Plan a Staycation Over the Holidays

Feeling the urge to travel or get away over the holidays but don’t have the budget or the time for a major vacation? We’ve got the answer for you: a staycation! Today our private vacation specialists will be sharing all the need-to-know details about planning and enjoying this simplified, stress-free form of vacation.

What is a Staycation?

The idea of a staycation is the same as a vacation only with fewer complications and less resources. It became a household term during the global financial crisis of 2007 when people needed to get away but didn’t have as much financial flexibility. As you can imagine, it gained popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, specifically because of quarantine restrictions.

There are two different schools of thought when defining a staycation:

A vacation spent in your own hometown, state or country (basically anywhere less than a day’s drive away from your home).
A vacation in which you stay at your own home and do only leisure-related activities.

Finding the Ideal Location for Your Holiday Staycation

A holiday staycation is extra special because it allows friends and family to gather in a simple way, keeping the focus on the relationships involved rather than the complications of travel. When choosing your holiday staycation location, it’s important to consider a few details.

How many people will need lodging?
What is a convenient location for all involved?
Meal planning: Do you need to be near the convenience of restaurants or does your group prefer to stay in and cook together?
Does the location offer enough indoor space for comfortable social gathering time (and distancing as needed)?
Will there be support staff available at the location to support any challenges/accommodation needs that may arise?

At Edenwood Ranch, we specialize in providing the very best family vacations Wisconsin has to offer. When you book our ranch and preserve, you get the whole 500 acres (with 6 cabin styles, 32 beds, 16 private rooms and 13 bathrooms) all to yourselves. We’re conveniently located and offer plenty of on-site, nature-friendly activities! We’re practically the poster child for the perfect staycation.

What to Bring

The goal is to keep things as simple as possible while still being able to celebrate your time-honored traditions in a way that feels right. So, the biggest question you and your group need to answer is: What really makes it feel like Christmas/Hannukah/Kawanza/New Year/Etc? What are those irreplaceable “ingredients”?

Maybe it’s an old family cookie recipe or the smell of mulled apple cider simmering on the stove. Or perhaps it’s the annual family gift exchange, Christmas carols or snowball fight. Get everyone’s input and use your imagination to re-create a simpler version of the things that really make your holiday shine.

Activities That Keep Things Merry & Bright

We may be biased but we think that one of the best ways to celebrate a holiday is to get outside and enjoy nature together. Edenwood Ranch and Preserve offers 1,001 ways to do this; there’s something for everyone in your group! Imagine the smiles as you enjoy:

Hot cocoa and smores by our massive outdoor bonfire area
Night hikes in the snow through our nature trails
Stargazing as you make snow angels
Snow skiing through the crisp winter air
Guided deer hunting excursions
Snowmobiling
Snowshoeing
Bring some Christmas lights for that warm holiday glow inside
Plan a holiday movie marathon with all the classics

Check out Edenwood’s activity page to inspire more staycation creativity as you plan your holiday fun! Be sure to give us a call with any questions or to inquire about availability. We even offer a hunting package that might be just the right combination of staycation and adventure for your family.

Family Vacation Wisconsin

We don’t just do holidays, either. We are a premier private vacation destination and hunting preserve offering guided trophy deer hunting, glamping tent packages, luxury cabin rentals and a variety of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. Have your wedding, family reunion, private retreat or vacation getaway in Wisconsin’s Northwoods at our unique and PRIVATE venue. Open all year-round! Call today to learn more