25 Great Ways to Have a Staycation

No passport? No problem. How staycations are the smart (and surprisingly fun) choice for 50+ travelers

an illustration of a woman in a swimsuit reclining on a lawn chair while a man in the background mows the lawn

Whether it’s time spent in your own backyard, a spa day or exploring a museum, staycations let you take a vacation when and how you want.

Sam Island

Eric Spitznagel,

AARP

Published July 07, 2025

You don’t have to trek through TSA lines, decipher train schedules in broken French or sleep on a stranger’s futon to have an unforgettable vacation. In fact, if you’re over 50, the best trip may be the one where your suitcase stays in the closet. Welcome to the golden age of the staycation.

With the cost of airfare and hotels, many older adults are rethinking their travel plans. “Inflation at home and abroad has contributed to financial uncertainty,” says Jonathan Katz, director of strategic branding and global experience at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration. “So the yearning for long-distance travel is often being tempered by the need to adhere to a more budget-friendly approach to vacation.”

That’s where staycations shine. They’re affordable, flexible and, if you’re creative, every bit as exciting as a week in Tuscany, with far less jet lag. Whether it’s a kitchen adventure, a DIY spa day or exploring that museum you always said you’d visit, staycations offer a vacation on your terms. Pajamas optional.

1. Visit your town or city like a tourist

When’s the last time you really explored your own city? Not just the grocery store and the dry cleaner, but the things you’d suggest to an out-of-towner if they asked, “What should I do around here?”

“Being a tourist is all about experiencing something new, and often our cities are places we overlook,” says Natalie Preddie, a travel writer and host of the YouTube travel series Get Lost With Natalie Preddie. “Does your city have a Chinatown or Little Italy you’ve never had time to visit? Perhaps there is a picturesque biking trail that you haven’t been to yet.”

Start by visiting your local tourism website. You’ll find cultural festivals, live performances, pop-up food events and even discounts on attractions you’ve always meant to check out. Plus, pretending you’re on vacation means you get to buy the souvenir mug and take the long way home.

2. Treat yourself to a five-star hotel weekend

Why not let someone else make the bed for a change? Book yourself into that swanky hotel downtown — the one with the rooftop bar and spa robes fluffier than a poodle. And if you’re willing to be spontaneous, the cost can be a fraction of what you’d normally pay. Apps such as HotelTonight, Hotwire and Priceline have some great deals for guests making last-minute plans.

“Hotels in big cities will typically lower prices as check-in approaches,” says Hayley Berg, lead economist at the mobile travel app Hopper, which tracks the cost of airline tickets, car rentals and hotel rooms. “Booking in the last 12 to 48 hours before check-in can usually save travelers significantly.”

Want even more bang for your buck? Shift your stay to off-peak nights — Sunday to Monday instead of Friday to Saturday — and you could save up to $296 in hot spots like Vegas, Miami or Nashville, says Berg. Even in your own city, this hack can trim an average of $86 off your bill.

3. Sightsee by computer

Who needs a plane ticket when all you really need is a computer and an internet connection? “During the pandemic, my kids and I would watch live cams at zoos around the world,” Preddie says. “You can connect with zookeepers, watch penguins play or orangutans enjoy their lunch. We also watched beach cams in the Caribbean and pretended we were there.”

And that’s just your virtual boarding pass. From Machu Picchu to European castles, you can explore national parks, big cities like New York and Tokyo, even hop on a scenic train ride — all from your couch. Free apps such as Virtual Vacation, Lookaround and Ascape VR offer immersive experiences, and many tourism boards and YouTube channels are packed with virtual tours just waiting to be discovered.

So go ahead, sightsee in slippers. The world is only a click away.

4. Start an oral family history

Your next great story might be sitting in your living room. Use your staycation to record the memories of your parents, grandparents or any older relatives. Just getting these stories recorded can be a huge gift to future generations, says David Allen Lambert, chief genealogist at the nonprofit organization American Ancestors, which serves as a resource for family history research.

Lambert recommends using your smartphone or a digital camera: “That way you get facial expressions and allow the next generation to see the relative in real time.” Prepare open-ended questions that prompt a story, not just “yes” or “no” answers. “Try not to interrupt,” Lambert adds. “You may miss some wonderful extra details.”

If you can, take them on a short trip to an old hometown or workplace. Sometimes the best memories need a little scenery to come back to life.

an illustration of people laying in a tent camping in a backyard

Camping in your own backyard can be a fun way to bond with your kids or grandkids.

Sam Island

5. Camp under the stars in your own backyard

Who says you need a national park, a bug spray arsenal or an RV the size of a small yacht to go camping? Sometimes the best campsite is just a few steps from your back door.

“You can create a tent with some sheets and couch cushions, bring in a lamp and spend the night there as a family,” says Preddie, who adds that a backyard campsite can be a fun and bonding activity for you and your kids or grandkids. String up fairy lights, bring a Bluetooth speaker, pack some snacks and cue up your favorite scary (or not-so-scary) campfire tales.

If you want to upgrade to a proper campground, here are five accessible sites that are easy to navigate. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows or watching the constellations, the great outdoors could be closer than you think.

6. Host a tea party

It doesn’t take much to throw a memorable summer tea party — just a few teacups, some hot water and an excuse to eat tiny sandwiches with your pinky out. “Find a teapot and teacups you love — they don’t have to match,” says Barbara Leone, founder of home entertainment and shopping website Mantel and Table. Offer a few tea varieties (like black, green and herbal) and let guests steep their own. Add cream, sugar and lemon wedges, and you’re in business.

As for food, Leone suggests going with the holy trinity: savories, scones and sweets. Think finger sandwiches (cucumber is classic), warm scones with jam and fancy butter, and bite-sized desserts. Bonus points for a tiered tray, though any platter will do.

Ask guests about their allergies or dietary needs ahead of time. And if you’re feeling fancy, set up in the garden, decorate the table or hand out tiny favors. It’s low-key luxury with biscuits.

7. Enroll in college from your couch

You don’t need to pack a bag — or pay tuition — to take a college course this summer. Many top universities such as Stanford and Yale offer free or low-cost online classes on everything from philosophy to marine biology (yes, even if you live in Nebraska).

“There are no geographical limits,” says Jeremy Dickerson, assistant provost for distance education and e-learning at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. “You can learn about coral reefs from a school on the coast, even if you’re landlocked.”

Dickerson recommends starting local: Explore what’s offered online at a nearby college or university. It’s easier to get help with registration and tech questions if you’re dealing with someone in your own community. He suggests beginning with a low-stress topic — maybe something you’ve always been curious about — and building up to deeper dives as your confidence grows. Who knows? This might be the most enlightening vacation you’ve ever taken while wearing sweatpants.

8. Learn a new language

Just because you’re not flying to Florence (yet) doesn’t mean you can’t start rolling your Rs and ordering gelato like a local. Learning a new language is one of the best ways to mentally “travel” and prepare for future adventures.

Free apps such as Duolingo, Babbel and Memrise can get you started with bite-sized lessons that are surprisingly addictive. Want to get serious? Try an online tutor through platforms like Preply, iTalki or Lingoda, where (for a fee ranging from $50 to $400) you can practice one-on-one with a native speaker — perfect for mastering pronunciation and picking up a few local slang words.

Even if your next trip is months (or years) away, you’ll be ready to charm waiters, read street signs and totally ace your travel dreams. Until then, feel free to shout “Bonjour!” to your cat. It’s part of the process.

9. Take a spa day

You don’t need a five-star resort to find your bliss; a thoughtfully chosen local day spa can also feel like a mini vacation. “Good day spas are designed for comfort and offer a welcome respite,” says Mary Bemis, founder and editorial director of Insider’sGuidetoSpas.com, which covers spa culture. “It’s a nice way to feel as if you’ve slipped away on holiday, without ever leaving your hometown.”

To find the right spot, search online for top-rated spas, and read reviews carefully. Your hairstylist or doctor might have insider tips, says Bemis, and many hotels keep lists of trusted local spas. If their website doesn’t answer all your questions, call and ask about amenities: robes, slippers, snacks, saunas or whether you’ll need a swimsuit.

Prefer to stay in? Bemis suggests creating a spa day at home. Start with a morning walk, light stretching and a green juice. Power down your phone, then spend the afternoon reading, listening to music and applying a facial mask. Keep meals light — think salad for lunch, tea in the afternoon and grilled fish for dinner. Cap it off with a long soak in an Epsom salt bath infused with lavender oil. It’s the perfect way to relax, recharge and reset.

an illustration of people looking at artwork in a museum

Museums are air-conditioned sanctuaries, so take advantage during a heat wave and learn something new.

Sam Island

10. Check out your local museum

Museums aren’t just for school field trips and rainy days — they’re time machines, art galleries, history lessons and air-conditioned sanctuaries. Whether it’s a quirky local exhibit or a world-class collection you’ve somehow never gotten around to seeing, now’s the time to go.

No museum nearby? No problem. Many of the world’s top cultural institutions offer incredible virtual tours you can enjoy in your pajamas. Stroll through the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, Italy; take in the dreamy impressionism at Paris’ Musée d’Orsay; or get modern at Seoul’s National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam even has a special “From Home” section to help you explore its treasures from your couch. So whether you wander past a real mummy or click through Monet, you’re expanding your world without having to parallel park.

11. Make “thyme” to garden

Gardening isn’t just a satisfying way to spend time outdoors — it could also boost your health. Some studies show it can lower the risk of heart attack or stroke. And you don’t need a green thumb or even a backyard to get started. “Head to your local gardening store or nursery and enroll in a class or two,” suggests Renee Werbin, cofounder of Travelgirl magazine.

Even if they don’t offer classes, most nurseries are full of friendly and knowledgeable workers, and you might even meet fellow newbies who share your budding interest. According to a 2020 study from researchers at the University of Queensland, community gardening helped older adults become more socially active and boosted their self-esteem.

Plus, there’s the visual payoff: “You’ll enjoy the beauty long after your staycation is over,” Werbin says. And you might end up harvesting your own tomatoes.

12. Watch musicals and plays from the comfort of your couch

Can’t make it to Broadway, or don’t feel like selling a kidney for orchestra seats? Good news: The stage is now streaming.

Theater fans can enjoy everything from toe-tapping musicals to Shakespearean showdowns to hilarious comedies without leaving the couch. Check out services like National Theater at Home, a worldwide streaming service that includes a wide array of British theater (yes, that’s Ralph Fiennes as Macbeth and Ian McKellen as King Lear), and BroadwayHD has a treasure trove of recorded performances, including classics like 42nd Street, Into the Woods, Pippin and even Cats. And if you somehow missed the Hamilton craze or just want to belt along to it from home, the full production is available on Disney+.

So dim the lights, grab some snacks and enjoy front-row drama without the drama of finding parking.

13. Create a to-do list of only fun things

To-do lists usually involve things like “buy detergent” or “schedule root canal” — not exactly a thrill ride. So flip the script: Make a list of only fun things. Think: at-home mani-pedi, a bubble bath with fancy salts, trying that yoga video you keep bookmarking or finally starting that book with the great reviews and terrible cover art. Then treat your list like an actual itinerary. Cross each one off with pride and zero guilt.

“Fill your itinerary with things that will make you feel happy and remind you that you’ve made the most of your time,” says Katz.

You don’t have to go far, or even get dressed, to make a day feel indulgent and meaningful. And bonus: You’ll still get the satisfaction of checking off a list, but without ever touching a vacuum.

14. Do a random act of kindness

Want to feel great without leaving town or spending a fortune? Try a staycation challenge that’s all about spreading joy. Set a small budget and timeline, then surprise the people you love with thoughtful gestures. Send a little gift, bake their favorite treat and sneak it onto their doorstep, make a nostalgic playlist or write a note full of your favorite shared memories.

It could be as simple as calling up somebody you haven’t seen in too long and inviting them for a long, leisurely walk. “Wandering through a park with a friend, without an agenda, in a new part of the city, is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon,” says Preddie. It’s a simple act of connection that costs nothing and feels like everything.

an illustration of a person holding a bowl of ice cream

Try making homemade ice cream, adding in your own favorite ingredients.

Sam Island

15. Cook or bake something you’ve never tried before

Nothing says adventure like stepping into the unknown, even if it’s just your own kitchen. Whether you’ve got a long-neglected waffle iron, Dutch oven or Crock-Pot tucked away in a cabinet, now’s the perfect time to dust it off and try a recipe you’ve never attempted before. Find inspiration in your favorite cookbooks, ask friends to share their most-loved dishes or go down a recipe rabbit hole online. The point isn’t perfection, it’s play.

For a sweet starting point, cookbook author and trained chef Tessa Arias, who runs the baking blog Handle the Heat, recommends homemade ice cream. “Make any ice cream base according to the recipe instructions,” she says. (You can find ice cream mix at online retailers like Amazon, Walmart and AE Dairy.) “Pour it into a resealable bag, squeeze out the air, and freeze flat. Once solid, break it into chunks, and blitz in a food processor or blender until smooth.” Fold in your favorite mix-ins, freeze again, and it’s ready to serve.

You can also try the “freeze-and-stir” method: Freeze your base in a deep dish, stir every 30 minutes for a few hours and you’ll have scoopable ice cream by dinnertime. Whether you end up with a masterpiece or a mess, trying something new in the kitchen is the tastiest kind of travel.

16. Take your lunch on a little vacation

A well-planned meal outside can be a refreshing escape from the everyday. “Think of a picnic as a mini vacation without the airfare,” says Bob Blumer, the creator and host of the Food Network series Surreal Gourmet. Whether you’re at a scenic overlook, a quiet park or in your backyard, a break can whisk you away for an afternoon.

To elevate your alfresco meal, Blumer suggests building it around a dream destination. “Start by thinking about where you would go if money and time were no object,” he says. Then create a full sensory experience inspired by that location. Longing for Italy? Try a spread of antipasto with grilled artichokes, olives, salami, burrata and crusty focaccia. Add a bottle of Chianti or prosecco, then layer in ambiance with a themed playlist, a classic Italian film playing softly in the background or a game of bocce ball.

Even details like scented candles and dressed-up accessories can transport you. “Go all in,” Blumer says. You’ll be surprised how far a blanket, some good food and a little imagination can take you.

17. Host a “crafternoon”

An afternoon of crafting, or a “crafternoon,” is the perfect low-key way to connect with friends while getting your creative fix. Whether you’re a glue-gun wizard or a complete beginner, the best craft parties are relaxed, social and full of fun, not pressure.

“Hosting a craft party can be as simple or complex as you want,” says Marissa Likar, knitter and founder of Stitch Clinic, which offers lessons and resources for knitting and sewing. Start with a cozy setup: comfy chairs for knitters, an ironing board or sewing machine space for stitchers, and plenty of good lighting. Add light snacks and water, and you’re halfway there.

Likar loves wreath-making as a first project because it’s easy to personalize and doable in one session. All you need are basic wreath forms, glue guns and some floral wire. Ask guests to bring their own embellishments, like ribbon or faux flowers. Bonus tip: Have bags or boxes on hand so guests can take their masterpieces home safely.

18. Have some reel relaxation

Who says movie marathons require overpriced tickets and sticky floors? Hosting your own film festival at home is all about comfort, curation and candy. “Treat yourself to a real movie theater experience by loading up on classic snacks,” says Mental Floss: The Curious Movie Buff author Jennifer M. Wood. Think Milk Duds, Twizzlers, Raisinets, whatever makes you feel like a kid again. Bonus points for creating a DIY concession stand with popcorn (microwave is totally allowed) and bowls of sugary favorites.

But the magic is in the lineup. Pick a theme — ’80s action flicks, Oscar winners, guilty pleasures or “Movies I Love That You’ve Never Seen.” Wood loves this approach, saying, “It’s a great way to learn something you maybe never knew about your partner before.”

Upgrade your setup, too: Rearrange furniture, pile on the pillows or go big with a backyard projector. Just remember: Phones off, PJs on, plot twists welcome.

19. Escape the ordinary

Need a little excitement that doesn’t involve airport security or sunscreen? Try an escape room, a real-world, puzzle-solving adventure where you and your teammates are “locked” in a themed room and have one hour to crack the code, find the key and get out. Think Indiana Jones meets Sherlock Holmes with just a touch of panic and a lot of laughs.

Rooms can range from haunted mansions to submarine control rooms to crime scenes, and they’re designed to challenge your wits, teamwork and maybe your patience (in the best way). Clues are hidden in books, drawers, paintings, anywhere. And there’s always a helpful staffer watching on camera, ready to drop hints if you’re stumped.

It’s the perfect outing for friends, families or coworkers, and all you need is brainpower and a sense of adventure. You may not make it out in time, but you’ll definitely come away with stories.

an illustration of people with a large book

Host or attend a book club. You'll learn about much more than literature.

Sam Island

20. Start a book club, spill the tea

Reading is a solo sport, but a book club turns it into a party. Whether you join one or start your own, a club adds social sparkle to your staycation. “If you’ve never dipped your toes into the world of book groups, start by checking your local bookstore or library,” says Carol Fitzgerald, founder of The Book Report Network, an online hub for book news, reviews and author interviews. You’ll get a sense of what you like, or don’t, before starting your own.

Then gather your people, she says. Decide when and where to meet (every first Thursday? Rotating backyards?). Will there be snacks? Is the goal to dive deep or mostly hang out with friends who only got around to skimming the book?

Fitzgerald says her group, affectionately dubbed “the Hive,” has become a place to talk about literature and life. “We share, communicate and comment in what we feel is a special space,” she says.

21. Go off the grid for a day

What happens when you turn off your phone, shut your laptop and let the TV take a nap? At first, panic. But then? Magic.

“Turning away from constant stimulation, like our phones, email and TV, can sometimes make you feel lost,” says Alan D. Castel, professor of cognitive psychology at UCLA. “But this might engage curiosity and creativity, leading to new thinking, and boost brain health.”

A June 2025 study published in the medical journal Computers in Human Behavior found that limiting phone use for just 72 hours led to measurable changes in brain function, especially in areas tied to reward processing and impulse control. Basically, your brain becomes less addicted to that constant dopamine drip, and more open to deeper focus and calm.

Go for a walk without headphones. Journal with an actual pen. Stare out the window like it’s 1987. You’ll be amazed at how much time you actually have when you're not scrolling through photos of someone else’s brunch.

22. Eat outside your comfort zone

You don’t need a passport to go on a culinary adventure; you just need an open mind and a fork. Skip your usual takeout spot and dive into something totally new.

“I always tell people to eat a type of cuisine that you’ve never had before,” says Preddie. “If you’ve never had Ethiopian food, head to an Ethiopian restaurant. Try a new Jamaican restaurant. Enjoy ramen for the first time. Maybe today is the day you try Colombian street food.”

Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, the goal is to shake up your usual food routine and explore something bold and unfamiliar. Bonus points if you learn a few words from the menu’s native language.

23. Wander a mile in someone else’s commute

Take the scenic route, literally. Sometimes the biggest adventure comes from the smallest change, like swapping your steering wheel for a bus pass.

“How do you normally travel through your city?” asks Preddie. “If you drive, hop on public transit, or take time to walk through your city. You may discover things that you never even knew were there.”

Riding the bus, strolling a new block or hopping on a ferry you didn’t even realize existed can flip your whole perspective. That deli you’ve passed 200 times? Turns out it has the best baklava in town. That weird-looking side street? It leads to a mural, a jazz bar and a tiny bookshop that sells tea.

Changing how you move through your hometown changes how you see it. It’s like time travel, only cheaper and less likely to mess with the space-time continuum.

24. Turn downtime into do-good time

Volunteering isn’t just good for the community — it’s good for you, too. “Volunteering is an opportunity to contribute to our communities, express our talents and stay sharp,” says sociologist Tracy Brower, author of The Secrets to Happiness at Work. “It can be both rejuvenating and rewarding.”

Whether you’re mentoring someone younger, helping at a food bank, walking dogs at a shelter or picking up groceries for a neighbor, such acts of service can boost happiness, create connection and even teach you new skills.

Most organizations make it easy to sign up on their websites, but don’t be afraid to call directly and ask what they need most. Looking for ideas? AARP has compiled a list of ways to volunteer, no matter your schedule or skill set.

25. Turn off GPS and get lost

Your GPS may get you there faster, but your brain misses out on the adventure. “Certain brain areas — particularly parts of the hippocampus that support navigation — become less active and can even shrink” when we rely too heavily on GPS, says University of Kent neuroscientist Amir-Homayoun Javadi, who has studied brain function and travel.

Getting lost, it turns out, is good for you. “Exploring unfamiliar locations lifts mood, sparks creativity, offers the pleasure of problem-solving, promotes present-moment focus and builds resilience,” says Javadi.

So switch off the turn-by-turn directions and take the scenic route on purpose. Wander through a neighborhood you’ve never explored. Drive with no destination and see where you land. Sure, you might not make it to the grocery store on the first try, but you may find a tiny bakery, a hidden park or the best tacos you’ve ever had. Getting lost could be the most rewarding trip you didn’t plan.

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