Updated May 13, 2022
High gas prices have you reconsidering your plans for a summer trip? Instead of vacationing in faraway places, you can bring those relaxation vibes straight to your house.
Not sure where to start? Think about some of your favorite things to do on vacation and let your imagination go from there. Miss the bright lights of Vegas? Maybe a custom poker table is in the cards for you (or perhaps building a replica of the Bellagio fountains in your front yard is more your speed).
No matter your vacation style of choice, there are so many creative ways to treat yourself to some out-of-office action right at home. Here we offer some ideas for how to transform your place into the ultimate staycation house, along with some hand-selected pieces from Etsy, Chairish, and more to get you inspired.
Bon voyage!
Catch Up on Your Summer Reading List
Just joined the latest online book club and need a relaxing place to escape to? Maybe you can’t go to the beach and read under a big umbrella as planned, but shade is an abundant source and can be found in your very own backyard. A classic outdoor reclining chair under a tree works nicely or upgrade to one of those hanging swing chairs that are so hot right now.
Leaf Hanging Swing Chair – White, $1,575, available on Chairish.
Enjoy the Complimentary Drinks
From the comforting aroma of free gourmet coffee to those glimmering barrels of spa water that greet you after hours of sight-seeing, nothing beats a hotel lobby beverage bar. This is an experience you can easily recreate chez vous with the right piece of furniture, your coffee maker of choice, and a few cucumber slices (if you’re feeling fancy). Technically, you will have to provide your own beverages for this one, but a little imagination goes a long way when it comes to taking a staycation.
Industrial Coffee Bar by knottypallet, $569, available on Etsy.
Relax at the Spa
Creating a spa experience at your house can be as easy as buying a $4 hydrating face mask and lighting some lavender candles or as complex as having a personal sauna system built in your backyard. Depending on your self-care budget, the sky is really the limit when it comes to this one.
Cube Outdoor Sauna – 6 Person, $8199, available from Redwood Outdoors.
Sip Cocktails by the Pool
Lucky enough to have a pool? Whether you have a concrete or inflatable pool, an outdoor bar is how to take it from basic backyard status to total staycation vibes. Bonus if you can convince a buddy to play bartender.
Yard Bars – The Castlebar by Taverns-To-Go, $2695, available on Etsy.
Dine Al Fresco
What is it about being on vacation that makes you want to dine outside? Whether it’s the fresh air or the relaxing night sounds, dining outdoors shouldn’t be reserved for special occasions. Not only can creating the perfect al fresco dining space make the experience of eating more enjoyable, but – just like any great vacation – it can also bring the family together.
Dining Table – The Sonoma by WickedGrain, $1199, available on Etsy.
Dance the Night Away
For some, a vacation is really just an excuse to let loose. While clubs and bars may be out of reach this summer, bringing the party home is as easy as turning the lights down and the music up. But if you really want to invest in this staycation, may we suggest taking the Paris Hilton approach and building your very own nightclub in your house. All you need is a velvet couch, a good sound system, and voila! You’ve got yourself a personal party palace. The best part? No cover charge.
Custom Button Tufted Velvet Chesterfield Style Couch, $3034, available on eBay.
Have you found the perfect staycation item on eBay, Instagram, Etsy, or Craigslist and need a way to ship it? We can help. Check out our furniture shipping guides or go straight to our shipping marketplace to create your free listing and start receiving quotes from top carriers today.
