Hi everyone! It’s Michael Gortenburg here.
If you’re looking for summer staycation tips, focusing on the amenities guests love most is a great place to start. Summer is one of the busiest times of year for travel, but many people are choosing to stay closer to home and enjoy relaxing getaways nearby. For hosts, that creates a great opportunity to provide a memorable experience that helps guests unwind, spend time with loved ones, and make the most of the season.
The good news is that creating a great staycation experience doesn’t require expensive upgrades or major renovations. In many cases, it’s the simple touches, comfortable spaces, and thoughtful amenities that make guests feel welcome, relaxed, and eager to return.
Make the Most of Outdoor Spaces
There’s something special about gathering with family and friends on a patio, relaxing on the porch after a long day, or enjoying a meal outside as the sun starts to set. In my experience, outdoor spaces often become the centerpiece of summer entertaining.
You don’t need a large backyard to create a welcoming environment for guests. A comfortable seating area, a little shade from the afternoon sun, soft outdoor lighting, and a place to share a meal can go a long way. These simple touches help create a space where guests can relax, connect, and make the most of those long summer evenings together. You’ll also find additional handy summer items here.
Create an Outdoor Dining Experience
Outdoor dining is one of the amenities guests love most during the summer months. Consider setting up a dedicated outdoor dining space with comfortable seating and simple décor. If you have access to a grill, even better. Grilling is a classic part of summer entertaining and is an easy way to serve delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Offer a Refreshing Welcome Drink
I’ve found that some of the most memorable hosting touches are often the simplest. A refreshing welcome drink is a small gesture, but it can immediately help guests feel comfortable, appreciated, and ready to enjoy their stay.
There’s nothing better than being greeted with a cold glass of lemonade, iced tea, fruit-infused water, or a seasonal mocktail. It’s an easy way to make guests feel special from the moment they arrive and set a welcoming tone for the rest of their visit.
Incorporate Seasonal Produce
One of the things I enjoy most about summer is the abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. Not only do summer fruits and vegetables taste great, but they also bring color, flavor, and a sense of the season to any gathering.
Consider serving seasonal berries, watermelon, peaches, or locally grown vegetables. If you’re looking for inspiration, a trip to a local farmers market can be a great place to discover fresh ingredients while supporting small businesses in your community. These seasonal touches can help create a more authentic and memorable staycation experience for your guests.
Keep Family-Friendly Activities Available
If children are part of the gathering, family-friendly activities can be a valuable amenity. Guests often appreciate having options that keep kids entertained while allowing adults to relax and socialize.
Board games, outdoor lawn games, books, movies, or simple backyard activities can help create a more enjoyable experience for guests of all ages.
Create a Relaxed Atmosphere
One thing I’ve learned over the years is that guests rarely remember whether every detail was perfect. What they do remember is how comfortable and welcomed they felt.
The best hosts create an environment where people can relax, enjoy good conversation, and spend quality time together. Simple additions like shade umbrellas, covered patios, portable fans, and plenty of cold drinks can go a long way especially on a warm summer day.
At the end of the day, the amenities guests love most are often the ones that make them feel comfortable, welcomed, and appreciated. By incorporating a few thoughtful touches and focusing on your guests’ comfort, you can create a summer staycation that people will remember long after the season ends. I hope these summer staycation tips inspire you to create a relaxing and memorable experience for every guest this season!
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Michael Gortenburg, Founding Principal of Eighteen Capital Group (18CG) in Kansas City, Missouri.
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