Things to Do on a Staycation

What to Do on a Staycation

Not everyone can afford to jet off to a tropical locale for a few days. In the past few years, staycations have been becoming more and more popular. A staycation is when you forego the expensive flights and create an escape for yourself right in your hometown. Here’s how to create a great staycation for yourself.

1. Avoid Work

When you’re on a “normal” vacation, you aren’t tuned into the office, so you shouldn’t be when you are on a staycation. Just because you are closer doesn’t mean that you should be still doing work! Set an “out of office” automated response for your email and send any important information to your fellow coworkers. Set your work aside and enjoy your time away.

2. Abandon Your Routine

To truly abandon your normal routine, try staying in a local hotel! You’re already saving money on flights, so why not go all out? If you don’t have the money to get a hotel room for your staycation, try to make your home feel like a hotel. Clean up before your staycation officially starts (or get your home professionally cleaned) to have a fresh mind.

Create a hotel mindset by doing things you might not do unless you were in a hotel room. Have breakfast in bed, walk around in a bathrobe, or take a long bath. Try to create a luxurious atmosphere in a place that you are already really comfortable with.

3. Local Bucket List

Is there anything that you have wanted to do around town but have never had the time to do it before? Well, now is the time! Go to that museum or take a stroll and picnic around the park. And while you’re there, take all the photos you would have if you were in a different location. Just because you are in your hometown doesn’t mean you can’t document your days like you would on any other vacation. Go out and get those perfect Instagram-opportunities!

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Splurge

Since you are saving on plane fare and possibly hotel rates, don’t be afraid to splurge on yourself a little bit. Buy tickets to see a show or a concert or buy a new outfit. If you are more of a foodie, go all out and treat yourself to an expensive dinner. Buy yourself a coffee from the cafe around the corner each morning. Purchase something you normally wouldn’t. Treat yourself!

Another way to splurge is by planning a spa day. You can plan a full day of pampering or just schedule a massage, manicure, or facial. If you can’t afford to go to a spa, try bringing the spa into your home. Light some candles, buy a face mask and run a hot bath with lots of bubbles to create your own spa-like atmosphere in your own home.

5. Use Voicemail

Try to go digital-free. Keep your cell phone for any possible emergency calls from friends or family, but try to stay out of contact. Shut off your phone or let the calls go directly to voicemail and let yourself relax.

What are you waiting for? Start planning your staycation now!