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Can't Travel? Try a Staycation

Most travel plans have been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. Luckily, the well-established staycation concept can allow you to take a break from your everyday life while sheltering in place.

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BECU
Community Content Team
Published Apr 28, 2020 in: Spending & Shopping

Read time: 2 minutes

Usually, a staycation is a vacation you take without leaving your city or town. In the age of coronavirus, it means taking a "vacation" from the comfort of your own home. The beauty of a staycation at home is that you can still rest and recharge without spending much money (if any) or needing reservations. You can explore local sights and attractions, or take advantage of some budget-friendly vacation ideas in Washington for your next staycation.

Bring Destination Cuisine Home

Would you love to be sitting on a beach in Hawaii right now rather than on your couch? Try creating a menu based on your preferred travel destination. Invite a family member or friends to cook the same meal and dine together over video chat.

If you don't feel like cooking, try a local restaurant! By ordering your favorite meal from a restaurant specializing in cuisines from your faraway destination, you are supporting a local business in their time of need. During the coronavirus pandemic, most restaurants have pivoted to take-out or delivery only options, even if they were dine-in only before stay in place orders, so be adventurous.

Explore From the Comfort of Your Couch

Have you ever wanted to visit The Louvre in Paris or the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.? Some of the world's most renowned museums are offering free virtual tours.

Zoos and Aquariums are also offering virtual tours. You can watch the Atlanta Zoo's Panda Cam or visit the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

Take a Virtual Class

During your staycation, you can also take free virtual classes. Have you always wanted to learn how to draw or learn how to cook from a master chef? With more options than ever, free virtual classes during the coronavirus allows you to learn a new skill from the comfort of home without spending a dime.

Catch a Concert

Many performers are hosting special concerts or live streams. The perk: you'll have a free front-row seat from your living room, bedroom or wherever you want. Keep an eye on your favorite performer's social media accounts for announcements.

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BECU
Community Content Team

BECU's community content team writes about personal finance topics like budgeting, saving and building credit to help you reach your financial health goals.