In case you haven’t heard, staycations are the new vacation. At a time when many of us are looking to cut back, going the local route means spending less on airfare—and more on experiences. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with just taking it easy and enjoying some chill time at the hotel pool.
Whether you’re looking to explore a nearby city or take a drive to a charming small town, you don’t have to go far for that much-needed getaway. Here are some of the ways you can plan the perfect trip to a local destination and still have some extra dough to burn (and cash back).
Let’s face it, there isn’t anything too exciting about crashing on the living room sofa during your holiday. Part of the fun is switching things up, and now that you won’t be throwing down money on a flight, it’s all the more reason to book a room at that boutique hotel you’ve been hearing so much about. Staycation hotels are a thing, you know. Plus, when you’re not at home, that pile of laundry will be out of sight, out of mind.
If you’re looking for a home away from home, then a vacation rental is probably more your speed. Vrbo has everything from spacious houses, bungalows, condos and more available for rent—some of which come with amenities like hot tubs and outdoor grills. As far as hotel alternatives go, this is a nice option for those who want a more personalized experience.
If there’s a local museum or amusement park that you never got a chance to visit, that’s about to change. What makes staycations so great is that you can gain a new appreciation for the tourist spots in your own backyard. Viator has the option to book tickets to local landmarks or tours ahead of time. If it’s an adults-only trip, you can even book a tour at your favorite brewery or distillery.
Live near a major city like Boston or Seattle? Take advantage of your locale by purchasing a ticket from CityPASS, which gives you discounted admission to the top attractions. After all, what’s better than being a tourist in your own neck of the woods?
A little self-care is always a good idea. If the hotel you’re staying at doesn’t include a spa, you can buy a gift card for yourself through Spafinder (to get some cash back) and then use Spafinder.com to find a nearby spa for the ultimate pampering session.
Have you always wanted to learn how to make the perfect sushi roll? Upgrade your culinary skills by signing up for a cooking class. You can sign up through Sur La Table, which has a variety of classes in multiple locations. Some of the options include Italian cuisine, Thai cooking and French pastry classes.
Recharge your batteries by spending some time in nature during your staycation. Whether you’re planning to hit up your favorite trails or want to explore somewhere you’ve never been, there’s nothing like a good long hike (or walk) to help you reset. Find nearby trails when you search on AllTrails, which includes detailed reviews and updates as well as difficulty ratings for each hike. Not to mention you’ll get cash back when you sign up for an AllTrails subscription.
How are you planning to spend your staycation? Let us know in the comments below.
by Michelle Harris
Michelle Harris is the junior copywriter at TopCashback. When she’s not writing about money-saving tips, she enjoys hiking, cooking, and spoiling her chunky cat.
