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

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

By remaining close to home, you can experience Charlotte 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 just finally get around to seeing that landmark attraction that’s been on your to-do list, you can make staying at home feel like a real getaway.

Jessica Pinyan, a Vacation Design Manager with FROSCH by Chase Travel, shares 4 tips you can use to create an amazing holiday at home this season.

1. Treat your hometown like a destination

One common theme surrounding area attractions is that they’re more likely to be packed with tourists than locals. If that popular museum, tour or other institution is always “there,” it can be easy to avoid it and say you’ll get there eventually.

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

“I love a good staycation,” Pinyan says. “This year, my husband and I booked a hotel for a few nights around the Fourth of July with our two young boys. We made sure to get a room with a view of the fireworks, and it ended up being one of our favorite family memories of the year. We got all the fun of the celebration without the crowds, the heat, or getting caught in the rain. Plus, we had snacks, air conditioning, and a comfy bed nearby when the kids crashed.”

2. Spend the night away

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

Consider a traditional hotel, bed and breakfast or rental property where you can walk to restaurants, shopping, entertainment or holiday activities. An upscale hotel can also be the centerpiece of your staycation, allowing you to enjoy 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, to enjoy the rhythms and sounds of nature.

“Always get the hotel,” she says. “Take a break from your routine and responsibilities. If you are at home there’s always something that “has to be done”. Let someone else make the bed or don’t make it all! Sometimes a staycation gives you all the benefits of a getaway without the stress of traveling.”

3. Be flexible

If your schedule allows, plan your staycation for a weekday or less crowded period, like the days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, rather than a peak weekend. Hotel rates in the middle of the week tend to be cheaper, and it might be easier to grab a restaurant reservation or performance tickets. Locations might be less crowded as well 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 explore or discover.

Check out a neighborhood you usually drive through and visit the local shops and other businesses. You can also try a new cuisine at a neighborhood restaurant or kitchen.

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

“Treat yourself to the spa, to room service, to a shopping trip, doesn’t matter what it is, just treat yourself,” she says. “I always love to recommend booking a food tour. Sometimes this is the best way to visit new restaurants in your area. You might even learn something new about where you live.”

Other helpful tips

Although staying at home can eliminate major travel costs, expenses can still add up quickly. Make a staycation budget and then consider ways to help keep costs down. 

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

With a little creativity, you might find Charlotte offers everything you’d want in a holiday vacation. You can enjoy good food, new experiences and an escape from your daily routine, all right at home.

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

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