Take this as a sign to plan your next staycation

Last updated on 25th March, 2026 at 09:15 pm

With all the public holidays coming up, there’s no better time to start planning a getaway. This year, why not beat the hassle of overpriced, faraway trips and take advantage of the beauty right at home? Here’s how to plan the ultimate staycation.

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In this article you’ll learn:

• The importance of proper planning for your staycation.
• Practical tips to organise a local getaway.
• How you can save up to 30% on self-catering accommodation.

The art of planning a staycation

The first step in planning a successful staycation is setting up your budget. Knowing how much you can spend on your local getaway helps with coordinating your accommodation, food, transport and activities. Once you’ve set your budget, the fun begins.

Next, start planning your dates, accommodation, transport, food and activities. The Easter long weekend can get busy, so make sure you choose your dates wisely and have plenty of options available. By booking in advance, you’ll stay organised and ensure you get the best pick of places to stay, places to eat and things to do.

As a Sanlam Reality member, you can get up to 30% off when booking holiday accommodation with LekkeSlaap and Viya, helping you save even more on your staycation.

Why local is lekker (and better)

Holidays are fantastic for our health. In fact, a study published in Science Daily found that holidays significantly boost employee wellness, and the effects last longer than previously believed.

The good news is staycations aren’t any different! “[Staycations] can help you relax and avoid the distress associated with holidays far away,” says Dr Henk Swanepoel, a clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist. “It also allows for getting rest in a familiar environment and spending time with family and friends.”

That’s not all – your hometown break can also boost your physical health and cognitive function. If your trip includes some walking, hiking or sightseeing, you’re already getting a wide range of benefits from those activities alone.

Be a tourist in your city

Part of travelling is getting out and exploring the unknown. You might think you need to see and experience new things to get out of the humdrum of everyday life, but that’s not always the case.

“When exploring your own city, you can find new streets you’ve never seen before, which can create a sense of pride and happiness with the city you live in,” explains Dr Swanepoel. “It can also be very refreshing to see your backyard from a different perspective.”

Visit historical landmarks, try a new restaurant, or go back to a favourite spot from your childhood – these can all boost your mood and give you the sense of relaxation or adventure you’re after.

A staycation is not just a local holiday – it’s an opportunity to explore your town or city on your own terms and in your own time, all while saving money!

If you’d like to leave home for a night or two, why not look for holiday accommodation via LekkeSlaap or Protea Hotels by Marriott®? Not only will you be spoilt for choice, but you can save up to 30% when you book.