If you think planning a vacation and traveling is stressful, or you don’t want to break the wallet on those expensive airline tickets, prepping for a staycation is the option for you. Spending  vacation days at home is becoming an increasingly popular alternative because it allows you to relax, truly recharge in the comfort of your home, and conserve money. (Maybe you’re trying to save up for a home purchase? We see you.)

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HER is here with 6 tips for how to make your staycation the best vacation you’ve ever had!

1. Splurge a little

So you’re saving big bucks by not beaching in Hawaii, but staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t shell out some extra cash and treat yo’ self. In fact, you should be willing to splurge. Buy yourself a bath bomb or better yet, hire someone to clean the house for you. Having all the dishes washed, beds made, and floors vacuumed without even lifting a finger will be exactly like staying in a hotel. Let’s face it, being on vacation is about not doing chores.

Staycation splurges can also include

• A nice bottle of wine
• Ingredients for a homemade meal
• Fresh cut flowers
• High quality coffee beans
• New bed sheets
• Getting a massage
• Eating out at a restaurant

2. Plan a little

Cooking up an awesome staycation needs a dash of planning in order to be successful. You can’t allow yourself to fall into your normal weekend routine. Now is the chance for you to finally see that movie you’ve been curious about or try that Thai restaurant that recently opened up in your neighborhood.

Before your first day off, come with a list of activities or goals you want to accomplish. This could be something like, “go on a hike in the park” or maybe, “get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.” Just not “finally clean out my closet.” Remember, staycations are about recharging and having fun at home. You can work after it’s over. Treat your staycation like it’s supposed to be special, and it will be.

3. Spend quality time with someone

Using part of your staycation to be with people you love is a guaranteed way to make lasting memories. Ask your family or friends to come over for a potluck dinner and have everyone bring a dish. Go shopping with them at the mall, or spend an evening telling stories around a campfire. Even playing a simple card game could be a great opportunity for fun and lots of laughter. Now is the time to catch up with the people who mean the most to you!

4. Order room service

Okay, this will only work if you have a willing roommate or partner, but it’s worth it to at least ask them to make you breakfast one day. The luxury of ready-made hotel brunch is something you could totally replicate. Plus, food prepared by someone else always tastes better. Ask your roomie or partner to cook you breakfast, and promise to return the favor. If you’re both having a staycation at the same time, swap days where you’ll provide each other with “room service.”

5. Set aside mandatory relaxation time

Whatever you do, do not, I repeat, DO NOT allow yourself to get sucked into cleaning something or checking your email...even once. Before you know it, you’ll be tumbling into the vortex of work, and that’s a huge no-no for having a proper staycation. Be disciplined enough to RELAX. Instead of worrying about whether Susan emailed you about that whatever, set aside time each day where you mindfully unwind. Read a book outside, take a nap in your hammock (another staycation splurge?!), color in one of those adult coloring books, or work on a puzzle while listening to a playlist of your favorite songs.

If you don’t think you’ll be able to resist doing chores, then make it a point to do them all before your staycation begins, or hire someone to clean your house for you so you don’t have to do it.

6. Be a tourist

Another element of staycationing is exploring all the places in your town you normally don’t have time to. You can visit the zoo, check out a museum, or spend a day lounging at the local pool. Pretend to be a tourist and take a bunch of pictures to remember your adventures forever.

But, if being a complete homebody is your cup of tea, then don’t feel pressured to leave your house. Don’t even feel pressured to leave your bed! Staycations are all about what YOU want!

Stay at home for your next vacation and you won’t have to worry about your flight getting cancelled or bad weather ruining your plans. Tell us in the comment section what you would do for your dream staycation!