Staycations are a great way to take a break from routine, and create a delightful, relaxing vacation at home and then pocket the savings.

The effort involved in organizing a trip can take time and energy, not to mention expense. If you’re open to a more leisurely way to go on vacation, try a staycation — a fun-filled furlough at home that is both de-stressing and cost-efficient.

Here are tips to plan a creative getaway without leaving the comforts of your home.

Turn off and unplug:

To make it truly relaxing, turn off the computer, don’t check email, or do housework and other chores. Consider putting the snail mail on hold and turn off the news.

Create a spa environment at home:

Splurge on spalike amenities like a vase of flowers, scented lotions and scrubs, an in-home pedicure kit, make your own fruit-flavored filter water, and fill the room with aromatherapy scents and candles. Hire a massage therapist who makes house calls. Order in a “destination-worthy” dinner or pick up succulent steaks and crabs.

Take long, hot baths and enjoy a glass of wine or a hot cup of tea. Be sure to add candles to heighten the relaxing ambience. And add soft music in the background.

Be a tourist:

Make a list of monuments, museums and local exhibitions or shows you want to see. Then plan an excursion, lunch out with special friends, go to a movie in the evening.

Take a hike:

Or ride a bike through a local green space and enjoy the beauty of a garden. Bring a picnic lunch.

Read a good book:

No matter your favorite reads, stock up or catch up on books that you’ve put off reading. Save money with a library book loan. Find a comfy chair, or hammock and treat yourself to a picnic lunch and escape into the story.

Take a class:

Explore writing, photography, cooking. Learn to play golf, tennis, or anther sport. Or go berry or peach picking at a local farm, and go home to bake a pie.

Escape by playing vacation music:

Pretend you’re strolling the beaches of Bahia, play the classic bossa nova of Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Camp out in your backyard:

Borrow a tent, and heat up the grill. Pack drinks in thermoses and snacks in zip bags. Bring sleeping bags or blankets, flashlights and mosquito repellent. Be sure to bring marshmallows for roasting.

Carol Marak is an aging advocate.