Booking a “staycation” (or a vacation at home) can be a stress-free, budget-friendly way to take a break. And, if done correctly, it can feel like a dream vacation.

Here are some tips to help you have the perfect staycation at home:

Clear your calendar. Block off at least 2-3 days. During this window, don’t book appointments, do errands, or plan to do work. Be protective of your vacation days. It may be tempting to keep to your regular schedule, but in order to truly relax and feel like you’re on vacation, you have to set aside quality time for yourself.

Add in amenities. Turn your home into a five-star resort with a few upgrades:

●     hang a hammock in the backyard

●     build a firepit

●     give your bedroom a makeover

●     turn your bathroom into a spa

●     fix up the patio to enjoy dinners al fresco

●     add a porch swing.

Play tourist. Get to know your city better, and see it with a fresh perspective. Do all the things you don’t normally have time for and treat yourself to the experiences that don’t fall into your daily routine. If your friends or family visited from out of town, where would you take them? Check out the current events at local theaters, museums, and concert venues. Find the new (or best) restaurant in town. You might even consider buying a guidebook to cover the most ground.

Bring the fun to you. You don’t have to go far to enjoy yourself. Tackle your lengthy reading list by curling up in a deck chair with a tall, refreshing drink. Break out the s’mores and take a mini camping trip. Binge-watch the popular TV series everyone is talking about, but you haven’t had time for. Host your own mini film festival. Transform your backyard into a water park.

Vacations are all about indulgence. Buy yourself that plush bathrobe you love to wear at hotels. Sleep on those super-high-thread-count sheets. Get a massage, manicure, or facial (or all of the above). Order “room service” (a.k.a. delivery). This is a chance to really spoil yourself – you deserve it!