Stay overnight in one place and do something different every day: this is how to get more out of your holiday

A holiday doesn’t have to mean you’re constantly on the move. By staying in one place and exploring something different each day from there, you can combine relaxation with variety. You have a fixed base, but you still get to discover different places and activities. This way of traveling requires a different approach to planning, but it often results in a more relaxing holiday.

Why staying in one place works well

When you stay in the same place for several nights, it brings a sense of calm to your holiday. You don’t have to pack your bags every time, and you get to know your surroundings. That makes it easier to plan your days flexibly. One day you’ll be out and about, the next you’ll take it easy—without having to worry about changing accommodations. A fixed place to stay also means you’ll spend less time on practical matters and have more freedom to decide what you feel like doing each day.

How to Turn Your Stay into a Smart Base

The location of your accommodation plays a major role. Choose a spot from which you can choose from different types of day trips each day, without long travel times. Regions where nature, cities, and relaxation are all close together make it easy to switch things up. Also, consider accessibility and nearby amenities. The easier it is to get around, the more freedom you’ll have to let go of your schedule and make decisions on a day-to-day basis.

The Role of Accommodations During a Longer Stay

Since you’ll be staying in the same place for a longer period, the accommodations themselves become an important part of your holiday. A well-equipped kitchen allows you to cook for yourself and not have to rely on restaurants every night. That provides flexibility and fits in with a relaxed pace.

Outdoor space, such as a patio, garden, or balcony, also makes a difference. On days when you aren’t planning a big outing, it’s nice to have a place where you enjoy spending time. For extra relaxation, wellness amenities can be a valuable addition. A sauna, hot tub, or bathtub makes it easy to wind down after an active day without any extra planning.

For families with children, a vacation park with on-site facilities can be a practical choice. Think of a swimming pool, playground, or other amenities on the grounds. On days when you aren’t planning an outing or when the weather isn’t cooperating, children still have something to do, and the day remains relaxed. Combined with the “star” method, you can choose each day between an outing or a quiet day at your accommodation, without being tied to a rigid schedule.

A holiday home or apartment with these amenities is a good fit for those who like to be in control. Those seeking extra comfort can opt for a hotel or small-scale accommodation with wellness facilities. In all cases, the accommodation becomes more than just a place to sleep.

The “star” method as a practical approach

A handy way to plan this type of holiday is the star method, also known as the hub-and-spoke approach. You choose one fixed place to stay that serves as your base. From that spot, you take one day trip each day and then return. Each day stands on its own, so you don’t need a strict schedule. This approach works especially well in regions where there’s a lot of variety within a short distance. You avoid feeling rushed and keep your holiday organized, while still seeing and doing a lot.

A concrete example: the star method in the Veluwe

The Veluwe is a region where the star method works exceptionally well. The landscape is varied, and the distances are manageable. From a single fixed base, for example in the Otterlo or Beekbergen area, you can take a completely different type of day trip each day.

A week there might look something like this:

Nature and art— You start off leisurely with a day in De Hoge Veluwe National Park. You explore the park on foot or by bike and combine this with a visit to the Kröller-Müller Museum.
Historical Towns – On another day, visit a nearby Hanseatic town, such as Hattem or Elburg. Stroll through the town center and make lunch or a cultural outing a regular part of your day.
Sand and Heritage - For a completely different landscape, head to the Kootwijkerzand. A walk across the sand drifts reveals just how diverse the region is.
Royal history - A day in Apeldoorn is all about culture and the outdoors. You’ll visit Paleis Het Loo and the surrounding gardens.
Water or relaxation—Midway through the week, make a point of planning a quieter day, for example by the water at the Veluwerandmeren or at a wellness center in the region.
Views and nature - You’ll wrap up your trip with a hike on the Posbank in Veluwezoom National Park, where the landscape is once again distinctly different from the previous days.

This itinerary shows how you can create plenty of variety even with just one fixed place to stay, without long travel times or a packed schedule.

Practical tips for staying organized

It helps to think broadly in advance about what you might do, without committing to everything. That way, you have options but still have room to adjust. Alternate longer day trips with days when you travel less, and don’t plan too much for a single day. Since you don’t have to move to a new place, you stay flexible when circumstances change. If the weather turns bad on a day when you’d planned an outdoor activity, you can easily reschedule it and opt for a museum, wellness, or a quiet day at your accommodations. This way, you can adjust your plans on a day-to-day basis without affecting the rest of your holiday

Who is this type of holiday suitable for?

This style of travel suits various types of travelers. Families benefit from the set routine and peace and quiet, while couples and solo travelers appreciate the freedom to choose what they do each day. It also works well for longer holidays, as you become familiar with your accommodations and the surrounding area.

Get More Out of Your Holiday with the Right Accommodation

If you choose to stay in one place and do something different every day, you’ll find that your accommodation plays a bigger role than it does on a road trip. You’ll want a place where you can comfortably stay for several days and that’s conveniently located for various day trips. On Vipio, you’ll find inspiration for unique accommodations that are perfect as a base. For example, you can specifically look for accommodations in the Veluwe that align with the “star” method and the pace you have in mind. This way, your accommodation becomes a natural part of your holiday, and you’ll get more out of every day.