Maybe you spent too much money on that rare mint-in-box Star Wars commemorative dinnerware set from eBay and your bank account is running low. Maybe after a long real estate survey of homes for sale in Vancouver, you’re finally moved in and don’t want to go anywhere. Maybe your scheduled getaway just happened to coincide with a global pandemic.
Whatever the reason, with these handy tips you’ll be able to enjoy the vacation of a lifetime without ever leaving your hometown.
Unplug
The most important, and most difficult, part of preparing a successful staycation is leaving your everyday life behind. After all, it’s hard to ditch your usual routine when your environment hasn’t changed. The biggest culprit behind most spoiled staycations? Work. Whether it be your job, school, or some chores on your to-do list, it can be hard to unplug.
Hard, yes, but also necessary. Inform your colleagues of your plans, then turn off your phone and log out of your email. Put your chargers away somewhere inconvenient if it helps. No matter how many times you have to remind yourself, repeat after me: I’m on a vacation… I’m on a vacation… I’m on a vacation…
Explore
Just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you’re stuck inside your home. What’s a vacation without a little exploration? You may think you know your hometown like the back of your hand, but now is the time to put that to test. Challenge yourself to take the road less traveled. Eat at a restaurant you’ve never been to before. Shop at a store you’ve never gone inside. Visit tourist destinations you’ve always treated as old hat and try to look at them with fresh eyes.
Even better, finally take that class at the local community center that you’ve always wanted to try but never had time for. Pick a neighborhood at random and take a stroll to see what you find, or go hiking along different trails than the ones you’re used to. Your own backyard can hold some pretty outstanding surprises if you know where to look.
Indulge
More than anything, a vacation is supposed to be a treat you give yourself. It’s a reward for the work you do throughout the rest of the year. Revel in that. You’ve earned it. Day in and day out, you prioritize your responsibilities over your own enjoyment. A staycation is the perfect time to cut loose and indulge, to do all the things that make you happy.
Sick of going to the gym? Take a week off and spend the day lying in bed. In the middle of a diet? Say “to heck with that” for a few days and eat all the junk food you want. Has it been a while since you spent money on anything but food and bills? Go on a shopping spree and get all those materialist possessions you’ve low-key been pining for? You can regret it all tomorrow. Today belongs to you.
