Need a Vacation? Plan A “Staycation” Instead!
What Is A “Staycation”?
I promise I’m not making up this word. Essentially a “Staycation” is a mashing of the words Stay, as in stay home, and Vacation into one word. The official definition is:
Why A Staycation Is A Good Thing
I am pro-staycation. Chris is too. Done right – a Staycation can be just as enjoyable as a Vacation, without all the fuss and stresses of traveling. The best part? Nine chances out of ten you actually like the place that you live in, which houses all of your creature comforts as well. Oh and the best part? You can SAVE MONEY which you can use on a variety of things including saving up for that next vacation, all while enjoying your staycation.
Things To Do On A Staycation
Here are a list of all of our favorite things to do on a Staycation:
- Unplug. Slow Down. Take A Time Out. Often what we are really looking for on a vacation is a feeling of “getting away from it all” – your daily hectic routine. A Staycation is a great time to switch things up. Turn off your phone, or at least put the ringer on silent. Make use of your voicemail or answering machine. Set-up an out of office notification for any incoming emails. Consider a break from reading the newspaper. This will allow you to have a clear head and be less bombarded with all of the world’s information on a daily basis. Don’t worry – it will all still be there a week or so from now.
- Find A Buddy. What Staycation isn’t better with two people involved! It gets a bit lonely when you don’t have someone to talk to, or you could just…
- Read A Book. I’m talking about reading the whole book and not just skimming. I prefer the book in hand approach but you can download awesome books in e-book format as well. To maximize your experience, make a big production out of the event. Allow yourself to have some uninterrupted “me-time.” Cuddle up on the couch, a comfy chair or in bed with your favorite blankets and a drink of choice.
- Have A TV marathon. We won’t judge you for watching all 6 seasons of LOST.
- Put Your House in Order. Is there anything that you have been meaning to do? Perhaps this is the chance to get it done. I personally love to clean my house from top to bottom when I am home for long periods of time. Think of this Staycation as the perfect time for any around the house tasks, jobs or crafts that require larger amounts of time. If you are home for several days, why not spread your activities out, so you can do a quality job on them. If housework or odd jobs are NOT your thing – how about hiring someone to do these jobs while you relax. After all it’s your time off.
- Order In Meals. Instead of cooking dinner, why not indulge and get your food delivered? You won’t have to cook OR clean. Consider making a bunch of freezer meals so you don’t have to cook, and you can just reheat your delicious meals.
- Create Your Own Retreat. Turn your bathtub into a relaxing haven. Add some scented bath products and candles. Ahhhhhh. Want a facial? Use a package face mask. Need a massage? How about asking your partner for one, enjoy a machine back or foot massager, or using a gel-pack/heating pad. I have been told by my massage therapist that one of the best ways to give yourself a cheap back massage is to put tennis balls into a sock, and to roll them between your body and the floor. It gets out those tension knots and hard to reach problem areas.
- Stretch Out and Relax. Think: long walks, listening to music, meditation , and stretching out to some yoga or pilates.
- Make Your Room A Hotel Room. Who says you have to spend over $100 a night to get a good night’s sleep? Fluff up those pillows, change those sheets and make that bed. A made bed will be much more inviting to get into every night. Why not leave a couple chocolates out on your pillow for an extra special touch. I promise it will feel just like the big hotel chains.
- Plan Your Next Vacation. Sit down and daydream about where you want to go on your next vacation. Do some creative financial planning and itinerary research online. This will make you feel proactive and put you in a great mood, even though you haven’t even left your house.
- Get Outside. Take a Backyard Adventure. If being at home for long periods of time isn’t your thing, you can always add variety by getting out and exploring nature or attending local events in your community. There are always plenty of Backyard Adventures you can plan!
Have you ever had a Staycation? Are you ready to take one?
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Carolynne
30-something. Storyteller. Avid traveler and photographer. Cat lover. Carolynne is the the owner and founder of The Thirsty Tourist blog. When she is not traveling, exploring, or enjoying backyard adventures, she resides in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and 4 pets.
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