10 Staycation Ideas for Some Much Needed Relaxation
When Keren is not actually tapping away at her keyboard,…
Are you in dire need of some rest and relaxation but are too busy to plan a vacation? Why not take a short and sweet staycation instead?
What’s great about staycations is that you can have them on weekends so you don’t have to take time off work. Plus, you get a refreshing break from the daily grind without the hefty price tag.
Here are 10 staycation ideas to get some good ol’ R&R today!
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#1. Go Camping
You can explore your nearby woods and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature by going camping. It’s a great way to unplug, bond with family and friends, and make incredible memories. All you need is some camping gear, food for your campfire and you’re good to go!
If you don’t have camping stuff, you can borrow them from a friend instead. If you live in the city, go camping on your building roof or backyard. You just need to be outdoors.
#2. Enjoy a Movie Outdoors
You can take your basic movie marathon to the next level by taking things outdoors. You just need to borrow a projector, use an old white cloth as your screen, and some pillows and sheets to make the makeshift outdoor theater more comfortable.
Save a lot of money by preparing your snacks. Making your own popcorn is way more affordable than buying popcorn and candy at the local movie theater.
#3. Stay At A Hotel Or Bed-and-breakfast Near You
One easy way to recreate the vacation vibe is by booking a room in a nice hotel or bed-and-breakfast in your local area. You can pretend you’re at the beach by lounging by the pool and having some cocktails.
You can order room service or order in from restaurants you’ve never tried before. What’s important is that you take a break from your usual routine.
#4. Have A DIY Spa Day
Skip the pricey spa treatments by making your own space an oasis of serenity. All you need is a diffuser or candle and some relaxing music to set the atmosphere. Then, you can give yourself a hair treatment, face mask, or aromatherapy bubble bath.
There is a lot of affordable spa equipment and materials you can buy online. You just need to read up on how to use them properly. If your budget permits it, you can even consider booking home treatments instead.
#5. Act Like A Tourist In Your City
What do tourists usually do when they’re in your city? Check out the landmarks and activities your city is known for. You can even get a pass to score some awesome discounts on admission.
What’s important is that you do something out of your usual routine. There may be art galleries or cultural centers in your city you’ve never been to. You might even discover something new about the world, your city, or even yourself.
#6. Have Your Wine Tasting
If you live near a vineyard, you should check out their offerings, and join a tour, if they have one. You might find a bottle or two that you can add to your collection.
If not, you can have your wine tasting with your friends. Ask each guest to bring their favorite bottle of wine and make sure everyone brings a unique one for the whole gang to try. You just need some cold cuts, cheese, and crackers, and you’re ready to wine and dine together.
#7. Rent An Airbnb
Do you want to know what it’s like to live on the other side of your neighborhood? Well, you can by booking an Airbnb within your city. Living on the other side of town, albeit temporarily, can give you a fresh perspective of the city you live in. You might even make a friend or two.
You can even arrange for a house swap with someone you trust. Just make sure it’s from another neighborhood so you can enjoy some new sights. This is a great excuse to try out that restaurant in your friend’s area, too.
#8. Visit A National Or State Park
If you’re lucky enough to live near a national, state, or even local park, take advantage of it by exploring the great outdoors. Most parks have a lot of activities for you to try, such as hiking or mountain biking. You can even pack for a picnic to save on some money.
If you’re looking to disconnect, turn your phone off or put it on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. This will help you fully immerse yourself in the scenery, and get the refreshment you need.
#9. Organize A Water Play Day
If you don’t have time or don’t enjoy the crowds of a water park, why not recreate the experience in your own backyard? You can borrow an inflatable pool, buy some squirt guns, and fill up balloons with water. It’s a fun way to bring out your inner child. Plus, it’s a great excuse to use that GoPro in your closet.
Don’t forget to tell your friends to bring an extra set of clothes. Unless your smartphones are waterproof, it would be a great idea to have a gadget deposit area. Keeping your gadgets out of reach can help you ward off the stresses of the real world.
#10. Bring The Vacation Destination To You, Instead
Are you dreaming of going to Hawaii or southern Italy? Well, if you can’t book your tickets just yet, you can bring your dream destination to you instead. You just need to decorate your house, play some music, and prepare special food for the full experience.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can borrow decorations from your friends. You can look for a Spotify or YouTube playlist with the perfect songs, and order from PostMates if you’re not in the mood to cook (and clean up afterward). Don’t forget to dress up for your vacation at home!
Plan According To Your Budget
What’s great about these staycation ideas is that you can tweak them according to your area and interests. You just need to stick to your budget and get into the right mindset. Like with anything in life, your staycation is what you make of it.
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When Keren is not actually tapping away at her keyboard, you’ll find her staring into space or drinking copious amounts of coffee. But make no mistake, she's hard at work even then. Come close enough and you’ll hear the whooshing noise of countless words as they go whizzing by - in her head of course.