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Looking for inspiration for a stay at home vacation? TFG readers share their top ideas for what to do at home during a stay-cation!
Ideas for Staycations
Written By: Laura Pulling
Table Of Contents
Staycations can be fun, but sometimes it’s challenging to figure out which activities to do or know what’s interesting to try.
But never fear, whether you want to be creative, whip up a storm in the kitchen, learn a new language, or transport yourself far away through a book, TFG readers have you covered with their things to do when bored at home during your stayvacation!
Creative Staycation Ideas
Free Hand Watercolor Paint Set
Become the Next “Picasso”
When it comes to what to do when your bored at home, why not stoke your artistic side with some painting? TFGs Editor-in-Chief, Alex has ordered this very set to keep her creative juices when she’s doing a staycation.
This watercolor set has all you need to get started, with 36 vibrant paint colors, six brushes, and a pad of watercolor paper to paint onto. Now all you need is some Picasso style inspiration!
Wildflower Art Studio Calligraphy Kit for Beginners
Learn to Master Calligraphy
Calligraphy has been known to be a completely therapeutic hobby, and we’d all kill to be able to write with the pazzazz of a true calligraphy artist! This starter brush letter kit can help you on your way to having the handwriting that dreams are made of.
Containing a variety of pens, step-by-step instructions, plus cards and tags to put your new skills to good use, this package contains all you need.
But if you want more inspiration, check out the number one bestseller Guide to Modern Calligraphy Book. It’s chock full of creative ideas!
BBwill Album Scrapbook – Our Adventure Book
Relive Your Trips With Scrapbooking
For great stay at home vacation ideas, why not relive your previous trips? TFG readers share that they’ve scrapbooked and put all of their precious memories into one beautiful place. Taking time to put together those mementos of bygone trips (and maybe utilize your new calligraphy hobby!) will have you counting the days until your next trip.
This scrapbook with acid-free pages and hardcover is perfect for starting your travel memory collection.
Check out these travel books to ignite your wanderlust!
Passport to Imagination Coloring Book
Try Out Adult Coloring Books
For TFGs who love to travel, this coloring book will have you scribbling out your must-go list. This pretty book features details, iconic images of countries, cultures, landmarks, and people all around the world.
One TFG reader loves to pass the time coloring, sharing, “I ordered some crayons and a coloring book.” And don’t forget to pick up some coloring pencils or markers!
Create Pretty Embroidery Pieces
One TFG reader has found a new hobby, “I have started to cross-stitch.” This embroidery starter set contains the threads, hoops, and fabric you need to get started with two cute embroidery projects. The instructions show you different types of stitches, but reviewers say that they took to Youtube for more clear and slower advice.
Crochet Hooks & Knitting Needles Set Kit
Knit and Crochet Your Heart Out
If you want to start a new hobby, this knitting and crochet set contains all of the needles and hooks you could need to become a crafting master in a handy travel-sized case.
Many TFG readers are enjoying knitting during a stay vacation, one made a quilt, while another shares, “Just knitted a hat for one of my grandsons.” Readers also tout the legendary Stitch ‘n Bitch: The Knitters Handbook as a top-notch resource for patterns and cool ideas.
LEGO Architecture Skyline Collection
Build City Dreams With LEGO
Everybody knows and loves LEGO, so why not visit your favorite places around the globe by recreating them at home with their architecture skyline sets. These ‘grown-up’ sets allow adults to have just as much fun as the kids while recreating the stunning details of the cities you love to visit.
One TFG reader’s review touts them. “We bought the Tokyo set!.
Take Up Diamond Painting
This new style of crafting, called diamond painting, is kind of like a hybrid of cross-stitch and color by numbers, except with sticky jewels. Follow the pattern and carefully place the diamond dots onto the sticky backing to create a sparkling picture, like the example of a London scene above.
It’s one of our top recommended fun things to do alone, one TFG reader explains, “I’ve finished my first ever diamond painting. Enjoyed that immensely as I found it very relaxing.” This set has all you need to get started, and a range of images to choose from.
CubicFun National Geographic Model Kit
Flex Your Brain With a 3D Modelling Kit
These unique 3D models by CubicFun help you to recreate the wonders of the world in your own home. Easy to assemble, with no scissors or glue required. Made in collaboration with National Geographic, each includes a handy booklet of architectural-historical knowledge to help you learn more about the landmark too.
And what’s more magical than the Taj Mahal? For other destinations, check here.
Here’s the best travel games you can enjoy anywhere!
Cooking Staycation Ideas
Under the Tuscan Sun Recipe Book
Delight in the Taste of Tuscany
Based on the memoir (and movie that followed), the Under the Tuscan Sun recipe book has a delight of traditional recipes, from the very heart of Italy. Smelling and tasting the wonders of Tuscany and traveling through your taste buds are definitely fun things to do on a staycation.
Let Those French Flavors Melt in Your Mouth
Food writer and television star Rachael Khoo inspires with this thoroughly delicious Parisian and French cookbook. Chock full of simple yet classic recipes, travel there culinary style, and master dishes that you can delight your family and friends with! And, who doesn’t just ADORE Paris!
Cook Around the World
This guide to global cuisine will have you rustling up Mexican inspired tacos or juicy French chicken at home. Many TFG readers experiment in the kitchen to master the dishes they love when traveling.
These easy to follow, tried-and-tested recipes are simplified for even the most amateur of chefs, and the ingredient spotlights show you how to make cupboard swaps that won’t compromise flavors.
Reading on Your Staycation
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Cry Along to a Touching Travel Memoir
TFG readers explain that reading books that are located in their favorite travel destinations are a great way to pass the time. A number one bestseller, and raved about by TFG readers, Eat Pray Love is a travelogue of soul-searching and self-discovery. This witty recount of a year’s travels, from a woman who has fallen out of love with her husband and is looking to find herself, will make the perfect book to while away the hours on your vacation at home.
Be Transported to a Different Time and Place
Reading a book is one of the perfect things to do when your bored at home, and this one comes recommended by both TFG readers and TFG Editor-in-Chief, Alex. The Alchemist is a dazzling travel fiction story of a shepherd boy from Andalucia who adventures to the pyramids of Egypt in search of treasures.
The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big and Small
Plan Your Must-Travel List
For those of you who prefer to wanderlust and plan your adventures during your stay at home vacation, why not read a book of world travel ideas. Arranged from north of the earth to the south, The Bucket List contains tons of ideas, from things you would never dream of doing, to things you never even knew you could. Top tips are interspersed with beautiful images in this coffee table book of travelers dreams.
Other Staycation Tips
- Explore virtual museums online – Although their real doors may be closed, tons of museums across the globe are offering you the chance to virtually roam their hallways and see world-renowned artworks from the comfort of your own sofa. Peruse the modern art of the Guggenheim, in New York; see classical Dutch art at the Rijsmuseum, in Amsterdam, or visit the Museum of Broken Relationships in Los Angeles.
- Learn a new language – Many TFG readers love learning a new language for an upcoming trip, so they can practice what they’ve learned. One reader delights in her current Italian lessons, “I’m already up to eight words and various phrases. (And I’ve tried several times to learn a foreign language to no avail).” The DK series has a range of languages to learn, including French or Spanish. Click here to explore.
- Re-organize your homes – Lots of TFGs take time between trips to spring clean or organize their home. One great stay cation idea is to organize your wardrobes, especially those seasonal wardrobes.
- Connect with other TFGs – Why not use social media to connect? TFG forums on Facebook and on Instagram are open for travelers from around the globe to meet each other (virtually) and share travel tips and stories with other like-minded women who all have one love in common—travel!
Product Comparison Chart
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What are your stay at home vacation activities? Inspire us with yours by commenting below!
For more vacation activities, please read:
- Best Travel Games for Kids and Adults to Enjoy Anywhere
- 15 Best Travel Puzzles to Fly Away with at Home
- Best Adult Coloring Books for Travel to Relax at Home or on the Plane
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