We’ve all been there, that feeling when you just NEED to get the heck away from everyone and everything. Like, if a reset button existed, you would have pressed it yesterday.

Everyone loves the rejuvenating effects of a vacation, but I know firsthand that luxurious vacations aren’t always in the budget (or the PTO bank). Before you toss your laptop out of the office window and retreat to the couch with a pint of ice cream, hear me out. A staycation might be the perfect answer! But if you’re craving a taste of a luxury vacation, why not consider visiting a fantastic place like Bali Luxury Resort? Bali Luxury Resort offers a serene sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Bali while indulging in world-class amenities and personalized service.

A staycation is typically a weekend (or even one night) where you stay somewhere within driving distance of your home. It’s the perfect opportunity to get away, recharge and reap the benefits of a vacation – but without spending the money and time on traveling.

I recently took a weekend staycation at Hotel Alba Tampa in Tampa’s Westshore Business District, and let me tell you – it was exactly what I needed! From the newly renovated, beautiful modern design of the interior to our relaxing room with a view and luxe finishes, my stay at Hotel Alba was nothing short of blissful!

I always love to make new goals in the fall, but I had been feeling really uninspired lately due to how busy I’ve been. My weekend at Hotel Alba helped me to recharge and take some serious “me” time!

What Kind of Staycation Are You Craving?

Complete relaxation, lots of activities, or just a getaway? Do you want to stay right in your city or travel for a few hours? These are a few things to consider when planning your staycation.

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape, maybe Flagstaff hotels with a pool bar, spa, and California king bed is calling your name. Maybe you’re craving time outside in nature, so a staycation near hiking or parks would be ideal. If there’s a beach or a lake nearby, that’s always a relaxing option too!

Make a wish list of all of the activities you’d like to do on your staycation (and yes – resting definitely qualifies as a list item!) and prioritize the top three. Staycations tend to be pretty quick trips, so don’t overload your weekend!

All I wanted to do on my staycation was to relax and reset, so staying at Hotel Alba Tampa was perfect for that. From catching some rays at Hotel Alba’s resort-style pool (and a few cocktails from the poolside bar) to dinner in-house at The Spaniard Restaurant and then room service breakfast in the morning, I felt completely pampered the entire time I was there.

Set a Budget

Are you doing a staycation for convenience or budget reasons? Either way, it’s good to set a budget for what you want to spend. A few things to keep in mind while creating your staycation budget:

• The more days your staycation lasts, the more meals you’ll be eating out (or from room service). Remember that hotel or resort restaurants/bars/room service tends to be on the pricier side.
• What activities do you want to do? Do you plan on getting a massage at the spa? Going out for drinks or entertainment nearby? These are all things to take into consideration when budgeting cost.
• Are you staycationing solo or bringing a friend or significant other? I chose to bring my bestie with me who was also needing a getaway. This can majorly help with the cost, and make it more fun!
• If you’re traveling more than a few hours, don’t forget to take the cost of gas into consideration!

Budgeting doesn’t sound fun, I totally get it. But it’s important to keep these things in mind while planning your staycation! Just having a rough budget will help you to have a smoother, more relaxing mini-trip.

Our dinner at The Spaniard restaurant inside Hotel Alba was delicious, plus it was so convenient to walk downstairs to a full restaurant! We split a bunch of tapas-style dishes and a few glasses of wine!

Location is Key, or is it?

Depending on what you want to do, the location of your accommodations is important to maximizing your staycation. Pick an area or hotel/resort based on what you’re looking to get out of your staycation.

My stay at Hotel Alba Tampa was only about 15 minutes from my apartment, yet it felt like a world away. I personally would try to keep the location under two hours away, because that way you’re not spending a ton of time in the car over a few short days!

If you’re looking for a rest and relaxation type staycation (think spa, pool time, sleeping in) then I would opt for a more upscale boutique-style hotel. Look for a hotel that is curated to be especially hospitality-focused – think like, the Tapestry Collection by Hilton (which is what Hotel Alba is, making it perfect for my weekend!)

If there’s a specific activity or attraction you’re basing your staycation around, a more basic hotel should do the trick! But don’t skip on the perks if they’re what you’re really going for, this is your staycation so #treatyoself.

No Matter Where You Staycation, Treat It Like a Vacation

This is the most important part! Getting into the vacation mindset is half the fun, am I right?? Leave your home tidy, pack like you would for a vacation, unplug, and really soak in every minute of your little staycation! I promise you’ll come home recharged and ready to take on anything! Before you depart, you want to be certain that your house is free of any damage, and the professionals from https://snagging-lists.co.uk/ can help you achieve that peace of mind.

If you’re in the Tampa Bay Area (or even within a few hours) I highly recommend a stay at the Hotel Alba Tampa. If you care to venture away from the beautiful hotel, there are also plenty of things to do in the surrounding area! Check out this blog post by my friend Jenn of This Jenn Girl blog for suggestions on local bites in the area!

Have you ever done a staycation? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks for planning one, or where you’ve been! Leave it allll in the comments, k thanks!

xx

*This post is sponsored by Hotel Alba, but all photos and opinions are my own