Jun 29, 2022

Staycation Ideas For Any Budget

Children in a tent in their backyard
Note: This post features businesses participating in our Local Business Partner Program

Thinking of skipping the crowds at the airport and staying home to save a few bucks? Luckily for you, Tucson is the perfect destination for a staycation. Whether you’re looking to get fancy or go the budget route, there are plenty of things you can do around town to get the most out of your at-home vacation.

Set a Budget

Before embarking on your backyard adventures, be sure to set a limit on your spending to help you avoid racking up any debt. Revise your monthly budget and determine how much you can afford to spend on your staycation. Having this number will help you narrow down options when it comes to picking a place to stay and any activities you plan on doing. 

Book a Night at a Local Spot

If your budget allows for some splurging, treat yourself to a stay near one of Tucson’s five mountain ranges. Indulge in some pampering and book a spa treatment, El Conquistador Tucson under the views of the Catalinas. Get there in style and leave the driving to a driver with Diamond Transportation. You are on vacation after all. 

Just because you’re on a budget, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a nice local stay. Hotel McCoy is a moderately-priced stay located just blocks away from Downtown Tucson. The midcentury boutique hotel offers a pool for guests to cool down and with a location so close to all of the downtown action, you can save more by ditching the car and taking the Sunlink.

Take In Nature

The beauty of the Sonoran desert encompasses the city making the Old Pueblo a nature lover’s paradise. Take a trip to the San Pedro River and visit the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area. The area contains one of the most important riparian areas in the United States. With more than 80 species of mammals and 100 species of breeding birds that call the river home, it’s the ideal spot to catch a glimpse of wildlife and go birdwatching. 

Sleep Under the Stars

Camping can be budget-friendly and offer a spectacular experience filled with lots of free adventures. Pack up your car with a tent and sleeping bag and take a mini road trip 30 miles northeast of Tucson and check out Rose Canyon Lake. The site offers a campground and plenty of trout for fishing. 

Bring Your Travel Destination to You

Sometimes, traveling in your own area might not be possible. If that’s the case, try bringing your dream vacation to your home. Are you in a New York state of mind? Dreaming of France or Italy? Decorate your home in your destination theme and get creative with your dinner, music and setting. 

Become a Local Tourist

Rediscover your home and take in the city as if you were a tourist. Take advantage of your staycation and visit all of the local landmarks you may have never visited like the Mission San Xavier Del Bac, one of the oldest examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in the United States.

Dive into your role as a tourist and take a guided tour with Desert Grace Tours. Explore Sonoita, Arizona’s wineries or get a Western history lesson as you travel through Tombstone and the mining town of Bisbee. 

Embrace Your Inner Child

Just because your staying in your neighborhood, doesn’t mean you can’t let loose. Gather friends and family and let your inner child shine at Golf N’Stuff. Get competitive with some mini golf and go karts. Is lasertag more your speed? Check out Funtasticks and find an kid adventure for all ages. 

Create Memories

The best thing about taking vacations is capturing moments of your trip so that you can look back at photos and remember those times fondly. Be sure have your phone ready to snap those special sights and sounds around town. 

Did you know Checking Plus gives you discounts at some of these great locations? Try it today for 90 days and start saving more at some of your favorite local businesses. Check out our entire directory to explore additional offers.