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Staycation Ideas for Every Season (A Guide)

If packing, planning, and paying for an out-of-town vacation sounds overwhelming, then these staycation ideas might spare you the stress of travel.

Feel just as (if not more) rested and fulfilled as a traditional vacation, minus the miles, and no matter the season, with a staycation.

Here’s 3 ways to make your staycation feel special, the different types of staycations you might consider, and some relaxing staycation ideas to inspire you.

We’ll also cover how to create an escape at home with scented candles and share some summer staycation ideas perfect for yourself, your family, and couples.

PERSONAL OR CORPORATE GIFTING

Here’s 5 reasons why a candle gift set makes the perfect gift:

What is a Staycation?

A staycation is a vacation where you stay local or at home. No flights, long lines, or overzealous TSA.

Instead of traveling far away, you spend your time off enjoying local attractions, that new coffee shop, lighting new candles, making art or DIY floral arrangements, or simply relaxing in your own peaceful home.

Woman making a DIY floral arrangement at home staycation

Staycations can be tailored to whatever you like, whether you want a luxurious experience, an adventurous outing, or a relaxing retreat.

With a staycation, you get the time to experience your local area and your home differently from your normal routine.

3 Ways to Make Your Staycation Feel Special

Write Your Wishlist: Create a list of activities you want to do and places you’ve been meaning to visit in your area. Also, see what unique events may be taking place in your city—think concerts, festivals, or pop-ups, which can sometimes be free depending on where you live.
Set Boundaries and Make It Official: Avoid work and house chores. Let your colleagues and family know that you’re on vacation. And don’t forget to set that ‘Out of Office’ notification! 📧
Create a Relaxing Atmosphere: Turn your home into the resort of your dreams. Use scented candles to set the mood. Or experiment with scentscaping to make every room in your home feel like a different destination. Calming scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and cashmere vanilla can transform your home.

Different Types of Staycations

Relaxing Staycation

Focus on self-care activities like spa treatments, reading, and meditation.

Adventure Staycation

Explore local hiking trails, go biking, or try a new outdoor sport.

Cultural Staycation

Visit local museums, art galleries, and historical sites.

Family Staycation

Plan activities the whole family can enjoy, like board games, backyard camping, or movie nights.

Couples Staycation

Create a romantic atmosphere with candlelit dinners, wine tastings, or a home spa day. You can even book an at-home couples massage.

Woman reading book for staycation ideas at home

Unique & Relaxing Staycation Ideas

If relaxation is your goal, here are some ideas to help you unwind:

Reading Retreat

Set up a cozy reading nook with your favorite books and your favorite hot or cold beverage. Make it your go-to space throughout your staycation.

Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Create a peaceful space for yoga and meditation. Guided sessions can help you relax and rejuvenate. It helps you didn’t have to even pack to get to this place of zen.

Gardening Retreat

Spend time in your garden or start a new indoor plant project. Gardening is therapeutic and connects you with nature. No yard? No problem. Create an urban garden from your windowsill or balcony. Add this to your staycation wishlist!

Spa Retreat

Treat yourself to a day of pampering with DIY facials, a bubble bath, and a massage. Use sensory candles to create a calming environment that piques your senses.

🎁 SHOP TRIO SETS 🎁

Tools for a facial for a spa day staycation idea

Spoken Flames named Best Candle Gift to Give by Architectural Digest

Using Scented Candles to Create an Escape at Home

Scented candles are a simple way to transform your home into a calming staycation haven.

Whether it’s candlelit yoga by day, or intimate candlelit dinners by night, get these scented candles to set the right ambiance for all of your at-home staycation activities. Consider them for long baths, or reading sessions, too.

In staycation mode, you’ll have the time. 😉

Summer Staycation Ideas

Summer staycations are all about enjoying the great outdoors and taking advantage of the longer days.

Here are a few ideas to make the most of your summer staycation:

Set up a backyard camp complete with a tent, s’mores, and stargazing (if you’re lucky!) for a family adventure.
Organize an outdoor movie night with a projector and cozy seating for a fun evening under the stars.
Beat the heat with water activities like a kiddie pool, water balloons, or a slip ’n slide.
Host a BBQ feast with delicious grilled foods and refreshing drinks.
Be a tourist for your stay and explore your local area by visiting your local parks, and beaches, or trying out new restaurants and cafes.
Create a tropical paradise at home with beach-themed decor, a summer-scented candle, and juicy, fruit-infused cocktails.

Fall Staycation Ideas

Fall is a beautiful season filled with vibrant colors and crisp air, making it perfect for cozy and festive staycation activities.

Here are a few ideas to make the most of your fall staycation:

Take a scenic drive or hike to enjoy the autumn leaves, or visit a local pumpkin patch.
At home, carve pumpkins, bake seasonal treats like apple pie or pumpkin bread, and indulge in warm drinks like cider or hot chocolate.
For a relaxing day to fill your mind and your belly, read your favorite book by the window while wrapped in a cozy blanket and set up an indoor picnic with hearty soups and seasonal foods.
Host a fall-themed movie night with classic holiday flicks. Decorate your home with autumn leaves, gourds, and seasonal candles with fragrances like crisp air or butternut squash.

Winter Staycation Ideas

Winter is the perfect season to bundle up and truly enjoy the comforts of home.

Here are a few ideas to make the most of your winter staycation:

Embrace the chill by creating a warm and inviting atmosphere with cozy blankets, hot cocoa, and a soft-crackling wooden wick candle (hello, mini fireplace!).
Plan a few indoor activities like baking holiday treats, hosting a game night, or having a movie marathon with classic winter films. For a touch of luxury, get this scented candle that smells like snow.
If you enjoy outdoor winter activities, build a snowman in the backyard or go for a brisk walk to enjoy the winter landscape before returning to your cozy home retreat.

Spring Staycation Ideas

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, making it ideal for freshening up your staycation routine.

Here are a few ideas to make the most of your spring staycation:

Plan a picnic in your backyard or a local park to enjoy the fresh air and blooming flowers.
When you get back home, don’t forget to open the windows and let in the fresh spring air, paired with this spring scented candle that brings the outdoors, in.
Play Picasso and explore expressive, creative activities like painting or floral arranging, or cook new recipes that incorporate seasonal ingredients. ‘Tis the season for your inner artist to blossom.

🥳 READY TO CELEBRATE? SHOP TRIO SETS 🥳

Woman making a DIY floral arrangement as a staycation idea

6. Candles can help increase focus in a work from home environment

The rise in WFH and remote work means our workspaces are full of comforts—and distractions. But why would anyone light a candle at their work desk? To keep those distractions at bay. From chatty co-workers (albeit via Slack) to social media, candles are a thoughtful corporate gift that can help us focus and create space for us to do our best work.

Consider it a productivity hack. 💡

The presence of a candle flame can set a calming mood. Wooden wick candles in particular have a unique soft-crackling sound, which can serve as natural and relaxing ambient sound in one’s space. Plus, select scent profiles, like citrus, woody or a floral scent of a scented candle can influence physiological responses that help keep the mind on track.

7. Candles can be an environmentally responsible gift choice

First, it‘s a candle, next it’s their favorite whiskey glass. 🥃

Depending on the candle’s vessel, most candle jars can be upcycled after the burn cycle of the candle. It can be used as storage, glassware and more, so you can feel good knowing that your gift will keep on giving! And your candle gift (once upcycled) can be a pleasant reminder, if not a conversation piece in their home, of your thoughtfulness.

A candle gift set solves my gifting needs—but wait! I don’t know what candle scent they may like 😟

Bonus tip: How to pick a candle scent for a gift

So a candle gift set meets your needs, but you’re not sure what scents they like 😟 Pro tip: consider an unscented candle or a gift set that offers a variety of scents.

The unique thing about Spoken Flames’ Trio Sets is that each candle gift set has a variety of scents with great range—from woody, citrus and floral in our F, Yes Collection, for example.

Your gift recipient would never get bored, and it increases your chances for satisfaction with a broad range of scents in their hands.

Because Spoken Flames candles are message-driven, our motivating candle statements (even without scent) mean that you’ll still win big with this meaningful gifting choice!

Staycation Ideas (In Summary)

A staycation offers the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge without the stress of travel.

Make your wishlist, set the scene with scent, and pick activities that suit your interests to create your dream staycation.

Whether you’re looking for staycation ideas for yourself, couples or your family, there can be something for everyone to enjoy at home.

Embrace the simplicity and convenience of a staycation this summer—or for any season.

Photo credits: Spoken Flames; George M. (Pexels); Olena B. (Pexels)