What Is a Staycation and How to Plan the Perfect One

Why choose a staycation?

• Staycation benefits: Discover how staycations save money, reduce travel stress and help you reconnect with your local area.

• Ideas for everyone: Get inspired with creative staycation ideas for relaxation, adventure or quality time with loved ones.

• Planning tips: Learn practical tips for budgeting, time management and making the most of your local experience with your AAA Membership

• Making memories: Find out how to create lasting memories with unique and thoughtful activities close to home.

We all know the feeling. You're exhausted, burnt out and desperately need a break. But when you look at your calendar and bank account, a week-long trip to a tropical island just isn't in the budget. 

This is where the staycation comes in. It is the perfect solution for when you need to recharge but can’t get away. 

Learn how to plan a staycation that actually feels like a break and how you can use your AAA Membership to upgrade your experience for less.

What is a staycation?

A staycation is exactly what it sounds like: a vacation where you stay put. If you've ever wondered about the staycation meaning, it's simply taking time off at home or in your local area instead of traveling to a distant location. 

The goal is to participate in activities within driving distance of your home, sleeping in your own bed or at a nearby hotel at night. It’s all about shifting your mindset to "vacation mode" without crossing state lines.

The benefits of staying local

Choosing a staycation over a traditional vacation offers several distinct advantages:

• Cost savings: You can eliminate some of the biggest travel expenses like airfare and pet boarding.

• Less stress: There is no rushing to catch a flight, no lost luggage and no intricate itinerary to manage.

• Local discovery: You finally get the time to explore the museums, parks and restaurants in your town or nearby.

• Zero travel time: Your vacation starts the moment you clock out of work, maximizing your relaxation time.

How to plan a staycation that actually feels like a vacation

The biggest mistake people make is treating a staycation like a regular weekend. If you don't set boundaries, you will end up cleaning the garage. To ensure your time is intentional, follow these steps.

1. Set specific dates

Treat this time with the same respect you would a trip to Europe. Mark the dates on your calendar. Request the time off work. Tell your friends and family you will be "away" during this time so they don't expect you to be available for favors or errands.

2. Establish ground rules

To truly relax, you need to disconnect from your daily responsibilities. Create a list of rules for yourself and your family:

• No chores: Do all your laundry and cleaning before your staycation starts. If the house gets messy, let it be.

• No work: Turn off email notifications and put your laptop away in a drawer.

3. Plan you itinerary

While you don't need every minute scheduled, having a loose plan prevents boredom. Research local attractions you have never visited. Is there a hiking trail nearby you’ve been meaning to try? A new art exhibit? A restaurant that requires a reservation? Make a list of options so you aren't stuck on the couch wondering what to do.

4. Create a budget

Take some of the travel money and reallocate it to experiences. Budget for nice dinners, a massage, tickets to a show, a hotel or spa day or a shopping spree at local boutiques.

Elevate your experience: The hotel staycation

Staying in your own home can make it difficult to ignore the pile of mail on the counter or the dust bunnies in the corner. If you find it hard to relax at home, consider booking a local hotel for a night or two for a staycation near you. 

Checking into a hotel instantly signals to your brain that you are on vacation. You get fresh sheets you didn't have to wash, room service, a pool and a complete change of scenery. It transforms a weekend off into a luxury escape.

Saving more with your AAA Membership

If you decide to book a local hotel, your AAA membership is one of your most valuable tools. Most major hotel chains and many boutique properties offer significant discounts specifically for AAA members. 

How the discounts work: When booking a hotel online or over the phone, look for the "AAA/CAA Rate." This rate is often lower than the standard flexible rate available to the general public. 

Common AAA hotel benefits:

• Percentage off: Members typically save anywhere from 5% to 15% off the nightly rate.

• Discount bundles: Some hotels bundle free or discounted parking or breakfast with their AAA rates.

• Room upgrades: Depending on availability and the specific hotel partner, you may be eligible for a room upgrade.

• Bonus points: If you are part of a hotel loyalty program (like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy), AAA rates usually still allow you to earn points for your stay.

Always remember to bring your physical or digital AAA card to the front desk when you check in, as they will likely ask to verify your membership to honor the discounted rate.

6 staycation ideas

If you need inspiration, try organizing your staycation around a specific theme. This adds a fun element to your time off and makes planning easier. Here are a few staycation ideas to get you started.

1. The wellness retreat

Focus entirely on rest and rejuvenation.

• Activity: Book a full day at a local spa or create a DIY spa at home with face masks and a long bath.

• Food: Stock up on ingredients like hot herbal teas and fruit for smoothies.

• Vibe: Turn off your phone, play calming music and spend time meditating or doing yoga.

2. The tourist in your own town

Pretend you have never been to your city before.

• Activity: Visit the most popular tourist landmarks you usually roll your eyes at. This is the perfect staycation in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Pheonix, Atlanta and New York. Take a guided walking tour or a hop-on-hop-off bus ride.

Tip: Use your AAA Membership to save on a Go City Pass for bundled discounts to your area’s top attractions.

• Food: Eat at the iconic local restaurant that is famous for a specific dish.

• Vibe: Take photos of everything and buy a cheesy souvenir.

3. The culinary tour

Dedicate your time off to tasting the best food your area has to offer.

• Activity: Visit a local farmers market in the morning to pick up fresh ingredients.

• Food: Plan a progressive dinner—appetizers at one spot, main course at another and dessert at a third.

• Vibe: Indulgent and delicious. Even dress up and make it feel luxurious. 

4. The great outdoors

Reconnect with nature.

• Activity: A backyard staycation is a great option here. Go camping in your backyard or find a nearby state park for a day of hiking or kayaking.

• Food: Grill burgers and make s'mores over a fire pit.

• Vibe: Fresh air and sunshine.

5. The scenic road trip 

Dedicate your time off to hitting the open road and taking in breathtaking views at your own pace. 

• Activity: Plan a scenic drive to take advantage of nearby coastal highways, mountain byways or charming back roads.

• Drive: Rent a comfortable vehicle from Hertz, including convertibles and SUVs.

• Vibe: Relaxed and adventurous. Roll the windows down, cue the playlist and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. 

Tip: Avoid putting miles on your vehicle while saving on the Hertz base rate with AAA. Plus, get stackable savings with free additional drivers, prepaid fuel savings and more.

6. The Culture Trip

Immerse yourself in arts and entertainment.

• Activity: Spend the day at a museum or gallery, followed by a trip to the theatre or a concert in the evening.

• Food: Enjoy a sophisticated pre-theater dinner.

• Vibe: Artistic and inspiring.

Start your local adventure today

You don't need a passport or a plane ticket to find relaxation. A staycation offers the perfect opportunity to slow down, save money and appreciate the world right outside your doorstep. 

Whether you choose to camp in the backyard or use your AAA discount to pamper yourself at a downtown hotel, the most important part is making the conscious decision to take a break.