Staycation ideas have been more popular than ever this year. A year of staying home has left us all missing travel. That being said, even avid travellers might want to stay close to home for a few more months. But just because you’re staying home this summer doesn’t mean you have to be bored. In fact, some of the most adventurous things you can do are offered in most cities. Chances are, most of these staycation ideas are available to do in your hometown. Make sure to bookmark this page, and you’ll never be at a loss for staycation ideas again.
The Nomade Edit of 10 Adventurous Staycation Ideas To Do This Summer
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1. Create A Summer 2021 Bucket List
To get inspired, create a list of things that you’d like to experience throughout the summer. Each time you accomplish one of your goals, make sure to document it. A Polaroid camera and a scrapbook can be a great way to keep track of your staycation. If you’re looking for a spontaneous guided activity, the Adventure Challenge Book is another great option.
2. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
The best staycation ideas are the ones that still provide a change of scenery. What better way to get a new perspective on your city than from thousands of feet in the air? Bring your camera and some friends to capture the best views that your hometown has to offer.
Check out our recommendations for the best travel blogging gear to document the experience – from lightweight cameras to laptops.
3. Go Skydiving
If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-pumping way to get the perfect view of your city, skydiving is another great staycation idea. It’s one of those activities that a lot of people only consider when they’re traveling abroad. But why not try it at home? It’s guaranteed to get you out of your everyday routine, and you’ll create unforgettable memories in the process.
4. Go Stargazing
Bring a telescope, along with some snacks and drinks, and spend the evening appreciating all the night sky has to offer. You can try your hand at night photography, or just spend a relaxing night taking in the Milky Way.
5. Host A Backyard Movie Night
If you go all out, a backyard movie night can be something that your friends will talk about for years to come. It’s also a great option as a luxurious-feeling staycation idea. Create an ambiance with twinkle lights, comfy pillows, and a projector. Make s’mores, create an epic appetizer spread, and get cozy with your family and friends.
6. Go On An Overnight Canoe Trip
We always think that we need to travel far to have epic adventures. But chances are, everything you need for an adventurous excursion is right in your backyard. Rent or borrow a canoe or kayak if you don’t have one, and plan an overnight river or lake trip.
Bring your camping stove, roast marshmallows, and try your hand at nighttime photography. It will be a trip you’ll never forget!
7. Take An Airplane Tour Of Your City
Many aviation and flight centers offer tours of surrounding cities. This type of activity typically comes at a higher cost, but that cost offers 30 minutes to an hour of views that you never forget. Surprise a loved one with this once-in-a-lifetime staycation idea. There’s nothing like spending a summer evening flying in an open-air cockpit, feeling the wind in your hair, with views for miles. Make sure to bring a camera or GoPro to capture the moment.
8. Be A Tourist In Your Own City
New businesses are constantly popping up in every city, and taking a staycation is the perfect excuse to finally check them out. Maybe there’s a new museum, coffee shop, or restaurant you’ve been meaning to try. Now’s the time to be a tourist in your own city!
9. Go Sailing and/or Boating
Nothing can beat an afternoon spent on the water. Most marinas offer boat rentals. Take advantage of this, and spend the day tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.
10. Take A River Cruise
If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with a river, check to see if a river cruise is available. Even small cities often have a ferry. This is another great staycation idea that will have you looking at your city with new eyes.
11. Host An Elaborate Outdoor Picnic
Set up an elaborate table spread in your backyard, complete with name settings, and centerpieces. Make up for lost time, and lost events by making every day a special occasion. Celebrate getting together with friends with a summer picnic.
12. Plan A ‘Spontaneous Adventure Day’
If you’re looking for some spontaneity this summer, this staycation activity is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Start by writing out a list of ten fun and adventurous activities that you want to do in and around your city. Assign each of the activities a number. Then get a group of your friends together to go through the list by picking numbers at random. The only catch? No one but you knows what the activities are. It’s a great way to change up your routine, and do something fun as a group.
13. Try To Spot The Northern Lights
This might be a little tricky depending on where in the world you’re located. However, if you are somewhere where it’s possible to see the Northern Lights, it’s always worth it to stay up a few hours past your bedtime. Take a few friends along with you, bring some snacks, and enjoy one of the world’s wonders.
14. Explore Your Home Province
Explore local provincial and national parks, and research the hidden gems that your province has to offer. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a new go-to spot, favourite diner, or some amazing views over an unknown lake.
15. Take A Food Tour Around Your City
One of the best things about travel is getting to try new foods. Why not explore your city’s culinary offerings by doing a food tour? Choose a different destination for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and support local restauranteurs while you’re at it.
16. Plan An International Foods Night
Similar to restaurant hopping, planning an at-home international foods night is another way to travel the world from your hometown. Choose a theme for the cuisine and have a potluck-style night with friends. If you want to add an element of luxury, choose special place settings, and treat it like a dinner party. You can also choose special dishes for everyone to contribute.
17. Go On A Helicopter Ride
Looking for another adrenaline rush? A helicopter ride is an incredible way to see the sights your city has to offer all while checking off another bucket list item. Bring your GoPro or camera, and vlog the experience!
18. Go Wine Tasting/ Visit Your Local Distillery
If you live in wine country, take advantage of everything the countryside has to offer: tour the vineyards, and do some wine tastings.
If you don’t live near vineyards, tour your local distilleries, or try a tasting menu at a local restaurant or bar.
19. Go Camping/Glamping
Camping is another underrated staycation idea that can really get you out of your comfort zone. You can choose to go the backwoods route or create more of a glamping experience. Research local camping destinations, and choose what suits you best.
20. Take A Cooking Course
Switching up your meals is another great way to get out of a routine rut. Many local restaurants also offer cooking classes. Cooking classes are a fun, social activity that also introduce you to new recipes, cooking techniques, and flavours from around the world.
21. Have A Beach Day
Spend time with friends and family at the local beach. Bring your swimsuits, beach towels, and Bluetooth speaker to create a good vibe. Stock up on food, bring a volleyball, and really enjoy the summer while it lasts. This staycation idea is all about basking in the luxury of taking time off.
22. Go Paddle Boarding
Another water sport not to be missed is paddle boarding. It has less of an adrenaline kick, but is just as much fun. Most cities have local businesses where you can rent paddleboards. Or if you plan on making it a regular activity, you can always get your own.
23. Go Wall Climbing/Rock Climbing
If you live near mountains there are probably plenty of opportunities for you to try out rock climbing. If not, there’s likely a wall-climbing center near you. It’s a great way to try something new, and get a great workout while you’re at it.
24. Go Hiking
Nearly every city has some kind of hiking trails, whether they’re river paths, or require scaling the side of a mountain. Hiking is a great way to expand your horizons and explore areas of your city or province that you’ve never been to.
25. Stay At A Local Resort
Enjoy a luxury experience and support local businesses by visiting a resort or spa near you. The convenient part about this staycation idea? If you forget anything, it’s a very quick trip home!
26. Book An Epic Spa Day
In the busyness of everyday life, we often forget to take care of ourselves. Why not spend your staycation treating yourself to the works? Visit a float spa, and book yourself in for a manicure, a pedicure, and facial.
27. Host A Luxe Dinner Party
Choose a theme, create place settings, and set the lighting and ambiance for a luxurious night of good food, good conversation, great friends, and an amazing playlist.
28. Go To A Drive-In Movie Theatre
Make a visit to your local drive-in movie theatre feel like a luxury experience by bringing your coziest blankets, and favourite hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and of course, favourite people.
29. Spend Time At The Lake
They may not be turquoise Caribbean waters (unless of course, that’s where you’re from!), but there’s nothing quite like spending the summer heatwave at the lake. Bring a book, your floaties, and sunscreen, and disconnect from the hustle.
30. Book A Unique Local Air Bnb
These days you can stay in all kinds of Air Bnb’s; from treehouses to converted camper vans. Why not switch things up, and give yourself a luxury travel experience, locally? Research the unique Air Bnb offerings in your area, and book your dream staycation.
31. Stay At A Converted Hotel
Similar to unique Air Bnb’s, local entrepreneurs from around the world are converting the most unexpected places into hotels. From ghost towns to grain bins, a quick Google search will reveal some of the most unique luxury (and sometimes eccentric!) experiences.
32. Host An International Cocktail Night
Last but most definitely not least of the Nomade Edit of the best staycation ideas. Host an ‘international cocktails night.’ Research different cocktails from around the world, and try your hand at making them for your friends. Alternatively, you can do it potluck style. Ask everyone to research a different country and its most popular cocktail, and bring it to the party.
We have followed this list ourselves and can guarantee it’s a good time. Make sure to bookmark this page, and you’ll become the go-to source in your circle for staycation ideas!
