Planning a staycation can be exciting and economical for couples. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect staycation honeymoon.
Last updated February 5, 2024
Couples spend months, hours, and days curating the perfect wedding, and there’s nothing better than being whisked away with your love the day after. However, sometimes circumstances, such as schedules and finances, don’t allow for traveling right away. That’s where a staycation honeymoon comes into play. Staycations are economical and can be filled with memories. So get ready to channel your creativity as you learn how to plan the perfect staycation honeymoon.
Many honeymooners travel and get to know a faraway destination inside and out. With itineraries in hand, they test out local restaurants, visit historic sites, peruse art galleries, and explore the great outdoors. A staycation is essentially doing all of those things in your own area.
A staycation honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a romantic getaway as a tourist in your hometown. You can finally cross off places you’ve always meant to go, but haven’t had the opportunity to yet. Does it sound lackluster? It’s not—a staycation can generate just as much excitement and plenty of memory-making opportunities.
Staycations can take on several forms, and which you choose is up to you. Linger at home, use your house as a home base, or get to know a town nearby. Here are a few different combinations you may want to consider:
Just as with a long-distance honeymoon, it’s best to chat about what you want to do. Narrowing down your interests will help you decide where you want to explore. From sports and artisan shops to history and spa treatments, figuring out where your interests lie can help you curate your perfect honeymoon.
Figuring out how far you want to travel may be determined by your list of interests. Not everything may be available in your hometown. Is going for a hike a must to get out of the busy city? If so, you’ll have to factor in driving time to where you want to hike.
Determining where you want to stay goes back to what type of staycation you’re craving. Will you stay at home, book a hotel downtown, or head to an Airbnb in the next town? The choice is yours, but you need to make a reservation to set your schedule.
No matter your plans, don’t feel that you have to plan an entire week for a staycation. You won’t have long travel times to and from your destinations. Therefore, you may only need a few days, depending on your itinerary.
Incorporate some of your favorite things into your staycation. Wine lovers can do a tasting at home, as many wineries offer samples to savor at home. (Hint: try Winc!) If you enjoy a particular destination, such as France, build off of the theme. Cook Parisian cuisine and watch a documentary about traveling the French countryside.
A staycation should be more economical than that snowy ski chalet you wanted to book. However, if you’re saving up for a future trip, don’t blow through your budget too quickly. Figure out what you have to spend, then allocate amounts towards food, lodging, activities, and even a souvenir if you so choose.
The purpose of the honeymoon is to soak up time together before life goes back to normal. Take advantage of the time, but don’t forget to include relaxation. Sleep in, make time to talk, and—for heaven’s sake—turn off those cell phones. There is plenty of time to focus on work and social media after your staycation.
Though a honeymoon doesn’t typically involve sleeping in your own bed, town, or sometimes even your state, going far away doesn’t define what a honeymoon is. It’s your honeymoon, so make the best of it. Dress up for dinners out, buy those little somethings that will wow your partner each night, pop open an expensive bottle of bubbly. Even if you spend the entire honeymoon in your own home, you can still have honeymoon-style experiences.
No matter what your post-wedding trip looks like, remember that it’s a time to connect, reflect, and plan for the future. A staycation honeymoon can be perfect for those looking to savor time together without traveling far from home. Choosing to stay close rather than opt for a traditional honeymoon is a good investment in your town and each other as you start your life together.
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