Summer is almost in session, and we all know what that means - vacation! Pretty soon you’re going to be chilling in the sand, sipping on a fruity beverage in a cute sunhat, getting your tan on. Maybe you’ll meet a cute surfer while bumming on the beach, or maybe you’ll have the best time playing with your kiddos in the waves. It’s going to be fantastic!
But wait...what if you don’t have a vacation planned yet for the summer?
Before your heart starts racing and the alarms start going off, let me tell you a little secret: vacations are totally overrated! You’re probably thinking I’m crazy for saying such a thing, but hear me out.
Before your heart starts racing and the alarms start going off, let me tell you a little secret: vacations are totally overrated! You’re probably thinking I’m crazy for saying such a thing, but hear me out. Everyone deserves a break from the mundane. Going to work five days a week while juggling hobbies, responsibilities, and a social life can be so exhausting. We all need to take time off to rest and recharge every once in a while. So consider this - what if you don’t take a vacation, and instead have a staycation?
A staycation is exactly what it sounds like - it’s a vacation in your hometown! If you live in a place with a lot of culture and the promise of fun and unique experiences, a staycation may be perfect for you this year. Take a week or so off work to stay at home, sleep in, and explore the parts of your city that you’ve never been to or go to your favorite places that you never have time to visit. By staying home for your vacation, you’ll save so much money on travel expenses, rental cars, and lodging so that you can instead use that money for yummy restaurants and interesting activities and attractions.
If you’re still having trouble imagining just how great a staycation can be for you, let me help you out with a list of possible activities you can try this summer in your city.
1. Explore the outdoors.
Most cities have local parks and nature trails open to the public. If you’re having a staycation, one of the best ways to explore your city is to go on a hike and check out some of the natural beauty your town has to offer.
2. Have a spa day.
We often don’t take care of ourselves as we should. We’re overworked, and yet we feel pressure to keep trucking along. The greatest gift you can give yourself is permission to take a spa day. Most towns have spas scattered throughout, so on your staycation make it a priority to book a massage, facial, haircut, pedicure, or whatever pampering service your heart desires!
3. Be a local tourist.
Blend in with the out-of-towners and check out your town’s greatest tourist attractions for your next staycation. Search your city on Trip Advisor and go down the list of the best activities in your town. You might be surprised at how many awesome experiences your city has to offer!
4. Try interesting cuisines.
When we live somewhere for a long time, we develop habits. Our dining preferences become narrower as time goes on, and we become regulars at certain establishments. On your staycation, put yourself out there and check out a restaurant you’ve never been to before in your town. You might find a new favorite!
5. Stay at a fancy hotel.
You may think a staycation is meant to be had at your home. Not necessarily! If you have an adorable bed and breakfast or a five-star hotel in your town, why not stay there for a couple of nights during your staycation? You’ll feel like your visiting a city far away, and it might be nice to escape the messes and stresses that can come up at home.
6. Day at the museum.
If your city has a couple of museums, go check them out during your staycation. You might be surprised by what you learn. Art, history, and science museums are all common attractions for mid-to-large-sized cities.
7. Chill out at home.
Finally, one of the best things to do on a staycation is to just relax on the couch and watch Netflix all day with your dog. There’s nothing like vegging out, eating your favorite snack foods and bingeing the newest hit TV show all day long. If you’re a homebody, this may be the perfect vacation for you!
