064 Ten Great Ways to Explore the World with Staycations

Since we are all currently staying at home and finding fun ways to spend time together as a family, I thought I’d put together my top ten list for budget-friendly and travel-focused staycation ideas. With some quick and easy planning, you’ll be making great plans where you will make meaningful memories with your family.

Today on the podcast I’m sharing my top 10 favorite ideas for creating a simple, fun, and meaningful staycation for your family. These ideas are perfect for times like right now when we have to stay home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the good thing is that these ideas will be great anytime you are looking to create something a bit more special at home while being budget-friendly and creative.

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“Consider all of the fun and creative things you can do in your own backyard: camp, have a picnic, play yard games, relax in a hammock, or have a movie night. It will feel like you are on vacation while at home!”

Travel-themed Staycation Ideas

There are so many great ways to explore our world from the comfort of our own homes! Here’s my top ten list for budget-friendly ways to explore the world while on a staycation;

Plan a cultural day. Pick a destination and then let each family research a different aspect of that place like favorite foods, games, traditions, language, and more. Then make some of the food, play the games, and share what you’ve learned.
Zoom Party. Since you can’t travel to friends and family, meet up with them in a Zoom call. If you can, mirror it up on your t.v. so everyone can see it well. Play a game like Scarergories together.
Penpal. Find a penpal! You can write to friends who live in town or in faraway cities. Want to find someone in a different country? Consider using a site like Penpalworld to find a new penpal. Parents, please use caution if you are setting your kids up with this service.
Local Airbnb/vacation rental. If you can’t travel far, consider renting a play close to home. You won’t have travel expenses and you can pack along food from your panty. It will be nice to get a change of scenery.
Use your backyard. There are so many things that we just don’t get around to enjoying in our backyards. Dust off those yard games (croquet, spikeball, cornhole) and play. Set up a tent and camp. Make s’mores. Have an outdoor movie night. Relax in a hammock.
Trip Planning. Let each of your kids plan a trip from start to finish. Give a budget and then have them figure our lodging, transportation, activities, and meals. Trip planning is a great life skill! Print off our bucketlist printable here and make a list of all of your dream destinations.
International Food Day. Pick a destination and focus on food. It could be a favorite destination (hello, Paris Crepes!) or someplace you hope to visit. Make a full meal based on recipes from that country.
Make a Vision Board. There is something therapeutic about cutting and gluing. Find pictures in magazines or online representing things you love about traveling and add them to a vision board.
Go on a hike. Hikes are generally free or have a small parking fee. Getting outside and enjoying some fresh air together as a family is a great way to spend some time together.
Plan a spa day. Have breakfast in bed, paint nails, style hair, and maybe even take a nap!