Vanessa Gordon, who lives in the Hamptons year-round, enjoys experiencing her community best once the summer crowds have dissipated.

Gordon, an event planner and creator of East End Taste, mentions that staying for a night or two at a local boutique hotel during the off-peak time can be a great way to relax and discover more about her hometown.

“It’s definitely less stressful,” she shared with YSL News. “You eliminate a lot of the uncertainties; you know the area, the parking spots, the little tips and tricks.”

While the Hamptons are a lovely option, they’re not the only place for a staycation. Initially a marketing term, travel experts say staycations are increasingly popular among people looking for a quick and budget-friendly way to recharge.

“Staycations are fantastic because they reduce stress and eliminate travel costs like airfare,” noted Brandon Berkson, CEO of Hotels Above Par, in his conversation with YSL News.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning a staycation. Here are three tips to ensure you have a fulfilling local getaway.

1. Define Your Objectives

Elaina Vieira, a travel agent and coach with Mind Over Matter Travel, advises that the first step to planning a staycation is to clarify what you hope to achieve during your time off.

“A significant part of this involves your mindset, which I emphasize,” she explained. “It ultimately comes down to your goals, which helps us decide if a staycation fits your needs.”

Before you begin making plans, decide if you want to relax and disconnect or if you’re in the mood to party and explore new adventures.

Berkson stressed that gauging your mood is crucial when choosing your staycation location.

2. Organizing Your Staycation

If you’re residing in a large city, conventional travel guides might be useful, but in the absence of such resources, leaning on your community can also yield great results.

“I recommend reaching out to friends and family or posting about it on social media,” Vieira suggested. “It’s essential to recognize that there are many things to discover in your area; it often becomes clearer when you’re treating it as a vacation, rather than just day-to-day life.”

Berkson noted that staycations can uncover the hidden treasures of your local area.

“The great thing about a staycation is that spontaneity is readily available,” he stated. “Consider exploring parts of your city that you might not typically visit.”

Additionally, he pointed out it’s wise to seek out accommodations or attractions with the features you desire.

“Starting with the essentials, like amenities, is crucial. Given the cold weather, I’d prefer a spot with a hot tub or a soothing hot stone treatment,” he suggested.

3. Strategies for Disconnecting

For Gordon, the highlight of her staycation is making the most of her time away.

“I usually leave my car behind. I’ll get a ride from a friend or take an Uber. This keeps me planted there and prevents the urge to head home,” she explained. “Try to arrive as early as you can and stay as late as possible.”

For Vieira, the secret to a successful staycation is maintaining the mindset that it’s still a getaway, even if it’s local.

“Treat it just like you would a regular vacation,” she emphasized. “There’s no reason to approach it differently when you’re in your own town.”

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column. He is based in New York.