4 tips for a Twin Cities holiday staycation 

Holiday travel can be exciting, but winter weather, crowded airports and packed schedules can make staying home much more appealing.

If you still want to get away without the hassle of an actual getaway, consider a holiday staycation.

By staying close to home, you can experience Minneapolis-St. Paul from a fresh perspective without the stress of a long trip. Whether you book a night at a local hotel, check out a new neighborhood or finally see that landmark attraction that’s been on your to-do list, you can make staying home feel like a real getaway.

Here are four tips to help you create an amazing holiday at home this season.

1. Treat your hometown like a destination

Area attractions are often more likely to be packed with tourists than locals. When a popular museum, tour or other institution is always “there,” it’s easy to put it off and say you’ll get there eventually.

A staycation is a great opportunity to approach those places like a tourist. Start by making a short list of places or experiences you’ve always wanted to try but never seem to prioritize. Your list might include a museum, holiday market, historic site, restaurant or neighborhood, or a holiday performance that’s an annual tradition in your area.

“A great staycation starts when you treat your hometown like a destination: book one ‘anchor’ experience, stay somewhere that changes your scenery, and leave room for a little spontaneity,” said Steve Orens, president of FROSCH by Chase Travel, a leading travel agency. “My favorite staycation tip is to make it easy on yourself: choose a walkable area, plan one highlight each day, and let the hotel do the heavy lifting with warm beds, quick breaks, and fewer logistics.”

2. Spend the night away

A hotel stay can provide a change of scenery that makes you feel like you’re on a getaway.

Consider a traditional hotel, bed and breakfast or rental property within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, entertainment or holiday activities. An upscale hotel can also be the centerpiece of your staycation, with fine dining, a fitness center, spa services or other on-site experiences.

If you want a quieter, more relaxed experience, find a hotel off the beaten path but still close to home, where you can enjoy the rhythms and sounds of nature.

3. Be flexible

If your schedule allows, plan your staycation for a weekday or a less crowded period, like the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, rather than a peak weekend. Midweek hotel rates tend to be cheaper, and restaurant reservations and performance tickets may be easier to get. Attractions may also be less crowded during the week, making it easier to get around.

Book some experiences in advance to save money, but stay open to spontaneous opportunities once you arrive. You might find some great last-minute deals.

4. Try something new

Even if you think you’ve seen everything your hometown has to offer, there’s always something new to discover.

Stop in a neighborhood you usually drive through and visit its shops and other businesses. You can also try a new cuisine at a neighborhood restaurant.

Sometimes what’s old can be new again during the holidays, so if you go back to your favorite restaurants and other popular spots, do so with fresh eyes. Order from a restaurant’s holiday menu, or take a walk when lights, decorations and seasonal programming transform many communities.

Other helpful tips

Staying home can eliminate major travel costs, but expenses can still add up quickly. Make a staycation budget, then look for ways to keep costs down.

“A ‘smart’ staycation is one you can pay for comfortably: choose dates with better rates, book flexible options, and keep a small buffer for surprises,” Orens said. “The goal of a staycation is a real reset. Even if you’re close to home, give yourself permission to unplug and find moments to treat yourself. Say yes to room service, a spa hour, or a new restaurant you’ve been saving for ‘someday.’”

If you have rewards points from credit cards or loyalty programs, put them toward your hotel for a free or cheaper night’s stay. Local museums, cultural institutions and attractions often offer resident discounts, reduced-price admission days or seasonal deals. Community calendars list free or low-cost events like holiday concerts, light displays, markets and park activities. If a performance doesn’t usually sell out, wait until the day before or the day of to buy tickets, since prices are often reduced and you may find great seats.

With a little creativity, you might find Minneapolis-St. Paul offers everything you’d want in a holiday vacation: good food, new experiences and an escape from your daily routine, all right at home.

For more financial health tips, visit https://www.chase.com/travel/guide

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