How to Plan the Perfect Summer Staycation

As rising costs reshape summer travel habits, more Canadians are finding value in meaningful getaways closer to home.

More Canadians are rethinking how they travel this summer. According to a recent TD survey, 35 per cent of Canadians plan to spend less on their summer activities, while 44 per cent say higher fuel costs are influencing their travel decisions. As households navigate ongoing cost pressures, many are seeking alternatives that offer a change of scenery without the expense of long-distance trips.

For many Canadians, that means embracing the staycation. Rather than viewing local travel as a compromise, travellers are increasingly treating nearby destinations, city hotels, and regional escapes as opportunities to slow down and reconnect. The appeal lies in flexibility, convenience, and the ability to create memorable experiences without stretching already-tight budgets.

Rethinking what a staycation looks like

A staycation no longer means staying at home without a plan. For many travellers, it now involves booking a hotel in their own city or a nearby destination to create a sense of separation from daily routine. The change of surroundings is helpful for disconnecting and tapping into that vacation feeling.

Choosing a hotel with amenities such as spas, rooftop lounges, or waterfront access helps transform a familiar city into one that feels new to be discovered.

Explore your own city like a visitor

One of the most effective ways to approach a staycation is to experience your city as if you were visiting for the first time.

This means exploring neighbourhoods you rarely spend time in, booking restaurants in different districts, or visiting attractions that are often postponed. Local tourism boards can help guide your exploration, and it’s worth taking a look at event calendars. You can plan a whole day around a free outdoor concert or food festival.

Choose experiences over distance

Rather than focusing on how far you travel, summer staycations are increasingly centred around experiences. This could mean booking a spa day, attending an event, or planning a curated dining experience. Many hotels now offer packages that combine accommodation with food, wellness, or cultural activities, making short breaks feel more complete without extensive planning.

Travel midweek for a quieter escape

Travelling midweek rather than on weekends often results in quieter hotels, better availability, and a more relaxed atmosphere overall.

Even a two-night midweek stay can feel significantly different from a typical weekend routine, offering a sense of space and calm that is harder to find during peak travel days.

Make space for intentional rest

The most important part of any modern staycation? Allowing space for exploration and rest without over-scheduling.

Instead of trying to replicate a packed holiday itinerary, many travellers are choosing slower mornings, longer meals, and less structured days. The shift reflects a growing preference for travel that prioritises presence over pace. Plus, with a staycation, you won’t have the fear of missing out on landmarks or experiences like you might if you were spending a couple of days in a far-away city.

As summer travel continues to evolve, staycations are becoming less of a compromise and more of a deliberate choice. For many Canadians, the appeal lies not in distance, but in how easily a familiar place can be reimagined when viewed through a different lens.