The unprecedented events of 2020 have compelled many people to cancel or postpone planned vacations. Visions of beach sunsets, mountain hikes, campfire cooking, and city sightseeing have been deferred for the foreseeable future. If you’ve been wondering if or when it will be safe or even possible to travel, maybe it’s time to plan a “staycation.” Here are ten ideas for vacationing at home:
1. Throw schedules out the window.
During your planned vacation time, turn off alarms and cancel appointments. Sleep late, eat whenever you’re hungry, and stay up as long as you’d like.
2. Let things go.
Since you’ll be at home, resist the temptation to keep up with the house cleaning, laundry, and yard work. Let the chores wait until after your scheduled time off, or hire someone else to do the work. Remember – you’re on vacation!
3. Prepare a different type of cuisine every night.
One of the best parts of a vacation can be eating out and trying new foods. With a little planning and shopping ahead (use curbside pickup options to save time), you can enjoy new cuisines in your own home. Set the table each night, light some candles, and eat outdoors if the weather permits. Select some music or turn on a sound machine and transport yourself to a tropical setting.
4. Camp out in the backyard.
Set up tents and sleeping bags. Cookout on the grill or prepare freeze-dried camp food, but don’t forget the s’mores for dessert.
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5. Call room service.
Let family members take turns delivering breakfast room service in the mornings. In addition to coffee and juice, easy menus include bagels and cream cheese, croissants and jam, oatmeal with berries, and avocado toast.
6. See the sights in your hometown.
Act like a tourist in your community and visit open museums, art galleries, and other attractions. Drive to nearby state parks or outdoor recreation areas that you may not normally have time to frequent.
7. Set up a home spa.
In your bathroom or kitchen, create a relaxing atmosphere with warm towels and comfortable robes on hand. Offer facials, manicures, massages, and hair treatments to “clients.” Play soothing music and serve light, healthy beverages like cucumber water and smoothies.
8. Create a backyard arcade
Set up different game stations around the yard and patio. Some good ideas include corn hole, lawn darts, ring toss, badminton, croquet, bocce, hopscotch, lawn bowling, and mini-golf. Offer prizes and refreshments at the end of game time.
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9. Sightsee virtually.
Each day, let one family member choose a worldwide destination, then go online to find links to local sights and live webcams. Learn about the culture, climate, and history together while you dream of future trips there.
10. Hold a dance party in the living room.
Clear furniture and prepare a playlist or let someone serve as DJ for the evening. Turn the overhead lights down and string twinkle lights. Look up new dances on the internet to learn.
Even if your vacation doesn’t involve airplane tickets or hotel reservations, you can still have an enjoyable break. You may also find that the memories you’ve created in your home are the most lasting ones. Be sure to take plenty of pictures and videos to remember your very unique vacation year.