These fun and romantic couples staycation ideas can help you feel like you’re on vacation without going too far!
Can’t get out of town for your vacation this year? You’re not alone. Lots of people are simply choosing to stay closer to home lately. And why not? You can still have a great time, but save a ton of money in the process!
So to you who is deciding to stay close to home this year, here are some of our best couples staycation ideas:
Best Staycation Ideas For Couples
A staycation can be in your own town, a neighboring town, or even your own house. It’s a vacation where you don’t have to get on a plane, take a long drive, or spend a lot of money.
Sticking close to home can add days to your vacation, allow you to save on your budget, and enjoy some time close to home.
Couples Campout
You don’t have to have a campsite to go camping! You can go right in your own backyard for a fun backyard date.
Set up a tent, grab some pillows and blankets, and head outside for a beautiful night of campfires and stargazing at home.
Don’t have a backyard? No problem. Ask a friend if you can campout in their yard, head to the middle of a nearby forest, or even campout on the beach for a romantic beach date.
In fact, you don’t even have to go outside to have your own campout. Pitch a tent inside, heat some hot chocolate and marshmallows on the stovetop, and enjoy your very own indoor campout!
Discover Your World
We all love to travel and discover far away places, but when was the last time you actually toured your own town?
No, we don’t mean grocery shopping – we mean doing all of the most touristy things your town has to offer.
Sure, you may have done them before, but reliving moments from your past together can be exciting. Plus, there may even be something new since the last time you took a tour!
What should you do? Check out the local museums, picnic in your local park, try out a new restaurant – or even an old one you haven’t been to in a while.
There’s lots of ways to explore your own town or city, and it’s a great way to enjoy a staycation.
Hotel Home
We spend hundreds of dollars to spend the night at a hotel when really – we have all of the same things in our own homes!
If you don’t have some already, head to your local department store and grab some cozy robes and slippers – and you’re already half-way there.
Of course, you can make Hotel Home as casual or as lavish as you like. If you want to spruce things up, grab some flowers and candles to set the mood in your own “hotel room”.
If you feel hungry at night, order some “room service” from a food delivery service.
Then prepare a delicious breakfast ahead of time so that you’re all set for breakfast in bed in the morning.
You could even host your own DIY spa night with your partner, taking turns massaging one another at your own home spa.
Day Trippin’
You don’t have to travel far to have a good time. If you’ve already done everything you want to do in your own town, take a day trip out of the city.
Go to a nearby town that you’ve never been to or that you love. You don’t even need to spend the night. Just drive, enjoy, and head home at the end of the day.
Try these fun road trip questions for couples while you’re on your way!
Left, Right, or Straight
Ever played the left, right, or straight game? Here’s how it works. Hop in the car and crank up the music.
The first stop light/sign that you hit, decide will you go left, right, or straight?
You can play this game for as long as you like – you never know where you’ll end up or what sights you might see!
If you want, you can also decide how many times you want to decide your direction.
Let’s say you play the game 10 times. Wherever you end up is where you hop out and explore.
This is such a fun car date idea to get out of the house and explore a little.
Movie Fest
Time to break out the movies and host your own movie festival date at home.
Your festival can last as long as you want it to – one night, two nights, three nights, an entire week – it’s completely up to you.
But if you’re going to make it a staycation, we suggest going all out.
Popcorn and movies simply aren’t enough. Theme your nights and match your daily dinners, events, and treats.
Here are some of our favorite movie theme ideas:
- Dirty Dancing Night – A night of Dirty Dancing and, well, dirty dancing!
- Hocus Pocus Night – A night of Hocus Pocus and learning magic together.
- Harry Potter Night – A night of Harry Potter and Potter Potions (drinks).
- Ghostbusters Night – A night of Ghostbusters and Ghosthunting.
And well, you get the point. The list goes on and on!
House Swap
Have some friends that want to have a staycation this year too? Swap houses!
Swapping houses is a great way to get out of your own and can feel just like you’re staying in a hotel or Air BnB.
Be sure to do up your house nice for them, and maybe leave a few treats or surprises along the way.
And don’t forget to explore everything that their city has to offer.
Make it a double date with fun activities before retiring to one another’s homes for the night.
1800’s Day
Okay, let’s take things back. Sometimes we need to just disconnect. In fact, we should do it often.
We are so surrounded by technology these days that we often forget to connect with who is most important – our friends and family. So let’s make a staycation of it.
No cell phones. No computers. No tv.
Time to shut everything down and enjoy some quality one-on-one time. Grab some good snacks, bring some of your favorite 2 player games, and get ready to enjoy each other on a deeper level.
Sleepcation
Speaking of reconnecting, sometimes it’s ourselves that we need to reconnect with.
So this staycation, make some time to relax and pamper yourself. Take a hot bath, book a massage, curl up with a hot chocolate and watch your favorite shows, read a book, meditate – do whatever makes you happy.
And don’t forget to sleep, sleep, and sleep some more – it’s okay, you’re on vacation!
Party/Game Night
If you’re looking for a staycation that you can do with friends, host your own themed party/game night.
Try hosting a Murder Mystery, create your own Escape Room, or host your own Last One Laughing Party (no one’s allowed to laugh).
There’s so many fun themed nights that you can do with you and your friends – the sky is the limit!
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to travel far to have a good time. There’s so many fun things that you can do right at home for the best couples staycation ever!
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.