2020 was the year of the staycation. Due to new restrictions brought about by the novel Coronavirus pandemic, people were forced to cancel their travel plans and relax at home, instead. The staycation lifestyle was thus embraced around the globe.
What exactly is a “staycation”, you ask? A staycation is a vacation that’s taken in the comfort of your own home. It’s the perfect opportunity to try all those things you always talk about but never do. There’s only one rule: no work!
If you’d like to try the staycation lifestyle out, read on for our 5 tips to make the most of it!
1. Go Offline
Ironically, one of the biggest challenges when it comes to a staycation is resisting the urge to work. Your home is where you carry out your daily routine and it’s easy to autopilot back into it without taking some precautionary measures.
Help yourself out by going offline at work. Block off your calendar, set an email autoresponder, and let coworkers and clients know that you won’t be available. If a work emergency does arise, try to designate a set amount of time to dedicate toward it and stick to it.
It’s best to keep the “stay” portion of your staycation to yourself. Many find that, when coworkers know you’re still at home, they feel you’re more accessible and are more likely to contact you with work-related questions. Instead, protect your time by omitting that info. Your vacation is just as valid, even if it is taking place in the comfort of your own home.
2. Pick a Theme
Just because you’re still at home doesn’t mean it has to feel like it! An easy way to get into that vacation mindset is to pick a theme for your vacation. Here are a few ideas:
Become a tourist in your own city. There are probably so many places in your city that you take for granted and rarely visit. Take yourself to all those places you’d go if someone were in town, like museums, national parks, beautiful views, and more. Eat at the best restaurant in town and stop on the way home for dessert. You’ll be amazed by how wonderful your city is with this new perspective!
Have a spa getaway at home. It’s time to totally unplug and get your relaxation on. Buy yourself a new plush bathrobe; that’s your wardrobe for the weekend. Relax in the tub. Give yourself a facial. Make simple, delicious meals. Take it to the next level with CBD for relaxation. CBDfx makes organic, vegan CBD oil that’s sure to bring a new level of chill.
Campout at home. Pop a tent in your own backyard and build a fire in your firepit. Pick up skewers and marshmallows at the grocery store and make your own smores. Sleep beneath the stars. The indoors is off limits—unless you need to use the restroom!
3. Cook an International Meal
Craving the other-worldly experience of an international vacation? Bring that faraway feeling into your home by cooking an authentic meal from a destination you’d like to visit. Consider making a coconut curry to bring Thailand into your home, or handmade pasta if you’re missing Italy.
Take it to the next level by playing the music from your country of choice as the soundtrack to your meal. Close your eyes to be transported to another place!
4. Try Something New
Vacations are full of new experiences. Whether it’s learning about a new place, trying a new food, or participating in a new activity, vacations are all about exploring and learning.
Think about what you’d like to learn. Is there a craft you’ve always wanted to try? Perhaps a language you wanted to learn or a sport you’d like to take a whack at? Try it on your vacation! You can teach yourself or purchase a local class or experience.
5. Take Photos
Memorialize your staycation with photos, just as you would a real vacation. Take plenty of photos of you and your staycation partner(s) doing your activities. When you’re done, you can create a scrapbook or have high-quality photos printed and framed. You can even use these photos as your holiday card!
With these five tips, you’ll have a memorable staycation that you can look back on for years to com.
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
