I was bitten by the travel bug very early in life and travelled solo since I was 26. Throughout all my travelling years, I have always wanted to fly to the most exotic destinations or somewhere culturally different.
But there are times when we cannot travel abroad. It can be due to a multitude of reasons including timing, money, economy, etc.
Then it might be the perfect opportunity to explore your own backyard and do a solo staycation in your city.
And staycations are easy to do. They don’t require too much planning, don’t have to cost a lot of money and you can really help out local businesses too!
There are so many things you can do! I compiled 10 solo staycation ideas for anyone who wants to change it up and enjoy a bit of staycay.
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What to do during a solo staycation?
Have you heard of the term “staycation” before? A staycation or holistay is a holiday where you spend in your home town or country rather than abroad. You “stay” for your “vacation”.
A “staycay” can be a day or several days but it also involves activities in your hometown. You can have a staycation by yourself, with friends or family.
Essentially, you can do a staycation any time you want. If you have a weekend or a long weekend or just a free evening to spare, a staycation can be any type of activity as long as you are enjoying it in your hometown.
Why should you do a solo staycation?
There are so many reasons why you should try doing a solo staycation! Not only will you have the best time exploring your own city and enjoying your own company, but you can also help out the economy too!
1. You don’t have to travel far to go on a staycation
A staycation does not require you to hop on a plane and go somewhere far.
A “staycay” is where you go somewhere that is accessible to you. It can even be in your own home!
2. You can do a solo staycation as soon as you have time
The best part about a staycation by yourself is that you can do it any time you want.
If you work during the week, you can do a staycay on the weekends. And if there is a special event during the week, you can make that your staycay as well.
3. A staycation is possible when you cannot travel anywhere
There are many reasons why one cannot travel anywhere. You may not have a lot of money to travel, or it is not the right time to go anywhere, etc.
A staycation is locally based. It can be a bus ride away, a short ferry ride, or even within walking distance. And depending on the type of activity you choose, you may not have to travel very far to do a staycation on your own.
4. When you want to take a break from “life”
We all work very hard and need a break from time-to-time. A staycation allows one to take a break from “life” and do something enjoyable. We all need to be pampered, excited and motivated.
Taking a short solo staycation can alleviate stress from everyday life. We can all use a bit of rest from time to time because we deserve it!
5. You can boost the local economy
Perhaps one of the best benefits of taking a solo staycation is to support your local economy.
Small local businesses rely on making money from locals and tourists. When you choose to spend money on local businesses, it keeps the money in your community. It also means a lower unemployment rate, creates new jobs and opportunities, etc.
The next time you visit a local coffee shop, or restaurant or buy produce at a farmer’s market, you are helping your local economy by supporting local entrepreneurs and investing in your city.
10 things to do on a staycation by yourself
Wondering what to do on a staycation? There are many ways you can enjoy spending time alone in your hometown. Whether you are single or you’re with someone, there are many things you can do on your own.
I came up with 10 solo staycation ideas for singles and these ideas are affordable and can be done whenever you have time. And in no particular order, here are my favourite staycation activities.
1. Explore your own city as a tourist
Whenever I plan a vacation, I travel as far as I can and enjoy a few days or weeks or another city and another culture.
A solo staycation is the best time to explore your own city as a tourist. Forget everything you know about your hometown and try to see your city with a different set of eyes. Roam around the city, take photos, learn about the history and go to places you’ve never been to before. You might even surprise yourself with how much you will learn about your own city!
2. Have a beach day
I’ve always loved going to the beach. It feels like a real holiday whenever a lovely beach day is involved.
If you live close to a beach, you might want to spend the day on a sandy beach and take in some sunshine aka vitamin D. Studies have shown that sunshine alleviates stress and has a direct correlation with your happiness level.
And a lovely beach day doesn’t cost a lot of money and can be done on your own. Just make sure to bring sunscreen!
3. Museum hop
There may be a few museums in your hometown that you’ve never been to. It is always one of those places you say “I’ll go there soon” but never get to it.
I know I am guilty of that. I was born in Hong Kong and I’ve never been to half of the museums in the city. It might be the perfect time to plan a whole day of museums where I can just hop from one to another.
Whether you are into modern art or a history buff, I am sure you will find something you will enjoy. Check your local museums for opening hours and costs (some might even be free of charge).
4. Try a new restaurant or new cuisine
One of my favourite things to do on a staycation is to find new food or new restaurants to try. I’m always on Instagram looking at food photos and hoping to find my next meal! Ha! To be honest, that is how I find new places to try.
For those of you who are adventurous with food or call yourself a “foodie,” this might be the perfect solo staycation idea for you. There may be excellent restaurants and food options in your hometown that you have never tried before. And you can support local businesses at the same time. It is a win-win situation!
5. Read a book
Doing a staycation alone doesn’t always mean you need to leave the house and go somewhere. Reading a book can be an excellent “adventure”.
I know it sounds rather simple – reading a book. But honestly, I am not someone who reads regularly. So for me, it is something different and something I have to make an effort for sure.
The best part about this activity is that you can do that anywhere and at any time, whether you are vacationing or staycationing at home.
You can get lost in the fictitious world by reading a riveting novel or learning something new. What would you choose to read?
6. Indulge in a spa treatment
Who doesn’t like a spa? It may be one of the best solo activities ever! Choose from a variety of treatments like body massage, body scrub, sauna, steam room, facial, reflexology, and many more.
If budget is a concern, you can buy some spa products and have a spa day at home. Buy some bath bombs for a soothing bath, natural scrub for exfoliating your skin, and a sheet mask to give your face a beautiful glow.
7. Take a day trip
There may be opportunities for you to take a day trip from your hometown. It could be another nearby town, or somewhere you haven’t been to before.
Honestly, it can be anything! The idea is to spend the entire day doing something different and exploring new things.
My favourite day trip involves some type of hiking and exploring. I like to pack a bag with snacks and water and prepare for the day. It is like preparing for a real trip but a shorter version.
Make a day out of it and see what adventure is waiting for you!
8. Spend a day in nature
There is something about spending time in nature, getting away from city life and the normal hustle and bustle.
I always find that I am much calmer and happier when I am outside in nature. I especially enjoy hiking, where I can be physically active for a few hours and maybe see something wonderful on the trail.
So I would encourage you to spend the day in nature where you explore new territories, new paths and hiking trails.
9. Staycation at a hotel
Sometimes a staycation is as easy as a hotel staycation.
If you are someone who enjoys staying at a hotel (like me), then this might be an excellent option for you.
Maybe the whole process of checking into a hotel (which is something you do while on vacation) feels like you are actually taking a vacation. Ha! Either way, staying at a hotel can be fun and exciting.
While you are there, enjoy the hotel pool, work out at the gym, or relax in the sauna/steam room. Make sure you take advantage of all the hotel amenities during your stay!
I book most of my hotel stays with Agoda because the prices on Agoda are competitive. I like the idea of saving a bit of money while enjoying a solo hotel staycation.
10. Attend local events in your area
Whether you live in a city or a small town, there are often local events happening in your neighbourhood. Events like concerts, theatre, shows, music events, food and cultural festivals, etc. Or you might even find something more active like free yoga classes, special running groups, fundraisers, and so much more.
Check your local magazines or guides that detail all the upcoming events in your area. Many of these publications are online as well.
Once you find something you like to do, make sure to include it in your online calendar and set a reminder, so you don’t forget.
Related Post – Learn more about other off-the-beaten-path activities in Hong Kong
Which of these solo staycation ideas do you like the most?
I hope you are inspired by some of these solo staycation ideas for singles and create your own adventure in your hometown.
Let me know in the comments what you are planning to do or any other places to go for a staycation solo.
Thank you for reading my post about solo staycation
You might also like these other travel solo posts:
- 43 solo travel quotes that will inspire you to travel alone
- 10 best first-time solo female travel destinations
- Solo female travel safety tips: 15 tips for women travelling alone
- 10 best activities for solo travellers
- 56 tips for travelling abroad for the first time
- 10 off-the-beaten-path travel destinations for solo travellers
- When sh*t hits the fan, stay positive, strong and focused
- Don’t let fear stop you from travelling
- How does it feel to be a solo traveller
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