Staycations: The Perfect Weekend Getaway

With your summer vacation plans postponed, you may be one of many who are forced to stay local for the foreseeable future, and you may be looking for responsible and safe ways to keep your travel spirits high. Now is the perfect time to plan your “staycation” and explore what’s right next to you.

What is a staycation? It’s exactly what it sounds like—a vacation where you stay at or close to your home! They act as a genuine break from work and life pressures. When you want to get away, planning a staycation could be just what you need to clear your mind, leaving you rejuvenated and refreshed to get you through the week ahead. Take a look at some of these tips to take with you on your next staycation.

Decide Where You Will Go
The best part about a staycation is that you have options on where you will stay. Some people like the luxuries of a hotel, while others prefer the comforts of their own home (which may be preferable during this pandemic). Staying at home is a great way to keep costs down all while being able to sleep in your own bed at night. Plus no need to pack! If you want the true vacation experience, you may consider checking into a local hotel or booking an Airbnb for a night or two, but bring your disinfecting spray and wipes for an extra measure of protection.

Make a Staycation Budget
Staycations tend to be a lot cheaper than taking that elaborate vacation hours away. However, that doesn’t mean that the costs won’t add up. Just as you would create a vacation budget, decide how much you can spend on your staycation. Since you’ll be saving on airfare and other expenses, don’t be afraid to splurge a little, because after all you deserve it!

Try New Experiences
In order to get into vacation mode, it helps to get outside of your regular routine. Go discover new places in your own town. Visit the new restaurant that just opened up, treat yourself to a spa day or even take a trip to the neighborhood park. You may find out that you have some hidden gems in your own backyard!

Unplug
How much you decide to unplug is up to you. Take a break from work e-mails—set an out-of-office message and stick to it. Block social media apps temporarily on your phone so the notifications aren’t a stressor for you. Even limiting communication, texts, phone calls, etc. can be a good way for you to unplug and take the necessary break that you need.

Be a Tourist in Your Own City
You may think you know your city inside and out, but there’s always something new to learn. Take a back road, snap some photos and see your city through a new lens. Another positive to being a tourist in your own city is that you are helping to keep small businesses afloat in such a difficult time during the pandemic.

It is especially important to find opportunities to get away from our usual routines and stressors of day-to-day life. After all, our homes have been working double time as offices, daycare centers and gyms for the past few months. While you might not be able to match a relaxing island getaway, with a little planning, you can unwind and finally get to know the city where you live.