A staycation offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, all within the comfort of your own city or local area.
The staycation concept gained popularity amid the pandemic when travel came to a screeching halt. People were forced to stay at home and holidays were passé. Traveling was not safe, and there were endless restrictions.
Moreover, spending money on vacations was not feasible due to pay cuts and tight finances. Staycations brought respite for travel buffs yearning for a change as they gave the feeling of being on a vacation without even stepping out.
Even as the virus is under control, people love the idea because it is more affordable and less stressful. You can take a break whenever you want, and there is no need to plan and budget for a holiday at home. Conversely, a lot goes into making a staycation enjoyable because you have to think innovatively to break the monotony.
After all, you have to convince yourself that you are on a real holiday.
Luckily, you can try some practical ideas to indulge in the most relaxing staycation at home. Let us share some good ones:
1. Commit to unplugging
Before picking ideas for your next staycation, commit to unplugging throughout the break. After a couple of years of WFH, it is probably the most unimaginable thing to do. You will probably be habitual to answering work emails or calls even outside office hours.
But make sure you take a real break this season.
Let colleagues and clients know you are away and resist the urge to answer every message. Take the break as an opportunity to restore work-life balance again. Everyone needs to do it in the new normal, and this is the chance to take the first step.
2. Create a vacation ambiance at home
A vacation ambiance is an essential element of a staycation to get the feel of a holiday. After all, you must feel you are in a different location rather than your living space.
Thankfully, you need not invest much effort and money to get a makeover for your home. Try to change the setting by taking the rugs out of your living room.
You may even move to the guest room or set up a tent in the backyard. Try to create a new look and feel for your living space. Set the dining table on the deck to relish outdoor meals and enjoy romantic evenings under the stars.
Hang a hammock outdoors and bring some chairs to the garden. You may even hang some fairy lights on the trees to create a beautiful outdoor space.
3. Chill with your favorite relaxation aids
Holidays are all about relaxation, whether you plan a break in a luxury resort overseas or your bedroom. Have your favorite relaxation aids at hand to indulge in self-care during the staycation.
Get started with the books and music you love. Stock up on aromatherapy essentials and buy or borrow a massager.
If you are a cannabis lover, pamper yourself with a new strain or consumption method. Try the banana hammock strain to experience a tropical vacation vibe right in your living room. You will love its incredible flavor and mellow high that promise a day of leisure.
Play your favorite music, read books, and catch up on your sleep.
4. Take a yoga retreat
You can take staycation relaxation a notch higher by taking a yoga retreat in your living room. Do not worry if you are a beginner because there are plenty of videos online to guide you with the basic poses.
You need not opt for the complex ones as a beginner. Try some simple restorative yoga poses to relax your muscles and release the stress from your mind.
A yoga mat is a small investment for the sessions, though you can manage with an old rug too. Have your comfy athleisure clothing ready, and indulge in daily sessions of yoga every morning and evening. You will be a happier and healthier version of yourself at the end of the break.
5. Get a break from cooking
Experiencing the true vacation vibes at home is about changing things up. The best way to do it is by taking a break from cooking.
Since you can save on travel and accommodation costs, spend on meals instead. Order all your meals from your favorite eatery or try new food joints in town. Get a list ready as a part of your staycation planning.
It is a good idea to check reviews of these restaurants before trying them. Also, remember not to topple your budget by ordering from expensive places.
You can pick a different cuisine every day to get the feel of traveling to the destinations on your bucket list. Moreover, there is always an option of experimenting with your culinary skills if the money is tight.
Finally, take a digital detox and get back to the basics for the best staycation ever. Whether you are solo, with your partner or family, focus on the pleasures of reconnecting with yourself or your loved ones. This way, you can have the best time even without traveling to an exotic destination for a dream holiday.
Your home can be your vacation haven this year!
