What’s a Staycation?
A staycation is like a vacation. The one major difference is that you do all the activities you might do on vacation, just at home. While not everyone lives near a beach, there are many other ways you can treat yourself to a relaxing vacation right from home. Here are a few ways you can make the most of your summer staycation, right from the comforts of home or in your hometown.
1. Recreate Your Dream Vacation
Even though you can’t get to that far-off destination on a sandy beach or feel the breeze in your hair as you glide along in a gondola in Venice, Italy, there are other ways to experience your dream destination. You could spend a day creating a festive mood with fine Italian wine, food from your favourite local Italian restaurant and play some Italian music while you sightsee Italy through a virtual tour. When it comes to a staycation, it’s about using your imagination to feel the experiences, and a virtual tour is a great way to put you in the mood for a stay-at-home vacation.
2. Go Camping (in your backyard)
If your perfect idea of a vacation is a camping weekend, then set up the backyard for a camping excursion. It’s a great, family-friendly activity. Just think about it! You can have all the best things about camping without any of the hassles. Imagine sitting by the fire pit, telling scary stories while finishing off s’mores. As the fire fades, you can lay in the grass of your backyard and look for constellations. And if you have to go to the bathroom, no sweat, just head indoors for a few minutes. It’s the best of both worlds. \
3. Create A Movie Night
Another great way to treat yourself is by planning a movie night. You can run to the store for some movie snacks and make some popcorn. If you have children, you can get them involved by creating a kid-friendly fortune teller to select the movie for movie night. If you have more than one child, you could do it multiple nights or do a movie marathon. Nothing beats a night of movies, popcorn, and snuggles on the couch.
4. Have a Spa Day
Just because you aren’t at a luxury resort doesn’t mean you can’t act like it. Staycations are all about creating a vacation-like experience, and what says vacation more than a spa day? Schedule a spa day to completely rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Bring a friend along to dish the dirt.
5. Spend Time Outdoors
One great COVID-friendly activity is getting out in the fresh air. According to Harvard research, spending 20-30 in nature can reduce overall stress and decrease cortisol levels in the body. Here are some ways you can enjoy the outdoors during your staycation:
â— Hiking
â— Going on a trail run
â— Having a picnic
â— Playing golf
â— Going to the park
â— Canoe trip
There are so many ways you can enjoy nature.
Pick one or a few from the list and commit them to your staycation itinerary.
6. Go Out to Eat (or dine in)
Take some time to do the things you would ordinarily do on vacation, like eating out at a fancy restaurant. If you’re still not ready to eat out, we understand. Take the opportunity to order food from a fancy restaurant you’ve wanted to try. Staycation is all about living a vacation lifestyle, so eat the cake, have the ice cream, and enjoy your meals—your diet can start after your staycation.
7. Have a Game Night
When the weather is hot, or if it’s raining, pull out the cards and board games and have an impromptu game night. You can sit down with your family and take turns playing your favourite games. If you’re looking to pump up the excitement, you could teach them (or a couple of friends) a new game called trash, also called garbage. If it’s all adults, make some margaritas and throw on some island jams.
Your Summer Staycation Awaits! The only thing limiting you from your next staycation is a plan and your imagination, so get started and create the best summer staycation ever!
