Everyone needs a break from their daily routine every once in a while, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic that isolated society for the last few months. Day after day, being stuck inside and practicing self-isolation can really put a damper on people’s wellbeing, and fuel their craving for travel more than ever before. Though traveling long distances to a tropical destination may be out of the question right now, you can still have an exciting group staycation with your pod or social bubble to get that much-needed adventure.

Become A Tourist in Your Own City 

It’s time to take off your resident hat and slip on a tourist one. Treat your staycation as if it truly were an out of town vacation, and take off the rose-colored glasses to genuinely see the location for all that it is from an objective point of view. 

Plan Your Group Staycation

To make it even better, get together with your pod, and take advantage of the ability to explore the place you live on a deeper level and enhance your appreciation for it. 

1. Visit Famous Landmarks

Are you one of those residents who are so wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of life that you never actually stopped to admire those famous landmarks around your area? If so, you and your group should visit them. Really take in the beauty, historical significance, and admire them without that outside rush of life obligations standing in the way. 

2. Try New Restaurants 

Restaurants are struggling right now, so what better way to help your community than to eat there? What would make the experience even better is if the restaurants you eat at were places you and your social bubble have never been at before. Do a bit of research beforehand on a local restaurant listing site like The Local Chew and narrow down some places that no one in your group has been to, and go check it out. 

3. Look for Unique Recommendations

Another thing you and your social group can do for your group staycation is to have each person try to find something cool to do in the area. Then you can all bring those ideas together to add to the itinerary for your fun summer staycation. You never know, you might just find your new favorite café or a vintage shop that has been down the street from you that you never knew was there. If you’re in need of a guide to potential hidden wonders in your area, check out sites like Atlas Obscura to see if there are any one-of-a-kind local attractions to find.

4. Stay at A Local Hotel 

The hospitality industry has taken on numerous new disinfection and safety methods, so you should be more than safe at staying in a hotel that is taking cleaning seriously. To find the most up to date information on local lodging and their health and safety standards, check out your local visitor bureau’s website. With that being said, staying in a hotel will give you that sense of peace and the ability to unwind rather than going back to your own home. Plus, room service is always a luxurious way to end the night.

5. Build & Share Your Itinerary 

With your attractions, restaurants, and accommodations all picked out for your group staycation, it’s time to put it all together and share it with your pod. Using an online platform to build your itinerary and share it makes organizing your staycation adventure a breeze. With GroupTools, you can easily create your itinerary, invite your pod, collaborate on planning, collect payments, and more. Visit GroupTools.com to learn more or jump right into your planning by registering or logging in today.

An Unforgettable Experience

You might be thinking, vacations should be a thing to get away from home, not stick around. However, you’re sure to be pleasantly surprised at just what you can discover right in your hometown when you stop and actually take in the beauty around you. Whether you make it a long weekend or just a 24-hour thing, you will be happy you and your group embarked on a summer staycation journey that fostered new memories you will never forget.