Top tips for the perfect solo staycation.

Taking a solo staycation is the perfect opportunity to unplug, relax, or finally try out that new hobby you’ve been talking about. Here’s our guide to making the most of your staycation.

Been wanting to try that new spa down the street or relax with a soothing massage? Now’s your chance. How about a beauty treatment? There are plenty of apps like Urban, PRIV, or Zeel that let you book professional treatments straight to your home, office, or hotel. It’s your staycation—why should you do all the legwork?

Taking time out is a great opportunity to brush up on your cooking skills. And there’s no shortage of free recipe apps to get inspired. A few worth checking out are BBC Good Food, Tasty, Big Oven, and Food Network. These apps are available on both Android and iOS. You can also save time buying ingredients by using an online grocery service like Ocado, Amazon Pantry, Amazon Fresh, and mySupermarket. Most major supermarkets have free apps too, so if you’ve got a favorite, they likely offer delivery (Aldi and Lidl might be exceptions).

So, put on that chef’s hat and learn how to bake that cake (and enjoy eating it too).

Whatever your interests, you’ll usually find local events to suit you, or why not try something completely new? From music and comedy gigs to car shows, art exhibitions, or open-air theatre, there are plenty of events to choose from, often free of charge. A great way to find out about local events is by using location services (geotagging) in social media apps like Facebook and Instagram. Geotags allow your social media and even Google to build a profile of where you go and what you like, sending you alerts about local events that might interest you. If you’re not comfortable sharing your location information, there are plenty of apps to help you find out what’s happening in your area. Some of our favorites are Eventbrite, Skiddle, Stubhub, DICE, and TodayTix.

Let’s get this straight—there’s nothing wrong with going to the cinema alone, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Many people enjoy solo cinema nights—it costs half as much and there’s no debate about which movie to watch. If you’re not keen on heading to the cinema alone, recreate the experience at home. Get some popcorn, open a bottle of wine, and close the curtains. Services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video ensure you have plenty of movies to choose from.

Interested in learning a new language, trying a life drawing class, or even giving line dancing a go? You’ll often find loads of local classes in all sorts of activities—all you have to do is look. Obby.co.uk is a great place to start for fun activities like pottery, dance, or jewelry making. If you’re after something more practical, sites like Skillshare, Coursera, and Udemy have you covered.

A staycation is the perfect time to get those endorphins flowing with some exercise. Dust off that bike, put on your trainers, and get moving. Websites like https://about:blank feature cycling routes in your area, uploaded by other users, to help you get started. Get motivated by creating your own training plan with apps like Nike Training Club, JEFIT, and Freeletics. Or, if you prefer something more tranquil, find a local Pilates or yoga class using MINDBODY.

Meditation offers numerous benefits, such as clearer thinking, increased energy, reduced anxiety, and lower depression. Don’t just take our word for it—check out what the NHS says about mindfulness and meditation. Your staycation is an ideal time to try meditation. If you don’t know where to start, there are plenty of apps to guide you. Some of our favourites include Headspace, perfect for beginners, and The Mindfulness App, great for staying motivated with progress updates and challenges.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing weekend to yourself or an activity-packed two-week staycation, we hope these tips inspire you.

Have any helpful tips for solo holidays? Share your comments below.