Localeur’s Staycation Guide
Subscribe now for personalized recommendations for the perfect staycation in 200 cities.
You deserve it.
How long have you been home since COVID? Months, right? Working from home weeks on end. Eating every meal at home day after day. Watching that new movie, on your couch. At home. Listen, we love home life as much as the next person, but it’s seriously time for a break. A change of pace, even if for just one night would do us all some good. Hopping on a plane for a cross-country vacation may not seem smart, but living it up within the comforts of your own city but without the confinement of a bedroom you’ll have to worry about cleaning up later sounds just about right.
Sample Travel Guide: Austin
We started Localeur seven years ago right here in Austin, Texas, because we grew tired of out-of-towners flying in for South by Southwest and trying to tell visitors how best to experience our city. That said, it only made sense that we gave you a taste of the staycation insights and recs we provide to our subscribers in our hometown.
Sample Travel Guide: Copenhagen
One of our favorite cities in the world doubles as one of the most perfect cities in the world to squeeze out the final weeks of summer. Home to Noma, one of the world’s highest-rated restaurants, and some of the best architecture on Earth, it’s virtually impossible to want to leave Copenhagen if you’re a local here during the summer.
Tips for Making a Staycation Stand Out
Pick Your ‘Hood
This is your chance to experience the city you call home at its absolute best, so if you’re booking a hotel or Airbnb, make sure your favorite neighborhood is taken into consideration. On other trips, you may reasonably pick bare-bones accommodations because you’ll be spending so little time there. On a staycation? Perhaps it’s appropriate to splurge.
Two Words: Batch Cocktails
Stonefruit sangria? Yes, please! Botanical-infused sparkling water to sip by the pool? Absolutely. Strong, homemade cold brew or a batch of spicy margaritas waiting for you in the fridge? You get the idea. A good vacation deserves a good drink; making something ahead of time ensures you won’t have to constantly be mixing and squeezing. (It’s also the sort of touch that will really make you feel as if you’re indulging to the extent you deserve.)
Up Your Standards
Forget the pizza place you order from once a week when you’re sick of your own cooking – we think now is when you should opt for some high-brow takeout. Consider getting these meals planned days in advance, as many restaurants offering gourmet takeaway post their menus for the week and have limited quantities of each dish.
The Leisurewear You Deserve
If there’s one thing we all have in common right now, it’s that our wardrobes have devolved into comfortable basics. That’s the best euphemism we can come up with for what’s perhaps more accurately described as worn-out T-shirts and a rotating lineup of cutoffs and athletic shorts you can’t remember washing recently. Today – right now – is the time to buy the loungewear of your dreams. We know you’ve got a website or item in mind already. We say buy it.
Make it a Double (Feature)
Your staycation may involve plenty of relaxing on the couch, but this is not the time for Netflix scrolling. Devote the amount of time you’d spend researching recreational activities for a vacation and spend it coming up with a list of movies you’ve been meaning to watch but always forget exist. It may not be as thrilling as booking a spa day or surf lesson, but an A+ movie night is a satisfying thing.
Rent Some Gear
Sometimes, the thing standing between a person and a great summer staycation is a pricey piece of gear. If you’re ready to seize the day but less ready to spring for a paddle board; if you’re dying to leave your neighborhood but pride yourself on not owning a car, a rental is what you need. From watercraft to camping gear, outdoor heat lamps to grills and barbecue equipment, you can order up just about anything that screams “summer” and make it yours for the weekend.
Subscribe now and get a personalized Staycation travel guide for any of our 200 cities.
Check out our other recent guides for the ultimate hometown adventure
Localeur’s Guide to Museums
When it comes to a fulfilling, inspiring experience on our home turf, there’s simply no substitute for a good museum day. Dozens of our most beloved museums and galleries are opening up around the globe. Is one of your faves featured here?
Localeur’s Guide to Shopping Local
No doubt these are uncertain economic times – but if you have the means for a little retail therapy, we’ll show you the way. A glance at our guide can help you support the small businesses in your city that stock your next new favorite thing.
