Sick of staying at home and want to go on vacation? You’re not alone. While a study showed that adults aged 60 or older coped better than younger people during the pandemic, it’s natural to feel a little stir-crazy. This is especially true if, before COVID-19 and the lockdowns, you were an avid traveler who lived for adventure or a frequent spa-goer who loved getting beauty and wellness treatments.
When you start feeling as if the days are blending into each other, try taking a vacation—at home. A staycation allows you to take a reset and a step away from the daily grind. Taking time to relax and try fun new activities in a familiar setting can re-energize your mind and body and restore your mental well-being.
What’s more, vacationing at home means not having to deal with strict travel guidelines, organizing transportation, making reservations, and packing suitcases. Additionally, a staycation costs much less than a trip. You also get to rediscover the beauty of your surroundings and experience exciting moments at or close to home.
Here’s how you can go on a staycation at home or in a nearby spot.
Pamper Yourself with an At-Home Spa Experience
Even though some spas and luxury hotels may have already opened in your area, it’s understandable if you’d rather wait until it’s safer to go to one. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience. All you need is a few hours to yourself, a bathroom, and a few spa essentials, such as:
- Skin, hair, and nail care products
- Scented candles
- A comfy robe or pair of pajamas
- Aromatherapy oils
- A soothing beverage, like herbal tea
- Soft, calming music
Settle-in in your favorite robe or pajamas, light the candles, and feel the day’s tension leaving your body. You can also do a little yoga or stretching exercises to relax your muscles and give your hands and feet a massage.
Nourish Your Body and Soul with New Food Experiences
One of the best parts of traveling is getting to try new food. While eating Parmigiana di Melanzane in Sicily or street tacos in Mexico City might not be possible now, you can still explore the world through its cuisines at home.
If you have a bit of cooking know-how, try out a recipe for a foreign dish you’ve never had but want to try. If you also want to take a vacation from the kitchen, you might want to order food from a well-reviewed restaurant that offers authentic fare.
Before you try any new food, though, make sure you have your medication on hand, especially if you have food allergies or tend to have an upset stomach. People with gout should also consider taking a tart cherry supplement for uric acid to help prevent flare-ups that can ruin their staycation mood.
Throw Your Own Music Festival
Miss going to music festivals? Why not recreate one at home?
First up, get your playlist ready. Or, if there’s a musician in your household, encourage them to play a set or two.
Next, set the scene with festival-themed décor. Garlands, streamers, balloons, and flowers will transform your living room into a party venue fit for a festival-goer.
Don’t forget the food, as it’s a huge part of the festival experience. You can take inspiration from what you used to eat and drink at festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury or throw some burgers on the grill. You can also set up a bar with vibrant, fresh cocktails that evoke the carefree fun of a sunny weekend in Indio, CA, or Manchester, TN.
If you can’t get solo time, let the whole family (or your housemates) in on the fun. Put on your boho-themed or rockstar-inspired outfit, pitch a tent in your backyard or lay a tie-dye blanket on the floor, and just enjoy the vibe.
Go Out and Enjoy Nature
One thing you can’t recreate indoors is the feeling of being surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature. Fortunately, you probably don’t need to go far to experience this.
Check if there are national parks near you that are accepting visitors. If there aren’t any, even just a walk in a nearby wood, lying on the sand in a local beach, or even a picnic in a neighborhood park can go a long way to making you more relaxed. Studies have shown that you only need 120 minutes in green spaces to feel healthy and have a strong sense of well-being.
Make sure you practice social distancing and health safety protocols if there are other people around. Also, don’t forget to pack some sunblock and bug spray!
Take Some Time Off
Whether you’re working or retired, you likely still have tasks that you do daily. Too much routine can feel monotonous and stifling, so why not shake it up a bit with a staycation?
All this extra time indoors provides a lot of opportunities to learn a new skill or adopt a hobby that gives you a sense of purpose. Try giving yourself a one- or two-day vacation from your regular chores or tasks and use it to do something different. You can learn a new recipe, try a trendy workout, make a scrapbook, or do anything that catches your fancy.
Taking time off to focus on yourself can go a long way toward restoring your holistic well-being and adding color and excitement back to your life. Eventually, when the world opens a bit more, you can look forward to more invigorating vacation experiences that are a little or a lot further from home.
