If you’ve been thinking, ‘I could really use some downtime to reset’ or ‘I’m overdue for a break,’ it’s time for a vacation.
In a recent survey, we asked our audience how often they use their vacation days to gauge whether employees really take advantage of their paid time off. The data itself was pleasantly surprising—the majority of respondents (about 68 percent) do in fact prioritize their time off, with 44 percent indicating they always use all their vacation days, and 24 percent reporting they often use most of their vacation days.
Despite the intention to take time off, many people feel like they can't truly disconnect. As one respondent shared, “I have tons of vacation hours now, but preparing to leave for a week or so is so stressful since my job is jam-packed with assignments. Plus, money is an issue with one child still in daycare and one in after school.” Another noted, “I would love to take vacation days, but I can't afford to go anywhere. I work from home, so even staying home and getting caught up on housework and errands doesn't make sense to take time off.”
You don’t need to spend a fortune—or travel far—to recharge and feel like you’re on vacation. Whether you’re indulging in a self-care day at home or exploring your town like a tourist, the key to a successful staycation is simply taking the time to prioritize yourself. In this economy, being mindful of your budget while still taking breaks is more important than ever, and there’s no shortage of creative ways to do it.
Read more: 20 Restorative Ways to Spend a Mental Health Day, According to Experts
Time off is beneficial to everyone involved
Time off isn’t just a sought-after perk—it's crucial for maintaining your health, happiness, and productivity. Without the chance to step away and recharge, burnout is inevitable. Over time, research has consistently proven that employees who take vacations experience noticeable improvements in stress levels, sleep quality, and mood, with benefits often lasting weeks after their return.
Plus, the advantages extend beyond individual wellbeing. Companies with good paid time off policies are usually viewed as supportive and desirable employers, increasing their likelihood of attracting and retaining a loyal and motivated workforce. When employees feel supported in their need to step away, they’re more likely to stay with a company long term, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable work culture.
So, if you're an employee, do yourself and your employer a favor—take a break. It’s easy to save up days for special events, but constantly delaying time off can take a toll on your mental health. If you can’t remember the last time you took a day off, don’t wait for the perfect moment, talk to your manager and find time to recharge. Your wellbeing deserves attention now.
Read more: Want to Feel Rejuvenated? Take Time Off Work
Staycation on any budget: 9 creative ways to recharge
Americans are spending less on travel due to the economy, with inflation and financial uncertainty greatly influencing vacation plans. In fact, 42 percent of Americans avoided summer travel this year, up from 37 percent in 2023, with nearly a third citing high travel costs as the main reason. Of those who traveled this summer, many opted for money-saving “downgrades” like shorter trips, budget accommodations, and driving instead of flying to their destinations.
Taking time off doesn’t have to mean splurging on a faraway destination or dipping into your savings, but it also doesn’t mean sacrificing your vacation time either. Sometimes, the best way to come back to work renewed is by slowing down and simply enjoying what's right in front of you. Here are ten staycation ideas to help you unwind without breaking the bank.
Staycation tier 1: $0 - $20
1. Treat yourself to a home spa day
For $20 or less, you can transform your home into a mini spa for a peaceful day of pampering. Start with a warm bubble bath infused with lavender essential oil, bath bombs, or Epsom salts for relaxation, and follow it up with a hydrating face mask, body scrub, or moisturizing treatment. Give yourself a DIY mani-pedi or try an at-home hair mask for some extra TLC. Light some candles, play some calming music, and sip on some cucumber water or herbal tea to complete the spa-like vibe.
Read more: 4 Signs You’re Overthinking at Work & How to Break the Cycle
2. Have a TV or movie marathon
Create a cozy home theater by dimming the lights, grabbing your comfiest blanket, and popping a big bowl of popcorn. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or finally watching that show everyone’s been talking about, splurging on a few movies or a streaming platform is a great way to unwind. If you have no idea where to start, pick a theme (classic rom-coms, action flicks, nostalgic TV series, etc) and settle in for a full day of entertainment.
3. Build a backyard campsite
If you have outdoor space, a backyard camping adventure can be a fun, unique staycation idea. Set up a tent, roll out some sleeping bags, and enjoy an evening outside. Roast marshmallows over a fire (or in the oven), tell ghost stories, and gaze up at the stars. It’s a great way to feel like you’ve gotten away without actually leaving home. If you don’t have space outside or the weather isn’t cooperating, create a cozy indoor campout with a blanket fort and a starlit ambience channel on YouTube.
Staycation tier 2: $20 - $100
4. Host a creative hobby day
Have a creative project or hobby you love but are always too tired to work on after work? Dedicate an entire day to one of those passions, whether it’s painting, knitting, photography, crafting, journaling, or something else. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can try learning a new hobby—there are plenty of tutorials online for everything from watercolor painting to embroidery or you can buy a craft kit with step-by-step instructions (our recommendation: this pottery sculpting and candle making kit). If you’d rather not have to spend time cleaning up after your endeavors at home (it’s your day off, after all), sign up for a local workshop or class to deepen your skills and meet new people. Either way, the act of creating something with your hands can be both meditative and fulfilling.
5. Escape work through a virtual gaming platform
Platforms like Nintendo Switch Online or Xbox Game Pass offer an escape into virtual worlds. You can take a mini-vacation through a fun new game or explore multiplayer options to connect with friends during your time off. Take breaks between sessions to stretch and hydrate and try theming your gaming staycation—explore underwater kingdoms one day, and space adventures the next—or challenge yourself to finally conquer that level you've been stuck on. It's a fun way to let loose and tap into adventure right from your living room.
6. Set up an at-home fitness retreat
Transform your home into a wellness retreat with an at-home fitness experience. Select a series of online workout classes or yoga sessions to follow throughout the day, focusing on activities that help you feel relaxed and refreshed. For example, you could create your own serene yoga retreat at home. Start with some gentle stretching or a morning meditation session, then follow a series of yoga classes that suit your mood, whether you’re looking for something restorative or energizing (there are so many free channels on YouTube!). Incorporate mindful breathing exercises and end your retreat by sipping some tea or making a nourishing smoothie, reflecting on your practice, or journaling about how you feel.
Read more: 40 Creative Journaling Prompts for Finding Joy & Fulfillment at Work
Tier 3: $100+
7. Order a cooking kit or meal delivery service
Indulge in a staycation dinner by ordering a meal kit service like HelloFresh, Blue Apron, or Home Chef. These services provide all the ingredients and recipes you need to create a gourmet experience from start to finish. You could recreate a favorite restaurant dish or experiment with a more labor-intensive dish you’ve always wanted to try cooking, like homemade pasta or handmade sushi rolls. Cooking can be a therapeutic way to spend your staycation, and if you’re cooking with someone else, you can make it a fun, memorable experience. If cooking isn’t your thing, treat yourself to your favorite takeout delivery. Don’t forget to set the table nicely and enjoy the meal like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant.
8. Explore your neighborhood like a tourist
If you’ve lived in the same city for a while, it’s easy to overlook the amazing things your own home has to offer. Plan a day of discovery in your area and visit nearby parks, museums, or art galleries that you’ve never been to. Walk around a neighborhood you don’t normally visit, or try a new cafe or restaurant. You could even attend a small local event or take a local walking food tour—there are plenty of unique activities to choose from on Airbnb Experiences. The key is to approach your town with fresh eyes, as if you’re visiting it for the first time.
9. Invest in a home decor refresh
Today could be the day you finally look back through your old Pinterest boards and actually buy some of the furniture and home good items you’ve pinned. Create a new mood board and invest in small upgrades for your space. Adding new colorful throw pillows, pottery, plants, bedding, art, retro lamps, and more can prove to be inspiring and provide a much-needed creative shake up. Go wild and spend a little on some new clothes for your wardrobe, too.
