Driven by Coronavirus, Memorial Weekend Kicks Off "Homecation" Season in U.S.

In a new COVID-19 world we now find ourselves all living in, this Memorial Day weekend has become the unofficial start of 2020's new "homecation" season, as Americans reconsider their summer vacation plans and, instead, come up with creative ways to vacation at home. 

Zillow's new survey finds 38 percent of Americans plan to spend more time at home this summer compared to years past as a result of COVID-19.

A homecation, which is a vacation at home, allows families to make memories and hold onto some summer traditions, without the health, safety and financial concerns that may now come with a traditional vacation.

"Our homes have never been more important or served more functions. They are our schools and our workplaces, and that can bring stress to our sanctuaries," said Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton. "A homecation can bring fun and joy back to our homes and give us some much needed time to unwind, reconnect and recharge." 

But some aren't waiting for summer to start their homecations.

"Since we have been mostly stuck at the house lately, my husband and two daughters decided to mix things up by camping in our backyard," said Jeannie Bohlman of Bainbridge Island, Wash.  "We sang songs around the campfire until it was time for them to get into their sleeping bags, and then they read stories by lantern-light and listened to the sounds of frogs, coyotes, and owls nearby.  It was my 3-year-old's first time camping in the backyard, so we weren't sure she was going to make it all night, but she hung in there and had a great time!"

"Our family enjoyed a 'drive-in' movie," said Courtney Lavigne of North Chili, NY, who projected the flick onto her garage door. "I just wanted to do something fun for my girls."

"We had a picnic in our living room," said Josh Leblang of Seattle.  "Our 10- and 11-year-old kids decided to make a three-course meal for me and my wife.  When a storm came through, we moved the picnic blanket inside to our living room floor. It was great. The kids felt they could contribute and the food was delicious!"