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15 Amazing Staycation Ideas That Won't Blow Your Budget

No time or budget for a weekend getaway? These cheap staycations are surprisingly luxurious.

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If you just need to get away from it all but don't have the funds or vacation time to take a big family vacation, consider a staycation instead. Sometimes it feels even more luxurious to just languish in your own home, avoiding your responsibilities, foregoing pants, and spending your time however you dang well please. Whether you have a significant other to hole up with or you take some time to really treat yo'self solo, these staycation ideas will help you live your best life even if you're on a tight budget.

Some of our favorite staycation activities cost no money at all, while others are definitely cheaper than a plane ticket or hotel stay. And all of them require just a little bit of creativity, so you'll have a good story to tell your coworkers when you come back to work refreshed and ready to get back into the grind. And best of all, they'll all fit into a day or even a few hours (think at-home spa days and movie nights), so you can string a few of our ideas together for a longer at-home vacay or take a personal day to spend it on yourself. Try a few and you'll have the best spring break recap in the break room.

1

Have a Spa Day

staycation ideas - Women in bathrobes wearing eye masks
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Two words: Spa day. While relaxing spa vacations seem to pop up all over the 'gram these days, many local spas have one-day packages that can be much more affordable. To get even more bang for your buck, grab a few face masks, some mani-pedi supplies, and invite a friend over for a DIY spa day.

2

Host a Cooking Night

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If you're one of those travelers who eats your way around new locales, transform your kitchen into a dining destination. Invite a few friends over to try out some new recipes and have fun creating an exotic dinner right in the comfort of your own home. If you're really feeling creative, pick a culture or cuisine and turn it into a multi-course affair, complete with beverages, dessert, and decor.

RELATED: The Best Easy Weeknight Meals to Make Tonight

3

Play Tourist in Your Hometown

staycation ideas - Black woman admiring paintings in art gallery
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Many of us spend our days going to work, running errands at the same old spots, and heading home. Spend a day, a weekend, or even a whole week playing tourist in your own town. Visit the museums, local attractions, or historic districts you'd usually only bring visitors to see and rediscover the best parts of your hometown.

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4

Try a New Exercise Class

staycation ideas - Woman learning dance moves in a class
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Get your blood pumping by trying out a new dance or exercise class. If you belong to a gym, sign up for one of the classes you've never tried before. If not, many offer a trial period or one-off classes. You could also search for dance classes or other activities at your local community center, or even try a new exercise app at home.

RELATED: 16 Best Workout Apps for On-the-Go Fitness

5

Take a Day Trip

staycation ideas - Happy couple driving in car on road trip
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Antsy to get out of Dodge? No need to book an overnight stay. Hop in the car or on a train for a one-day getaway to somewhere nearby. Even a quick drive to a nearby town or even an unfamiliar suburb of your own city can make a fun adventure. Don't forget to make a rockin' transit playlist to hype up the ride.

6

Pitch a Tent

staycation ideas - Mother and son using digital tablet in backyard tent
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Even when you can't get away for a wilderness camping trip, there's nothing stopping you from enjoying the great outdoors right in your own backyard. Get out the camping gear or borrow a tent if you don't have one, make s'mores (use the microwave if your area prohibits campfires), and tell some spooky stories with a flashlight. Who needs a campground?

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7

Host Your Own Film Festival

staycation ideas - Couple watching television together and eating popcorn
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If your invitation to Cannes got lost in the mail, host your own film festival from your couch. Try screening a series like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, or Star Wars or pick a theme and choose films to fit. Pop some popcorn and don't even think about changing out of your pj's.

8

Hold a Yoga Retreat

staycation ideas - Young adult woman practicing yoga at home
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Recreate at least part of those lush yoga retreats in faraway locations without leaving your living room. Infuse some ice water with citrus and cucumber slices, unroll your yoga mat in your living room, turn on some online yoga tutorials, and spend plenty of time in shavasana. If you've never done yoga before, stick to simple poses so you don't accidentally injure yourself.

9

See a Performance

staycation ideas - String section in orchestra
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Get some culture close to home by seeing a concert, a play, or other event in your hometown. Whether that's a high school or college performance, or you're lucky enough to have professional arts performances close by, supporting the arts will always be a good idea.

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10

Take an Art Class

staycation ideas - Pottering around in the workshop
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Stretch your creative muscles by taking an art class. Check with your local community center to see if they have free or low-cost offerings, or find out if nearby colleges or universities offer one-day workshops. You'll even get a cool new piece of decor to show for it!

11

Swap Houses With a Friend

staycation ideas - Two young woman arriving to urban rental apartment
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To get away without spending a mint, exchange houses with a nearby friend for an overnight or a weekend. The change will feel exciting and new and neither of you will have to spend a dime. Just be a courteous houseguest and clean up after yourselves when you leave.

12

Get Outside

staycation ideas - Plus size women jogging and exercising at the park
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Whether you plan your staycation when the mercury rises or to brighten up the winter doldrums, plan an outdoor excursion. Lace up your hiking boots, visit a nearby park, go ice skating, or walk along the beach. Soaking up some nature will help balance out your well-earned couch time.

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13

Feel Good Giving Back

staycation ideas - Volunteers packing food in community kitchen
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Sign up to volunteer at a soup kitchen, homeless shelter, library, or other community program during your staycation. Giving back helps remind us all of how much we have, so it's a great way to spend a little bit of your time off.

14

Cheer on Your Team

staycation ideas - Soccer fans cheering
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Head to a sports bar or get seats at a game to cheer on your favorite team and get your adrenaline pumping. Rooting for the home team makes a great staycation activity because you can feel like you're a part of your community, even if it's just the nearby high school on the field.

15

Hit up a Market

staycation ideas - Woman examining fish in market
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Even when you're on staycation, you've still gotta eat. Instead of the same old grocery store, take an excursion to a farmer's market or indoor market if it's too cold for the open air variety. If you don't have either where you live, try a different supermarket than you usually frequent for a little change of pace.

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