Not Traveling This Summer? Here’s How to Trick Your Brain Into Thinking You’re on Vacation

Excited man laughing at home having fun texting on the smartphone while having a pedicure pretending to be at the beach

Spoiler: No flights, no bags, no stress… just a little creativity.

Not traveling this summer? You’re not alone. Whether it’s budget, timing, or just not being in the mood to deal with airports, a lot of us are opting to stay closer to home right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to skip out on the relaxing, soul-refreshing feel of a vacation.

Over the years of full-time travel, and now balancing adventures with downtime, I’ve picked up a few tricks to help a weekend at home feel just as rejuvenating as a getaway. Here’s how to plan a staycation that actually feels like a vacation (no packing required).

1. Try a Day Pass to a Local Hotel

Just because you’re not traveling doesn’t mean you can’t dip into luxury. Services like ResortPass let you access hotel pools, spas, and rooftops without booking a room. Many upscale hotels offer similar perks directly — think of it as a mini vacation within your zip code. (I just did this at the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago for the day using a ResortPass. It was lovely!)

2. Bring the Spa to You

Candles can really add a nice element to your at home DIY spa day

Set the tone: light a candle, queue up a playlist, and do the sheet mask you’ve been saving. Add a bubble bath, exfoliate, or try a new hair treatment. I’ve even got a full DIY spa day at home post if you want to go all in. The key is intention; treat it like an experience, not just self-care on autopilot.

3. Make Dinner an Event

Cheers to our future. Handsome husband and beautiful wife making a toast to their love with wine during a fancy dinner date

Dress up, set the table, and pour something sparkly. Try a new recipe or order in from that place you’ve been meaning to try. Add candles and music from your dream travel destination; it’s a little effort for a big payoff. (Bonus: no need to worry about reservations. You can even use a fun delivery service.)

4. Explore Your City Like a Tourist

Beautiful smiling woman walking on crowded city street from work with coffee cup and texting on mobile phone

Pick a neighborhood you don’t usually go to and explore it with no agenda. Wander, window shop, grab a coffee or cocktail at a new spot. Pretend you’re visiting for the first time… It’s amazing what you’ll notice when you shift into travel mode at home.

5. Create a “Weekend Away” Itinerary

Sweet idleness. Lazy young hispanic lady sit in relaxed pose on big comfy sofa at living room interior breath air dream imagine. Successful female new flat apartment buyer rest at home feel pleasure

Block off your weekend just like you would for a real trip. Choose what days are for relaxing, what’s for “exploring,” and when you’re unplugging. Give yourself permission to ignore laundry and emails — even if you’re still sleeping in your own bed.

6. Watch Something That Feels Transportive

Woman relaxing on the couch, she is using the remote control and choosing a TV show or movie on the television menu

Travel movies, international dramas, or documentaries can help scratch that wanderlust itch. I love queuing up something like Under the Tuscan Sun or The Secret Life of Walter Mitty when I’m craving a vibe shift without a boarding pass. (I have tons of movie suggestion articles if you need some inspo!)

7. Book a Local Cooking Class (or Do One at Home)

group of cooks, friends or colleagues cut ingredients cook together and prepare dinner at a wooden table in a kitchen or restaurant

Plenty of local kitchens offer one-off cooking classes — or try a virtual one. No time? Pick a new recipe from a different culture and turn your kitchen into your own test kitchen.

8. Start a “Vacation-Only” Book

White cozy bed and a beautiful girl, reading a book, concepts of home and comfort, place for text

Choose a book you’ve been saving… but here’s the trick: only read it during your staycation time. It creates a little ritual you’ll actually look forward to, and helps you mentally disconnect from day-to-day life. (If you need some ideas, check out my reading list.)

9. Have a Backyard (or Balcony) Picnic

Happy Young mother and preschooler son having outdoor picnic dinner, eating pizza sitting on backyard Lawn on Sunny Day. Happy family time together. Active childhood. House in the suburbs in summer.

Grab a blanket, a charcuterie board, and your favorite beverage, and take it outside. It’s surprisingly mood-boosting — and just a little fancier than eating lunch at your desk.

10. Schedule One Luxurious Appointment

Massage, facial, mani/pedi, or even a blowout — book something indulgent that you would do on vacation. It’s a small way to mark the time as special and treat yourself.

11. Create a Cozy Lounge Spot

Young girl sitting on a floor by a large bay window surrounded by tropical houseplants reading a book

Designate a little corner of your home for pure relaxation — a stack of books, your favorite candle, a soft throw, maybe a drink tray. It gives your staycation a “lounge by the pool” vibe, no pool required.

12. Take Photos Like You’re Traveling

Happy Black food blogger girl taking picture of salad ingredients on mobile phones, recording video, shooting cooking process, reading recipe on Internet, chatting online in home kitchen

This one’s fun and surprisingly powerful: take pictures throughout your staycation like you’re documenting a trip. It helps you be more present, and you’ll have fun memories to look back on later.

The truth is, you don’t need a plane ticket to feel refreshed. Whether you’re staying in town by choice or necessity, these staycation ideas can give you that vacation feeling, with zero jet lag.

Do you have a staycation go-to that always works for you?

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Cincinnati, Ohio, USA skyline at dusk. — Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

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Couple packs up suitcase with clothing for departure, isolated on white. Concept of romantic vacations and lovely honeymoon — Editorial credit: Karramba Production / Shutterstock.com

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