These social distancing times have forced everyone to practice safe behaviors to protect themselves, loved ones and everyone around them. This has changed how people live their lives. People are forced to spend more time at home and many people have ended up canceling their Easter break travel. Summer holidays look like they will go ahead, book yours at My Hotel Break, until then there are plenty of things you can do to have fun.
Benefits of a Staycation
There are many advantages to taking a staycation over a traditional vacation:
- Save Money – Staycations are much more affordable since you avoid paying for flights, hotels, rental cars, etc. This allows you to splurge more on fun local activities and experiences.
- No Travel Hassles – Without the need to pack luggage, wait in airport lines, or sit in traffic, a staycation is more relaxing from the get-go. You can wake up in the comfort of your home and immediately start enjoying your time off.
- Rediscover Your Local Area – It’s easy to take for granted the attractions and activities available close to home. A staycation motivates you to finally check out that new restaurant, go on that scenic hike, or visit the museum you’ve always meant to visit.
- Flexibility – With a staycation, you can spontaneously plan activities based on your energy levels and the weather. If you wake up one morning and don’t feel like doing the bike ride you had planned, you can easily change your itinerary.
- Safer – Avoiding planes, trains and crowded tourist destinations makes staycations a lower-risk option while COVID-19 is still a concern. You can enjoy time off while still following social distancing best practices.
Below Are 9 Top Tips That Are Going to Help You.
Get into Nature
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Scenic hike | Go for a hike in a nearby state park and enjoy the beautiful views and fresh air. |
| Stroll or bike | Take a leisurely walk or bike ride on a local greenway or trail. |
| Beach or lakeshore walk | Enjoy a peaceful walk along the beach or lakeshore, taking in the scenery and sounds of the water. |
| Picnic in a botanical garden | Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring a beautiful botanical garden. |
| Birdwatching or nature class | Take a birdwatching or nature identification class to learn more about the local flora and fauna. |
| Fishing or kayaking | Learn a new outdoorsy hobby like fishing or kayaking to enjoy the water and nature. |
| Fly a kite | Find an open space on a breezy day and fly a colorful kite. |
| Pick-your-own farm | Visit a local pick-your-own farm to harvest fresh fruits or vegetables and enjoy the countryside. |
| Cloud watching | Simply lay in the grass at your neighborhood park and watch the clouds drift by, letting your mind wander. |
Pitching Your Tent Outdoors (or indoors)
This tip might not apply to everyone. You are going to need a backyard and a tent to enjoy this. You should consider camping in the comfort of your own home, especially if you aren’t permitted to travel and go to a campsite. The change in the scenery in your backyard is enough to convince your brain to break from the daily routine and it is also a great way of unwinding with your partner or your kids at the end of the day. You and your family are going to experience some fresh air sleeping.
If you don’t have a big enough garden, backyard, or tent, take your mattress to your living room and make the old-fashioned den. This is a good option when you want to entertain your kids. If you fancy such this, then don’t let it stop you.
Staycation Barbecue
Supermarket shelves were a little dry when the pandemic started, but things have started to settle down and become normal. While it is not a good idea to take your family on a shopping trip, you can still pick some things that will brighten the meals. It adds a holiday twist to your meals.
It is time for those with a BBQ to get it out and start making burgers. If you don’t have a BBQ, consider trying new recipes you would normally have in the restaurant. YouTube has many cooking tutorials, which is good news for the least experienced cooks. You will have the chance to whip up something you are used to in a restaurant.
Spoiling Yourself With a Spa Treatment
Having a fancy luxury spa with the best facilities to pamper yourself is not a must. Such things help, but you can still enjoy it from the comfort of your home. Look for quality moisturizing creams or face masks, slices of cucumber and run a hot bath with any salts (you can ask someone to get some for you).
A bit of chocolate and wine will add to the experience. While this is not going to be that perfect, you are going to unwind. Your partner can give you a shoulder massage or foot rub, adding to the experience.
Take a Day Trip
A day trip is a great way to explore a new corner of your region without the hassle and expense of an overnight stay. Is there a cute town, natural wonder, or noteworthy attraction within a 2-hour drive that you’ve been meaning to check out? A staycation is the perfect time to finally make the trip. You might discover a charming main street to stroll, a quirky museum to visit, or a beautiful waterfall hike to trek. Pick up the local alternative weekly paper when you arrive to see if there are any fun community events or festivals happening during your visit. Grab lunch or dinner at a popular local spot. Poke around small shops for unique locally-made souvenirs and gifts. Seeing more of your region will give you a fresh appreciation for all it has to offer.
Recreating the Cinema at Home
Watching a movie with your loved ones is a great experience, making going to the cinema a good way to spend time with family. It is hard to go to a cinema currently, but you can create one in your home. Make tweaks to your movie night and you will have much fun with your family. The first step is moving the TV closer to the sofa if possible. When you change your TV’s position, it will feel a little different from normal. Make some popcorn, get your favorite blanket, then get everyone snuggled up before you play the movie. There is a wide range of options, especially with streaming sites offering thousands of movies and TV shows.
Switching off The Tech and Taking a Moment
There are many ways of recreating activities you normally do on a staycation, but a holiday is not all about what you enjoy doing. It is about loosening up and the atmosphere. One good thing you can do for yourself during this time is switch off the tech.
The pandemic has forced many people to rely on their mobile phones, TVs, laptops and other electronics to get through the day and be updated on what is happening locally and worldwide. Take a break from it all to feel like you are traveling and still following government guidelines. Close work emails and turn off the social media feeds so you can really enjoy each other’s company. This is what a staycation is about and you will feel its value when you try it.
Learn Something New
Make your staycation a learning opportunity by picking up a new skill or diving deep into a topic that interests you. Sign up for that art workshop or cooking class you’ve had your eye on. Check out all the books on a favorite subject from the library and have your own mini research retreat. Get lost browsing the stacks at a used bookstore. Take an online course to learn a new language, software program, or business skill. Watch YouTube tutorials to finally learn that thing you’ve been wanting to try, like hand-lettering or watercolor painting. Join a local history, architecture, or nature club and go on one of their educational outings. Stimulating your brain with new knowledge and skills will make your staycation feel engaging and enriching.
Have a Photo Safari
One fun way to see your town with fresh eyes is to go on a photo safari. Pick a theme (like a certain color, first letter of your name, or images of happiness) and walk or bike around town taking creative photos related to that theme. Aim to shoot from new angles or capture tiny details you normally overlook. Turn it into a photo scavenger hunt with a list of quirky things to spot around town (a heart-shaped stone, an animal on a sign, an usual doorknob, etc.) Comb through your images from the day and pick a few favorites to print and frame or share on social media. Focusing your awareness through the lens of a camera helps you be more present and notice new things about your everyday environment.
Conclusion
While overseas adventures and cross-country road trips may be off the table this year, taking a staycation can be a wonderful way to relax, recharge and see your everyday world through new eyes. With a little planning, creativity and commitment to trying new things, you can plan a staycation that’s every bit as exciting and meaningful as traveling somewhere far-flung.
By being a tourist in your own town, going on local adventures, getting out in nature, learning new things, connecting with loved ones and carving out restorative personal time, you’ll come back to “real life” with renewed energy, fresh ideas and a greater appreciation for the amazing things that exist right in your own backyard. So block off some time, brainstorm your staycation wish list and get ready to make incredible memories without going far from home.
