How to Create a European-Style Staycation
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I used to think the only way to truly relax was to leave town. Like I had to book a trip, pack a bag, and chase that “reset” feeling somewhere far away, preferably with olive trees, fresh pastries, and no Wi-Fi.
But the more I’ve leaned into slow living, the more I’ve realized I don’t actually need a vacation to feel rested. What I really need is space to breathe, time to move a little slower, and a cozy environment that feels good to be in.
That’s where the slow living staycation comes in. It’s not about doing nothing, but about doing less, more intentionally, and creating the kind of peaceful vibe you usually only find on a quiet side street in Europe.
In this post, I’ll show you how to create that same feeling at home, whether you’ve got a whole weekend or just a free afternoon.
What Makes European Living Feel So Magical?
There’s a reason a lazy morning in Paris hits differently than one at home. European cultures tend to romanticize the everyday in a way that feels effortless, but it’s actually pretty intentional. Slow breakfasts, afternoon walks, long conversations over coffee… it’s all baked into the rhythm of daily life.
It’s not about doing less for the sake of it. It’s about giving the moment your full attention.
In Italy, lunch isn’t something you eat at your desk while answering emails. In France, it’s totally normal to sit at a café for two hours doing absolutely nothing but sipping espresso and people-watching. And in Scandinavian countries, they’ve literally built an entire lifestyle (hygge) around cozy interiors and everyday comfort.
When you bring even a little of that energy into your staycation, it changes everything. You’re not just at home, you’re inhabiting your home like someone who actually wants to be there.
Turn Your Home into a Cozy Boutique Stay
If you want your staycation to feel like an actual getaway, your space matters. You don’t need to redecorate your entire apartment, but a few small changes can make your home feel more like a charming Airbnb in the south of France (and less like the place where your laundry lives).
Start by clearing a little visual clutter. Then add in a few cozy layers: a candle, a linen throw, maybe even a fresh baguette on the counter if you’re feeling extra.
Sound matters, too. Put on a soft playlist: French jazz, acoustic guitar, something you’d hear playing in a hidden corner café. And if you’re into scent, simmer some orange peel and cinnamon on the stove or light a calming essential oil blend (lavender, bergamot, and rosemary is a favorite combo here).
Don’t forget the little luxuries: a soft robe, fresh sheets, lemon water in a cute glass, or a beautiful stack of books you actually want to read.
Create a Slow Morning That Feels Like France
Most of my real-life mornings are a mix of ambition and distraction. I open my laptop while reheating the same mug of tea twice. But on a slow living staycation, mornings get to feel different.
This is your chance to do what the French do best: linger.
Start by waking up without an alarm if you can. Open the window. Let in some fresh air and natural light. Move slowly, with no rushing to “start the day.” Just ease into it.
Set the table for yourself, even if it’s just toast and berries. Use the cute plate. Add a cloth napkin if you’re feeling wild. Sit down to eat, and actually taste your food. No phone or doomscrolling, please!
If you journal, this is a perfect time to check in with your thoughts. If you don’t, that’s fine too. Read a few pages of a novel, flip through a magazine, or just stare out the window and pretend you’re in a tiny Parisian apartment above a boulangerie.
The goal isn’t to do anything impressive. It’s to make space for the kind of quiet that usually only shows up on vacation.
Make Mealtimes Sacred (The Italian Way)
If you’ve ever watched an Italian grandmother cook, you know meals aren’t just food, they’re a whole experience. And that’s something I’ve started craving more of. Not the grandma energy (though goals), but the presence.
For your staycation, try treating lunch like the main event. You don’t need a five-course meal or fancy ingredients. A simple pasta with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs can feel luxurious when you slow down enough to enjoy it. Pour sparkling water into a wine glass. Light a candle. Put on music. Eat at the table like you’re dining al fresco in Rome.
Even snacks deserve a little ceremony. Think: cheese, fruit, crackers, a drizzle of honey… arranged on a plate you actually like. It takes maybe two extra minutes, but it changes everything.
And when you’re done, sit. Let yourself just be full for a while. You don’t need to jump up and clean. Let your body rest, let your brain drift. Maybe lie on the couch with the windows open. Maybe read. Maybe nap.
It’s not laziness. It’s giving yourself permission to enjoy something fully, just like they do in places where time moves a little slower, and pleasure isn’t an afterthought.
Plan a “Day Trip” Without Leaving Home
One of my favorite parts of a real vacation is that little sense of adventure. Walking new streets, wandering through markets, getting a little lost on purpose. And while you technically can’t get lost in your own neighborhood (unless your sense of direction is like mine), you can still create that feeling of discovery.
Start by picking one thing that feels different from your usual routine. Maybe it’s a morning walk in a neighborhood you’ve never explored. Maybe it’s hitting up your local farmers market and pretending it’s a tiny street stall in Provence. Grab flowers, fresh bread, or something totally unnecessary but joyful.
You could also plan a mini “at-home” excursion. Think:
- A cozy backyard or living room picnic with wine and snacks
- Turning your bathroom into a spa (dim lights, Epsom salts, a good playlist)
- Doing a little art project (painting, collaging, or even just pressing flowers)
- Watching a foreign film with subtitles and snacks that match the vibe
The point isn’t to “fill the day.” It’s to give your brain something intentional to wander through. Something that makes the day feel a little different, a little special.
You don’t need a packed itinerary, just one or two things that make you feel like you stepped out of your regular life for a minute.
End the Day the Hygge Way
Evenings are where the magic really settles in. When you’re not rushing to finish anything or zoning out in front of a screen, you can actually enjoy the part of the day that’s made for winding down.
This is your permission slip to go full hygge.
Start with a warm drink like herbal tea, moon milk, or anything that feels comforting. I like to dim the lights, throw on a cozy playlist (French café music works surprisingly well), and curl up with something soft. A good book, a journal, or a movie you’ve seen a hundred times but still love.
Candles? Yes. Fairy lights? Also yes. Pajamas that feel like they came from a Scandinavian catalog? Optional, but encouraged.
You could even make a little evening ritual: light a candle, stretch, read one chapter, then journal one line about what you’re grateful for. It doesn’t have to be profound, just something to help your brain and body shift into rest mode.
You Don’t Have to Go Far to Feel Rested
If there’s one thing this kind of staycation has taught me, it’s that peace isn’t something you have to chase. You can create it. Right here. With what you already have.
You just need a little intention, a few slow moments, and the reminder that your home can be more than just the place where you get things done. It can actually hold rest, beauty, and joy.
So the next time you’re craving a reset but can’t (or don’t want to) travel, try this instead. Let your days be slower, your meals a little more thoughtful, and your evenings designed for calm. Make space to notice the good stuff again.
And if you try your own version of a slow living staycation? I’d love to hear about it. Or better yet, journal it, savor it, and see what shifts.
FAQs About Slow Living Staycations
What is a slow living staycation, exactly?
It’s a stay-at-home break that prioritizes rest, intention, and joy over productivity. Instead of crossing things off a list, you’re creating space to slow down and feel present. Think cozy mornings, simple meals, and quiet pleasures (with zero travel stress).
How do I make my home feel like a European retreat?
It’s all in the details. Light a candle, put on music, open the windows, and make time for things like long breakfasts or reading in bed. The vibe is cozy, calm, and a little romantic, like staying in a small Airbnb somewhere beautiful and slow-paced.
Do I have to spend money to make it feel special?
Not at all. You can absolutely use what you already have. A slow staycation is more about how you spend your time than what you spend. That said, a few little treats, like a new book, fresh bread, or a fancy tea, can go a long way.
What if I only have one day off?
Even one slow day can reset your nervous system. Try this: start the morning screen-free, make your favorite breakfast, take a walk, read something just for fun, and end the day with a warm drink and candlelight.
How do I avoid falling into my normal routine?
Change the rhythm. Don’t open your laptop. Eat meals in a new spot (like the porch or floor picnic style). Light a candle during the day just because. Small shifts help you feel like you’ve stepped out of your usual routine, even if you’re still at home.
