This year’s vacation might be right at your home this summer. Don’t worry – there are still lots of fun things to do while staying there. Here are 11 ideas to still feel like you’re on a vacation while at home:
1 – Pretend You’re Away From Home
When you go on a real vacation, most people tune out email and other digital distractions. With a “staycation” you need to do the same. Limit time on texts, email and the TV. Just unplug.
2 – No Routine
You’re on vacation – sleep in and wear your PJs all day. Have breakfast food for dinner. Take an afternoon nap.
3 – No Cooking
Be sure to order in or take away your main meal – just like you would do on vacation.
4 – Make Your Home into a Hotel
Convert your home into a hotel-style atmosphere. Take turns waiting on each other every day. The person on “vacation for the day” doesn’t need to make a bed, cook or clean – and will have drinks and meals served. Think about offering hotel-style treats such as a massage or manicure. Be sure to remember to have turn-down service that includes a chocolate on the pillow. Set up an amenity bar with water, soda and snacks.
5 – Decorate
If you have vacation-themed items in your home, decorate with them. Think tropical table settings with string lights. Pull out beach balls, too. Be sure to wear your beach-style clothes, too.
6 – Playlist
Use Spotify to play beach-style music or watch a YouTube video of waves along a beach. (Go here or here.)
7 – Have Fun in the Backyard
Grab a beach towel and head outside for some R&R. No pool? Buy a plastic baby pool or fill up a large bucket and stick your feet in to get that pool vibe.
Have a campout in the backyard. Set up a tent or use blankets as shelter. (Get some inspiration here and here.) Roast s’mores. Share scary stories. If sleeping in a tent is not appealing, have a “game day” in the yard instead. (Look for game ideas here, here and here.) Be sure to grill hamburgers and hot dogs.
Create a mini golf course. Have fun putting!
8 – Staying Inside?
Consider having inside fun, too. Play board games. Set up camp in the living room. Host a movie marathon. Have a treasure hunt. Make the kitchen table into craft central and get creative!
9 – Explore
Enjoy the nearby outdoors by going for a bike ride, hike or walk – either in your neighborhood or park. Find a new street or trail to explore. Want to investigate a new park or trail? Use the AllTrails app.
10 – Go to a Foreign Country – Sort Of
Select a country and then “travel” remotely. Learn about that country and then cook food from the region. For example: If “visiting” Mexico, you could play Hispanic music, have a taco bar and have a fiesta. If you are heading to Paris, eat a croissant, sip cafe au lait or enjoy a glass of wine. Wear stripes and a beret. Ooh la la.
11 – Want to Learn?
Use the time at home to learn something fun. It might be a good time to brush up on chess strategies, learn how to create a special meal or take up a new hobby. There are so many ways to learn – just “google” your topic of interest. SkillShare offers some free classes.
Most of all – treat your time off as a vacation. Don’t tackle chores. They will always be there upon your return “home”!
