Holiday Weekends at Home: 6 Staycation Ideas for Labor Day (and Beyond)

Labor Day weekend gives us the last long weekend of the summer, a chance to make the most of those long days and balmy nights we’ll soon be missing! While some jetsetters may be planning exotic getaways, others may prefer the comfort of their own homes. So why not have the best of both worlds? If you’re thinking how nice it would be to get away but the reality is that travel isn’t possible for you right now, don’t let it get you down. This year, embrace the joys of a staycation and make your Labor Day weekend unforgettable!

Staycations are a wonderful way to take time for yourself in the comfort and convenience of your own home. It’s great on your budget and gives you plenty of flexibility and time to do what you want without all the stress that often comes with traveling. Taking a vacation at home is also a highly beneficial way to practice self-care and prevent burnout.

We’ve curated some of our favorite staycation ideas that will transform your home sweet home into a delightful holiday paradise, and given you our top tips for how to plan ahead. So switch off your phone, put on your best summer outfit, and enjoy!

Romantic Getaway

If you and your partner are in need of a special, romantic getaway, a staycation is a great way to achieve it on a budget. Imagine creating a lovely B&B-type setting in your home and bedroom? Or, if you have a guest room, consider moving in there for the weekend, just for a change of scenery!

Plan ahead: Stock your kitchen up with your favorite goodies, enough for the whole weekend. Have candles ready to set the right mood for romantic dinners and playlists of romantic music that you love to listen, and even dance, to. (Is there anything more romantic than slow dancing in your own living room?) Make sure your bedroom or guest room is especially set up for comfort and relaxation. You can have breakfast in bed together or even a fun picnic! (For some extra tips on creating a romantic getaway at home, check out this blog post.)

Backyard Beach Bash

Who needs to travel miles to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea? Turn your backyard into a tropical oasis and host a fabulous beach bash for your loved ones. To take it up a notch, create a DIY beach bar with refreshing mocktails and tropical treats. You can also set up fun beach games like beach volleyball, a limbo contest, or a sandcastle-building competition to keep the entertainment going. As the sun sets, ignite a bonfire, and bring out the marshmallows for some s'mores. Under the stars, you and your friends can sing campfire songs and create lasting memories of your backyard beach escapade.

Plan ahead: To set the scene, you’ll want to lay down some beach towels and have props like umbrellas and inflatable palm trees, so be sure to order everything you need in advance. Stock up your beach bar with coconut water, pineapple juice, fresh fruit skewers, and the makings of some classic cocktails and mocktails so your guests feel like they're sipping cocktails by the ocean. Don't forget to have sunscreen and bug spray available too.

Culinary World Tour

Travel the globe without leaving your kitchen with a culinary world tour staycation. Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to experiment with international cuisines and savor the flavors from different cultures. For example, start your day with a French-inspired breakfast featuring croissants, fresh fruit, and café au lait. For lunch, venture into the heart of Italy with a spread of antipasti, pasta dishes, and Tiramisu for dessert. In the evening, transport your taste buds to Mexico with spicy tacos, zesty guacamole, and margaritas.

Plan ahead: Create a list of countries you've always wanted to visit and plan a menu featuring their iconic dishes. Get the whole family involved in the kitchen, and let each member pick a country to represent during the weekend. You'll not only enjoy delicious meals but also strengthen family bonds through the joy of cooking together.

Spa Retreat in Your Living Room

If you’re in need of some extra rest and relaxation, give yourself the gift of an at-home spa treatment. Treat your long weekend at home like it’s a relaxing resort where you’ll be pampered and treated to soothing baths, spa treatments, and delicious, healthy foods. Transform your living room into a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. Set the mood with calming scented candles, soft music, and plush pillows and blankets. Create a designated area for facials, foot massages, and other pampering sessions. For the ultimate relaxation, engage in a guided meditation or yoga session. There are plenty of online resources and apps that offer calming practices.

Plan ahead: Stock your kitchen with healthy, nourishing foods and beverages like fruit teas and juices. If you have your own juice machine, put it to use and create a juicing menu for yourself that you can enjoy all weekend. Don't forget to prepare a refreshing pitcher of infused water with slices of lemon, cucumber, and mint for that spa-like experience. Do online research so you can create your own DIY, purifying masks for your face, hair, or body. Other considerations are scented candles, and oils for calming baths and massages. To make it even more relaxing, try to keep your devices turned off for the weekend and set up an automatic reply that you’re away. Remember, the point is to indulge yourself—or you and your partner can indulge each other! (For more tips, check this blog out.)

Film Festival

A fun way for the whole family to spend the weekend is to have a film festival at home. Turn your living room into a cozy cinema with fairy lights, comfy cushions, and plenty of popcorn. You can choose to have your festival be themed, like comedy, animation, or romance. Or you can take turns choosing each night’s movie selection. Don't forget to include some classic Labor Day-themed movies to keep the holiday spirit alive!

Plan ahead: Set up your list of movies and have them ready to go, by adding them to your Netflix queue or other streaming service. Also make sure to stock up on all your favorite movie snacks, like popcorn, candies, and other tasty morsels. Finally, get your ‘movie theatre’ space ready for lounging—it’s always great to have comfy pillows and throw blankets for everyone. Then enjoy the show!

Create a Vision Board for Your Future

A unique way to spend a long weekend—whether alone, with a partner, or with your family—is to use the time to do something meaningful for your future. Maybe you’re feeling ready to make a big change in your life or career? Maybe you’re ready to renovate your home or your health? Whatever it is that you want to create in your life, there’s a powerful tool that can help you realize your dream: a vision board. It’s a simple tool to help you realize your dream by first putting it in a tangible format using images and words to represent it.

Plan ahead: Gather old magazines that you can cut images and text from (you can also search for these online and print them out), then tape or pin them to a poster board or corkboard. Begin your vision board by setting an intention about what this vision board is about, and write it out for yourself. Then give yourself the whole weekend to cut out images and words that represent your intention—both visually and in how you want to feel—and arrange them on your board. Once you are happy with it, make a commitment to look at your vision board daily, letting it motivate you to take action to realize your dream. (For more helpful tips about the magic of vision boards, take a look at this blog.)

This Labor Day, embrace the joy of staying home, recharging your batteries, and making unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Enjoy your staycation!