Vacation FOMO is real. You could spend the week doom-scrolling through everyone’s trip photos—or you could create your own at-home escape and skip the overpriced airport cocktails. Whether you’re hosting guests, planning a weekend reset, or turning your backyard into a five-star resort, here’s how to make staying in feel like an actual break.

Hosting Guests Without Feeling Like a Full-Time Concierge

If you’re not the one traveling, you might be the one hosting. Whether it’s college kids rolling in with laundry, grandkids visiting for the week, or friends popping by for a weekend, the key is prepping in advance so you’re not stuck scrambling.

Guest Room Refresh (Or Creating One Without an Extra Room)

• Fresh sheets, extra pillows, and a cozy throw blanket (because guest beds are always freezing)
• A nightstand setup with a lamp, phone charger, and water—so they don’t have to awkwardly ask for one at midnight
• A small basket with travel-size toiletries (because someone always forgets something)
• A luggage rack or cleared-out drawer so they’re not living out of a suitcase on the floor

Stocking the Kitchen for House Guests

You don’t need to play full-time host—just set things up so guests can help themselves.

• Easy breakfast options like muffins, yogurt, and granola so you’re not making eggs to order. Or make egg casseroles in advance. 
• Grab-and-go snacks like cheese, crackers, and fruit to avoid the dreaded “Do you have anything to eat?”
• A self-serve coffee station so they don’t have to search for mugs in the morning
• A stocked bar or cocktail setup for the 5 o’clock crowd

Want a cheat sheet for stress-free hosting? Grab my Staycation Guide Freebie—it’s packed with easy weekend reset ideas, hosting tips, and ways to make home feel like a retreat.

How to Bring the Vacation Vibes Home

You don’t have to fly to feel like you’ve had a break. A few intentional upgrades can make your space feel like a resort.

At-Home Spa Setup

Turn your bathroom (or guest bath) into a mini spa retreat with just a few upgrades.

• Luxury bathrobes and slippers for that five-star hotel feel
• Aromatherapy shower steamers or bath salts for a spa-like experience
• Silk pillowcases and blackout sleep masks to create a restful vibe
• Essential oil diffusers or candles to set the mood

Backyard Entertaining Ideas

If the weather’s nice, take the vacation vibes outside with easy outdoor hosting setups.

• Outdoor dining setups, whether it’s a bistro table for two or a full patio spread
• Poolside lounging with inflatable loungers, chic pool towels, and a side table for drinks
• DIY cocktail or mocktail bar, because nothing says vacation like mixing your own drink
• Outdoor games like cornhole, bocce ball, or giant Jenga
• Pool basketball goal and volleyball net to turn your pool into a resort-style setup

Create an Outdoor Movie Night

Nothing says effortless luxury like a movie night under the stars. Here’s how to set up a backyard theater for an instant vacation experience.

• A portable projector and outdoor screen, or just use a blank wall
• Cozy blankets and oversized floor pillows for seating
• String lights or lanterns for ambiance
• A popcorn station and drink bar for the full experience

Staycation Game Night: Indoor Fun Without the Screens

Not every vacation moment has to be outside—sometimes, a cozy game night with friends or family is just as fun.

• Mahjong, Rummikub, and classic board games for a laid-back evening
• A dedicated game table setup with snacks and cocktails
• Cornhole and outdoor-friendly games for a mix of indoor and outdoor fun

Want more Backyard Game Ideas? Check out my Cornhole Blog Post HERE.

The Bottom Line: Make Staying In Feel Like a Break

You don’t need to hop on a plane to relax. Whether you’re welcoming guests, refreshing your home, or throwing an impromptu backyard bash, a little planning goes a long way.

What’s your idea of the perfect staycation? Let me know in the comments—or better yet, tag me if you put these ideas into action.