What if I told you the best vacation you'll ever have is waiting right inside your own front door?
I know how it feels. The burnout is real. You’re mentally exhausted, scrolling through pictures of pristine beaches and quiet mountain cabins, dreaming of an escape. But plane tickets are expensive, time off is limited, and sometimes, the thought of packing and planning a trip is more stressful than just staying put. The problem is, "staying put" often just means swapping work stress for home stress. That's not a break. That’s just a different kind of tired.
A few years ago, my idea of a "break" was a recipe for disaster. I’d spend my days off glued to a screen, lost in video games for hours on end, surrounded by bags of junk food. I was escaping, not resting. I’d end the weekend feeling even more drained, sluggish, and disconnected from everything that truly mattered. I wasn't recharging my soul; I was just running down the battery in a different way.
Learning to take a real break—a staycation—was a game-changer. It’s not about being lazy or having nothing to do. It’s about being intentional. It's about creating a space for genuine rest and renewal right where you are. Here are the 10 steps I learned to plan the perfect staycation.
1. Set a Real Intention
First, ask yourself: what do you need from this time? Is it deep rest? Is it time to reconnect with your spouse? Do you want to tackle that creative project you keep putting off? Or maybe you need spiritual refreshment. Don't just "not work." Give your time a purpose. For me, it’s often about quieting the noise of the world so I can hear God more clearly and reconnect with my family without distractions.
2. Block It Out for Real
This is non-negotiable. Put the staycation on your calendar just like you would a trip to another country. Block out the days. If you have a partner or family, make sure they do too. This simple act tells your brain this time is different. It’s sacred. It’s not "free time" to be filled with errands and obligations.
3. Create Your "Out of Office"
You wouldn't check work email while sitting on a beach in Mexico, so why do it from your living room? Set up an email auto-responder. Let your colleagues, clients, and friends know you're offline and unavailable. Give them an emergency contact if needed, but make it clear that you are on a real vacation. You have to protect your peace.
4. Unplug from the Noise
This was the hardest and most important step for me. In my past, the screen was my escape, but it was also my prison. A true staycation requires a digital detox. Turn off notifications. Delete social media apps from your phone for the week. Set a rule: no mindless scrolling. Replace that time with something that fills your spirit. Read a book. Listen to music. Spend time in prayer. Sit on your porch and just watch the world go by. It feels strange at first, but the peace that follows is worth it.
5. Clean Your Slate (and Your House)
You can’t relax in a cluttered space. Before your staycation officially begins, take a few hours to tidy up. Do the laundry, clear the counters, and change the bedsheets. You don’t need a five-star hotel to feel like you’re in a special place. A clean, orderly home creates a sense of calm and signals to your mind that this is a time for rest, not chores.
6. Plan Your Theme
This is the fun part. What kind of staycation do you want?
- The Retreat: Focus on quiet, reflection, and spiritual growth. Spend time reading the Bible, journaling your prayers, and enjoying the silence.
- The Local Explorer: Be a tourist in your own town. Visit that museum you’ve never been to, try a new coffee shop, or explore a park on the other side of town.
- The Creative's Workshop: Dedicate your time to a hobby. Work on that painting, write that story, or finish that woodworking project in the garage.
- The Homebody's Dream: Give yourself permission to do all the cozy things. Bake bread, watch classic movies, take long naps, and read in a comfy chair.
7. Map Out Your Activities (Loosely)
Having a theme helps, but a loose plan prevents you from defaulting to old habits (like my video game marathons). You don’t need a minute-by-minute itinerary, but a short list of potential activities can give you a gentle sense of direction. Maybe it’s one main activity per day, like a long walk in the morning or trying a new recipe for dinner. Keep it simple.
8. Don't Forget the Food
Deciding what to eat three times a day can be a drain. Plan your meals ahead of time. You could meal prep a few simple dishes before your staycation starts, or budget to order takeout from your favorite local restaurants. The goal is to remove daily decision-making so you can focus on enjoying your time.
9. Reconnect with What Matters Most
A staycation creates the space to reconnect—with God, with your loved ones, and with yourself. Without the usual distractions, you can have deeper conversations. You can have a family game night without anyone checking their phone. You can spend uninterrupted time in prayer, strengthening your faith and finding clarity. This is where the real magic happens. It’s not about escaping your life but about returning to the heart of it.
10. Ease Back Gently
The worst part of any vacation is the jarring return to reality. Don't let that happen. Plan your re-entry. Try to end your staycation on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. Use that last day to slowly transition back. Check your calendar for the week ahead, do a light grocery run, and mentally prepare for Monday. It makes the return to routine feel less like a crash landing and more like a gentle descent.
A staycation isn't a lesser version of a vacation. It's a powerful tool for finding rest and peace exactly where you are. It’s about choosing to be present and intentional with the gift of time.
So, here’s my question for you: What’s one small thing you could do this weekend to give yourself a taste of a real staycation?
