning your staycation, factor in relaxation and remember that you don’t have to do and see everything!
8. Book a fancy restaurant for the final night
This one is my favourite thing to do. You are in a different city or at least away from home for the night, what do you do to make it just a little bit more special? Book a fancy restaurant for the final night. Just like the pamper session mentioned above, it adds a special oomph and closes out the staycation fancily.
9. Try something fun
Perhaps check in using a different first name? Hear me out. On a recent staycation, we noticed our names were misspelt so throughout our stay, we were Mr and Mrs Clem.
I have no idea how my surname evolved into Clem but it made me chuckle the whole time. So I thought next time, to perhaps check in as Beyoncé and Shawn Carter. Perhaps that might be too obvious so I will have to think of something less conspicuous but dramatic still.
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10. Clean your house
My final point when planning the perfect staycation is to clean your house before you go. Or at least clean your room. Change the sheets, do the dishes and leave your home looking spick and span.
Why you ask? This is because you will want to come back to a tidy house after your lovely staycation. You are most likely going to be tired from the wandering and just all the excitement of the staycation. So coming home to a dirty house will just dampen your mood. Try this the next time you go away and you will notice a big difference!
These are fun tips and by no means the only tips on how to plan the perfect staycation. Perhaps there are tips that are specific to your needs or specific to the way you travel? Then stick with them. I always try to look at the fun side of travel and as usual, these tips reflect how I travel. Whatever you do and whatever tips you use, just enjoy every single minute of your staycation and take a lot of photos while at it for the beautiful memories!
I hope you have a wonderful staycation whenever you go.
Until then…
Bisous, ‘Bugo x
