Feeling cooped up, but not ready or able to take a full vacation? Enter the staycation, which offers a refreshing break from monotony without straying far from home. Moreover, with a little creativity, it’s astonishing how much you can break up your routine and free yourself from the rut of your usual surroundings. From playing tourist in your home city to camping in your backyard, read on for 20 of the best staycation ideas that you can do at any time—no plane ticket required.

Go camping.

Camping allows you to explore where you live, immersing you in the healing power of the great outdoors. This activity offers a complete change of scenery and helps alleviate cabin fever. If you lack access to campgrounds in your area, consider backyard or even living room camping as a fun alternative.

Stay at a local hotel, resort, or bed-and-breakfast.

If you’re in the mood for pampering, skip camping and treat yourself to a room at a local hotel, resort, or quirky bed-and-breakfast. It’s an ideal way to see your town with fresh eyes and indulge in the delights of ordering room service while enjoying daily housekeeping.

Do the touristy things.

You may live in a town frequented by tourists, yet have never fully explored its main attractions. A staycation is the perfect excuse to check off those landmarks. If you reside in a major city, consider purchasing a pass that bundles various attractions at a discount, such as CityPass or Go City, saving you on admission while allowing for a fuller experience.

Enjoy a local museum, science center, or gallery.

What do out-of-towners do when they visit your city? Beyond the primary tourist sites, local cultural and historical institutions await discovery. A staycation offers an excellent opportunity to visit these places, enhancing your understanding of the area and its significance.

Rent an Airbnb.

Have you always wanted to explore a neighborhood but never spent the night there? Plan a weekend in a different part of town and stay in an Airbnb. This experience can provide a new perspective on your hometown.

Relax at a local spa.

Dedicate a day to indulging in self-care by checking into a local spa. Whether part of a resort or a standalone establishment, give yourself a treat that promotes relaxation and rejuvenation.

Book a last-minute hotel deal.

For those craving spontaneity, set aside a weekend for adventure. Use the HotelTonight app to snag a fantastic last-minute deal on a hotel. During this stay, focus on simply exploring the neighborhood and discovering local gems without a strict itinerary.

Sign up for a food tour.

Take a food tour in your city or a nearby area. You can join a professionally guided experience or design your own journey with various stops to sample small plates or courses from restaurants you’ve always admired. Consider theming your tour around specific dishes for variety.

Get comfortable.

Transform your space by prioritizing comfort: light your favorite scented candle, crack open a book, cook a nostalgic meal, and create a cozy atmosphere, reflecting the Danish concept of hygge.

Take a virtual tour.

Many cultural institutions now offer virtual tours, allowing exploration of museums, national parks, and global landmarks from your home. Platforms like Beeyonder facilitate various experiences where you can interact with guides from around the globe.

Visit your closest amusement park.

Your state likely has amusement parks worth visiting, so do some research. You may be closer to delightful options than you expect, like Dollywood in Tennessee or various Six Flags locations.

Plan a scavenger hunt.

Engage friends or family to create scavenger hunt challenges around town. This fun activity encourages looking for specific items or completing unique tasks, helping you appreciate familiar places in new ways.

Try an escape room.

Escape rooms have recently gained popularity, offering thrilling puzzle-solving experiences. Gather friends and see if your area has escape rooms available—these immersive activities provide entertainment and teamwork.

Visit your closest national, state, or local park.

Take advantage of parks nearby to explore nature. Engage in activities like hiking, biking, or kayaking and pack a picnic to complement your outdoor experience.

Plan a movie marathon based on your favorite destination.

Transport yourself to other countries through film. Research popular movies set in your chosen destination and create an enjoyable movie marathon that brings faraway places to life at home.

Learn a new language.

With future travels on the horizon, begin practicing a foreign language now. Free resources are abundant, but consider investing in online tutoring with services like Preply or iTalki for more structured learning.

Try geocaching.

Engage in a global scavenger hunt with geocaching. Use the geocaching app to find hidden caches in your area using GPS coordinates, adding excitement to your outdoor adventures.

Learn a new craft.

A staycation presents a perfect opportunity to explore new interests like ceramics or woodworking. Research local businesses offering workshops and take a chance to step out of your comfort zone.

Scrapbook your travel memories.

Rather than dwelling on travel blues, channel your creativity into making a scrapbook that celebrates your favorite trips. Online photo book makers can help you design and print your memories, enhancing the experience of reminiscing.

Sleep in.

If sleeping in is your ultimate relaxation method, dedicate your staycation to it. Invest in cozy pajamas, fresh sheets, and a soothing playlist, setting the stage for the restful escape you’ve longed for. Finally, turn on do-not-disturb mode and enjoy uninterrupted peace.