As much as we’d always love to have a vacation getaway booked in, the truth is, traveling is expensive. However much we tell ourselves we need, want, and deserve a trip away, unfortunately, sometimes we are forced to opt for Plan B – to stay at home instead.
Don’t let the idea of a ‘staycation’ put a downer on the upcoming time you’ve booked off work – instead of jetting off to paradise, there’s actually plenty of other options for you to create your own little paradise in your hometown. Here’s some of the best ideas for you to think about if you’ve decided to stay put.
Take a hike
If your staycation is taking place over the summer months, then what makes you think you need the Medditerreaan to enjoy the sun? Sure, you can find a local beach to spend the day sunbathing, but if you want to make the most of your staycation, we suggest venturing off into the great outdoors on foot. Put on your hiking boots and explore a walking trail in your local rural countryside that you’ve never been on.
Be a tourist in your own city
If you prefer people and buildings to greenery and nature, explore the streets and attractions in your city or town instead. You probably see parts of your local town near enough every day – but how much do you actually see? Surely there are plenty of places and things you are yet to explore? Go to a museum, visit an art gallery, relax in a public garden – simply become a tourist for the day.
Plan an indoor spa day
Vacationing is all about feeling relaxed and care-free, so what better way to feel like this than to enjoy a spa day? If you can’t afford a day out at a luxurious spa, then plan your own at-home experience – it’s pretty simple. Create a peaceful atmosphere in your home by switching off your phone and putting on some tranquil music. Next, get yourself some beauty products such as oils, lotions, scrubs, face-masks, that kind of thing. Then, spend the evening indulging in a movie marathon.
Treat yourself to food
If you can’t get away to find pleasure, find pleasure in food instead. Treat yourself to something delicious. You have two options – you can spend the day traveling around your town or city by trying out different cuisines or foods you’ve never tried before – think of it as your own little food tour. Or, alternatively, you can spend the evening dining on a top-end three-course meal at a restaurant of your choice – preferably your favorite place or somewhere you’ve never been before.
Get creative
One of the best ways to fight boredom is to get your creative juices flowing, and there’s plenty of different ideas for you to choose from. Perhaps book yourself into a local teaching class? Painting? Pottery? Cookery? Theater drama? Alternatively, another option you have is to do a spot of DIY – spend the weekend giving your home a makeover with a lick of paint, or finally get around to re-arranging the furniture like you said you were going to.
Host a party
Do you need another excuse to have a party? Nope, didn’t think so. A staycation is a great opportunity to invite your friends and family over for a fancy dinner party or some drinks. Now could be the time to celebrate and let your hair down by forgetting the fact you haven’t gone away.
The number one rule of a staycation is never to moan! There’s plenty of budget activities you can add to your itinerary. You just need to make sure you are open-minded and positive. Bring the vacation to you.
