You’ve probably heard of the concept of a staycation before. Essentially it is like a vacation but when you choose not to travel anywhere and instead stay at home. As an avid traveller I’ve often struggled with the idea, reasoning that you stay at home each night and isn’t a staycation just like a weekend?
The answer is no. Not if you do it well. For those who work, holiday days are precious and not to be squandered. But all too often it’s hard to get a decent chunk of time off and when you do you usually run around frantically in the lead up, going into the trip exhausted and, unless it’s a beach holiday, coming back in a similar state.
This doesn’t happen on a staycation. Remove all the organisation, travel time, and running around so that you actually get to relax and return to work rejuvenated. Here are five tips on how to have a successful staycation:
1. Plan ahead
Structure is key here. The only difference between a staycation and a weekend is what you do. Think about how you would like to use this time – make a list of all the things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t been able to because life gets in the way. Have you wanted to learn a language? Try a new fitness class? Read books? Write it all down and work out which ones you’re going to focus during your staycation.
2. Book in activities
Look at what’s going on in your city and what events you may like to attend. Same goes for movies, exhibitions or even new restaurants, or places you’ve been meaning to check out. Buy tickets or book in to classes you’d like to take to avoid disappointment when your staycation rolls around.
3. Get ready the week before
Don’t waste your precious staycation time running around buying the books you want to read or doing errands. Make sure you’re up to date on all your life admin tasks and have everything you need for your time off.
4. Treat yourself
Some of the best things about hotels are the clean crisp sheets and fluffy towels, not too mention the option of a bath or massage. Start your staycation with clean bed linen, stock your fridge and pantry with food you love and consider booking in a beauty treatment or massage – just think of all the money you’re saving by not actually going anywhere.
One final tip, don’t let chores get in your way, or fall into the trap of overcommitting and ending your time off feeling exhausted. Make sure you maximise the opportunity by getting some proper R & R and scheduling enough down time too.
Have you ever taken a staycation? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section.
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