A Guide to Planning the Perfect Staycation: Relax, Explore, and Recharge Without Breaking the Bank

Ashley Clark
Apr 5
3 min read

Updated: Apr 6

Strolling through a whimsical garden adorned with giant playing cards, embracing the magic of an Alice in Wonderland festival.

Planning a vacation can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re someone like me, living with ADHD and thriving best when there’s structure with flexibility. That’s why I’m obsessed with the concept of a well-planned staycation. It’s the perfect balance of soft structure and room to roam. In this guide, I’m sharing my personal approach to planning the ideal staycation, whether you're staying home, exploring your local city, or adventuring in nature—all without the stress or the expense.

Mastering the Perfect Staycation: A Guide for Structure and Flexibility

Step One: Clean First for a Fresh Start

Before any kind of getaway—yes, even if I’m not sleeping away from home—I clean my space like I’m expecting guests. I do a full reset: laundry, fresh bedding, tidied living space, and especially the bathroom and kitchen. It’s sweat equity that pays off.

Right now, I’m prepping for a wedding weekend and doing a deep clean. It’s been a week-long process because I let laundry pile up, but it’s worth it. I always do bedding last so I can crawl into a fresh, cozy bed when I get back. If you're staying home, stage your space like a hotel: snacks on your desk, chargers ready, cozy lighting, incense or candles—it creates a seamless flow and sets the vibe.

"Instead of working overtime to pay for a hotel, I use those hours to make my home feel like a destination."

Step Two: Pick a Theme (Relax, Explore, or Adventure)

When planning your staycation, decide on the experience you want. My weekends usually include one relaxing day and one exploring or activity-based day. I use this "theme" to guide the rest of my plans.

🌆 Explore Locally:

Hit up nearby historic towns,
quirky shops, or hidden gem restaurants.
Use Facebook Events, Meetup, or local calendars to find free or low-cost events.
Favorite memory? Laurita Winery’s bacon festival: live music, fire pits, food trucks, a soda truck with collectible mugs, and a trolley ride through the vineyard. It felt like a scene from a rom-com.

🌲 Embrace Nature:

Hikes, lake visits, or sketching in the woods.

In New Jersey, we’ve got gorgeous spots like Wharton State Forest and Island Beach State Park.
I always pack my sketchbook, snacks, and a baseball glove for my kid. Depending on the weather, it’s either a solo recharge or a full-family outing.

Pro Tip: Most parks are carry-in, carry-out—so prep food ahead of time and check reviews online for the best spots.

💆‍♀️ Relax at Home (End Your Weekend on a Peaceful Note):

Fresh sheets, soft music, candles, and the cozy vibes you deserve.
Journaling, skincare, lounging with a book, or an afternoon nap.
Home-cooked comfort meal and maybe a movie night.
Prepare for the week by organizing your space and getting everything ready for Monday. A relaxing evening can help you feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead.

Pro Tip: Treat your home like a sanctuary—use the last day of your staycation to recharge your body and mind.

Step Three: Soft Planning With Google Maps

I like to map out a few key things:

A local breakfast/brunch spot.A cool dinner or lunch option.
A treat place (coffee shop, dessert bar).
One or two events, walks, or activities.

I save everything in Google Maps so I don’t lose track. I’ll mix bigger meals with lower-energy activities and leave space in between to just… be.

Soft planning gives me the freedom to follow my energy levels while making sure I don’t waste time figuring out what to do in the moment.

Final Thoughts

Staycations let you experience the good life on a realistic budget. Whether you're treating yourself to a slow weekend at home or adventuring into local nature and culture, the key is to plan just enough to give yourself structure—but not so much that you lose the joy of discovery.

Ready to start planning yours? Light a candle, open your map, and start daydreaming—you might not have to go far to feel like you're away.

Let me know if you'd like any more changes or further personalizations!