The coronavirus has caused millions of people to cancel this year’s vacation plans, and many are uncertain when and if they should re-book them. In the meantime, there’s a pressing need for you to indulge in some re-charging and relaxation. You might be considering using those days off to paint your house, landscape your yard, or clean out your attic. Don’t do it! Commit to enjoying that time off and getting your mind into vacation mode, even if you don’t change zip codes. Try these creative ways to savor a memorable staycation.
Decorate Your House
Were you planning on an island getaway? Hang up some paper palm trees and download some island music. Were you going to Vegas? Dress to the nines and set up a game of blackjack. Were you planning on a Disney adventure? Everyone put on pajamas and spend the day watching princess movies and The Lion King. It may not be the same as an actual vacation, but it’s still out of the norm and breaks up your routine with something fun.
Take A Virtual Tour
If you were planning to visit a place rich in history and culture, do some online digging and find virtual tours. Cities, museums, and art galleries can be accessed through the internet for a small fee. You may even find a play or concert that you want to enjoy, as well. If you have a week, “travel” to a different city every night.
Plan Vacation Meals
Nobody’s idea of kicking back and relaxing consists of a hot stove and dirty dishes. Enjoy your staycation by having food delivered. Pick your favorite type of food or give every family member a night to choose the meal. You might also try a couple of different restaurants or types of food you haven’t had before, just like you would if you were visiting a new city.
Set Up Theme Days
Inject some fun into every day off work with a themed plan. The possibilities are endless. You can do all-day pajama day or dress like your favorite superhero or favorite sports figure. Why not roll back the clock to the 80s one day, dressing in character, listening to era-approriate music, and watching 80s movies. These ideas can be fun to immerse yourself in and break out of the 2020 pandemic blues.
Camp Outside
What would staying at home and camping be called? Stamping? Anyway, it can be a fun time for the whole family. Choose a night when the forecast looks clear and pitch a tent in your backyard. Set up your lanterns and sleeping bags and bring along s’mores and other camping treats. Tell ghost stories after dark and look at the stars. Ban all smart devices and play an old-school game of cards or checkers, just like you would do if you were really in the woods.
Enjoy Nature
Nature is great medicine that helps rejuvenate and center you, so take advantage of it. Visit an easy hiking trail, pack a picnic and go to the park, rent some kayaks and take to the lake, or bike in your neighborhood. Being in the fresh air with the sun beaming down on you is far better than being at your office, so you should take the time to delight in it.
Add A “Do Nothing” Day
As with a traveling vacation, it’s easy to fill every minute with activities and plans. This will cause you to return to work more tired than you were before! Designate an entire day as a “do nothing” day. Don’t make any plans or set any alarms on this day. If you want to lay around in your bathrobe drinking mimosas, do it. Chocolate for breakfast? Eat it. Relax and revel in having no appointments or demands on your time for an entire day.
Treat Yourself with Luxury
You don’t have to travel to some faraway place to pamper yourself. You can accomplish it at home! Start with some fluffy towels and a luxurious bathrobe, turn on some relaxing music and settle into a warm bubble bath. Don’t forget your wine or champagne. Give yourself a facial complete with a steam and a mask and rub lotion into your skin. Paint your nails and deep condition your hair. If you’re part of a couple, heat some essential oils and give each other relaxing massages. Top the day off by ordering in a splurge meal from your favorite restaurant — you know, the one you only visit on your birthday or anniversary? Eat it by candlelight.
While we would all love to be taking vacations as we normally would, this year is far from the norm. That doesn’t mean you can’t fully unwind and decompress during your time off from work. You just need to be creative and review your options. The idea of a staycation is to change your environment and indulge in experiences that you wouldn’t normally do while at home. Do it right and it will be a fun and memorable time for the entire family.
