The summer months are upon us, and so is vacation season. Taking a vacation, particularly one that requires a good deal of travel or money, may not be in the cards for everyone. Although we have made advances since the onset of COVID-19, there are still many reasons why planning a “staycation” may be a better idea this summer than heading out to public spaces. Keep reading for our top tips for making your summer months feel extra relaxing and memorable, all from the comfort and convenience of home.
Designate a set time period for your staycation.
When you take a typical vacation, it’s for a set duration of time. To really make your summer staycation feel like a special treat mark off a few days, a week, or more on your calendar and treat this like a vacation where you are not at your own home. Remove all your typical daily obligations and routine and allow this time to be a blank slate that you can fill with plans for your staycation. Even better, mark this on a physical calendar or your phone calendar. Seeing it visually will help you get into a vacation mindset.
Mix up your usual routine.
How do you want to make your summer vacation time special? What do you enjoy doing that is a treat and something you wouldn’t normally think to do during the week? Visit a new restaurant that’s a little further away than you would normally travel. Or explore a local business you’ve not yet visited. These little excursions will help you see your town in a new way and make it feel like you’re a tourist trying new things.
Invite others to be a part of this special occasion.
Just like you might go on vacation with family or friends, and enjoy some of this time with them, do the same on your staycation. Make it a special point to ask them to visit, maybe even for a night or two. They can enjoy exploring some new local gems with you and will make it that much more of a memorable experience!
Go out sightseeing – and be sure to get photographs or souvenirs!
And if you’re going to do a staycation right, you need to be sure to get out and do some sightseeing. You’ll be amazed by how much you’ve not yet seen in your own hometown. Things you may have passed hundreds of times will look new when you view them through the eyes of a tourist. Take your time to really take in the sights, and don’t forget to capture snapshots and souvenirs for memories!
Are you considering planning a summer vacation at home this summer? What are your ideas for how you plan to make the most of this time? Share advice or ask a question by leaving a comment below!
