THIS YEAR BROUGHT ON MANY UNEXPECTED SURPRISES, AND ONE OF THEM IS CANCELED SUMMER TRAVEL PLANS. AS WE’RE TEMPORARILY SAYING GOODBYE TO WHITE BEACHES, EXOTIC WATERFALLS, AND FOREIGN, MAGICAL PLACES, WE’RE HERE TO TELL YOU THAT THERE MIGHT BE AN AMAZING VACATION OPPORTUNITY MUCH CLOSER THAN YOU THINK - AS A MATTER OF FACT, IT MAY BE JUST AROUND THE CORNER. LET US INTRODUCE YOU TO… THE STAYCATION.
So, what exactly is a staycation? Well, it’s just what it sounds like - it’s a vacation at home. You take just as many vacation days off from work, you treat yourself to delicious foods, and you plan some great excursions, but without the hustle of traveling. This is a great option if you’re trying to save money, save time, don’t like traveling, or if you, like us, have had to change your plans for the summer.
Although a staycation involves less traveling, it still involves planning and potentially packing. There are different ways to take a staycation. You can either choose to stay at a local hotel or Airbnb, or you can choose to stay in your own home. Below, we’ve gathered out best staycation tips for both options. Enjoy!
DETERMINE YOUR STAYCATION PURPOSE
Are you looking to charge your batteries, relax, party, meet new people, explore new culture, be close to nature, or a little bit of everything? From there, plan an itinerary according to your staycation purpose. Maybe that calls for booking a spa day, getting tickets to a local show or concert, or getting a day pass for an amusement park.
WHERE TO SLEEP?
There are two kinds of staycation sleeping arrangements - either you sleep at home or you stay at a local hotel or Airbnb in your town.
If you choose to sleep at home, we recommend transforming your home into a relaxing, vacation oasis the week before. Meaning, give it a good clean, fix broken things, refill supplies, etc. Imagine what you would like it to look like if you were to rent your house out and do the same for yourself. You’re not going to be able to relax at home if there are things to fix and clean during your staycation.
Also, if you have a garden, maybe you make it look extra nice. Maybe you arrange some outdoor seating, a fire pit, some cozy pillows and blankets, candles and such? Remember, it has to be relaxing, enjoyable and cozy.
PLAN YOUR OUTFITS & PACK A BAG
No matter if you’re staying at home or in a hotel, pack a weekend bag! Plan your festive outfits in advance and why not dress up a bit? Or dress down - whatever you prefer to do on your vacations.
Why not buy yourself a new outfit before going on your staycation? Many of us buy something new before heading on vacation. It can be a nice way of feeling extra festive.
PLAN SOME FUN ACTIVITIES
If you’re playing tourist, research like one! A vacation usually includes fun activities and adventures, so why not visit some of your local gems? We recommend checking out your town’s selection of museums, spas, parks, breweries, beaches/pools/lakes, shops, markets, and more. We bet you haven’t been to them all already. Pick a side of town you don’t visit frequently. Not knowing every street and maybe even having to use google maps is a little mind trick to get you out of your comfort zone.
It’s so easy to get caught up in life and to forget to take advantage of local goodies. Most people take where they live for granted and often times fail to explore it, well, this is the time!
TREAT YOURSELF
Don’t forget to spoil yourself by eating your favorite foods. If you’re staying at your own place, order takeouts, stock up the fridge with your favorite things, and make breakfast in bed. If you’re staying in a hotel, order room service and allow yourself to splurge.
We recommend exploring new restaurants at night. Ask around for advice on the best ones, do some research online and try something new, or pay your old favorites a visit - whatever you prefer.
TURN OFF YOUR TECH
Check out from the rest of the world - mentally. That means, set your email account to auto reply, don’t check your phone 24/7, and don’t answer every single text or call that comes through. Remember, you’re on vacation. You’re not expected to be available at all times :)
