We’ve all heard about the benefits of taking time away from work to unwind and recharge. But you may also consider a staycation. If you’re looking to get away from it all but don’t have the money or vacation time to take a family trip, consider taking a vacation close to your home. Or maybe you don’t have the time to take a big trip, but you still need to unwind. Try a staycation instead.
A staycation has always been a terrific choice for taking some time off and unwinding without having to board a plane or break the bank. Unfortunately, it is becoming a challenge for many to feel that staying at home is a pleasant getaway because home is frequently either work, a restaurant, or school. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take some time off and unwind. There are still ways to give yourself a break at home; below, we have listed some fantastic options.
What Is a Staycation?
Staycations are stay-at-home vacations. While many individuals choose to sleep in the comfort of their own homes during their staycation, some people opt to stay in an Airbnb or hotel. Staycations have grown in popularity vs. travel outside of the state you live in or a trip overseas.
There are many benefits to a stay-at-home vacation, including the ability to explore your city or a neighboring city. Not to mention it allows you to enjoy time with family and friends that would not otherwise go on an out-of-town trip with you. These special moments provide an opportunity for you to share time and create fond memories to look back on later in life.
Whether you are single, married, have children, or are spending time with your sweetheart, exploring local venues can provide an opportunity to relax and break away from work-life stress.
Fun Staycation Ideas for the Whole Family:
- Consider staying in a nearby hotel or Airbnb.
- Go Glamping in the Backyard.
- Visit your state or local park.
- Ride your bike on local trails.
- Spend a day in a spa.
- Take a boat ride.
- Gaze at the stars.
- Go to a carnival, festival, or theme park
- Take lessons at the local culinary school.
- Set up a barbecue or picnic in the backyard or at a park.
- Enjoy a beautiful sunset or sunrise.
- Have an indoor picnic.
- Play your favorite music and dance the night away.
- Watch a concert online.
- Take a cooking or painting class.
- Learn Spanish, French, Italian, or another language.
- Set the scene inside or in the backyard for a themed dinner party.
- Watch a documentary.
- Have an outdoor movie night.
- Have a Family and Friends Game Night.
- Have a talent show.
- Make s’mores in a backyard fire pit.
- Choose a book and read it as a family.
- Visit a local beach or lake.
- Have a romantic candle-lit dinner.
- Prepare dinner together as a family.
- Pack the car and go to the drive-in.
Staycation Tips for That Vacation Feel
With so many people working from home, separating home life and work-life can be challenging, making a vacation from work difficult. Below are some tips to make your staycation seem more like a vacation:
Prepare Your House for Your Staycation
Before you start your staycation, set the stage by cleaning the house from top to bottom. Vacations are a time to unwind and enjoy your time off from your regular routines. Consider hiring a cleaning service to come in and take care of the housework allowing you to spend your time planning and preparing for your home vacation. A clean home just feels good, and vacations are for relaxing.
Turn off Your Ringer
Turning the ringer off on your cell phone may be challenging, but it is critical to give yourself time away from work. Let your business associates know that it is not ok to call you unless there is a life or death situation. After all, you deserve a break. If you just can’t help yourself, set a small window of time to check your messages and emails to create a division between vacation time and work.
Select a Theme
What kind of staycation do you want? Think about the places you love to visit or would like to see in the future to help plan your at-home vacation. Yoga retreats, beach days, spa trips, sports trips, and Italian getaways are just a few examples. But, of course, you can implement all of these suggestions at home.
Snap Lots of Pictures
Pictures are a great way to capture memories of your staycation, just like you would on a trip out of town.
Change Your Daily Routine.
To keep your vacay from seeming like a typical day or weekend, Change your routine by sleeping in, staying up late, wearing Pj’s all day, or enjoying a picnic on the floor in your family room. Get creative during your downtime and create fun memories!
Ideas for a Memorable Staycation
It’s easy to slip back into your typical daily routine if you’re spending your break at home. So instead, treat your staycation like an actual vacation and avoid daily chores and or work like the plague!
Create a plan for your staycation in the same way you would for a vacation. This doesn’t mean you have to plan everything; however, if you have a plan in place, you are sure to get the most out of your time and have a memorable staycation. Here are a few ideas.
Bring something new or beautiful into your household
Change your surroundings for a more distinctive feel in your home. Below are a few suggestions:
- Place bouquets of fresh flowers throughout your home.
- Light your favorite exotic scented candles.
- Purchase new bed linens.
- Set up fruit or sweets displays for nibbling.
- Purchase fresh fluffy towels.
Create a Meal plan
Eating out and room service are staples while on vacation and adds to the whole experience. Here are some suggestions to plan meals for an enjoyable staycation:
Consider a Food Delivery Service
During your staycation, skip the grocery store and consider a food delivery service like Home Chef, Green Chef, or Blue Apron. There are a ton of meal kit companies that provide lots of options, including vegan choices. When you order meal kits, everything you need is sent to you, eliminating the hassle of shopping.
Have Your Groceries Delivered
Skip the grocery store during your staycation and opt for delivery. Nowadays, most grocery stores have a delivery option to help you save time. While you are on your stay-at-home vacation, get the most out of your time off and do the things you enjoy, which for most does not include grocery shopping.
Choose a New Wine or Drink
If you enjoy a glass of vino or a cocktail, choose a bottle of wine or a new drink you have never tried. You may end up finding your new favorite wine or have a great time mixing up a new drink. It can be a lot of fun to try your hand at mixology! For mixed drinks, you need to make sure you have the basics, like a drink shaker.
How to Budget for a Staycation
Budgeting for your staycation is pretty much the same as budgeting for a vacation getaway. We suggest planning for your staycation the same as if you are going on a big trip. Plan out your itinerary for each day, detailing what excursions you will take, transportation, and food.
- Figure out how much you want to spend on your staycation.
- Research the costs of the activities on your itinerary.
- Budget in the cost of transportation and food.
- Calculate the entire cost of the activities, transportation, and food allowances.
- If you are over your budget, reconsider your itinerary and choose the things you want to do most. Be sure to check specials, discounts, and coupons for your outings. Also, look for free events near you.
Final Thoughts on a Staycation
In conclusion, a staycation is a perfect way to disconnect from work when you may not have the funds or time for a big, out-of-town vacation. Summit Way Realty hopes the above tips help turn your home into a relaxing environment where you can make memories with your family and decompress from the craziness of life. Enjoy exploring your city and soaking in the beautiful home you’ve created! For more tips on all things home and real estate, or if you are ready to find your perfect home, contact Summit Way Realty today.
