Can’t get away? Here are some great, budget-friendly options to help you unwind and reset. Steps for success include:
- Set a start and end date Block off specific dates and even hours of the day to start and end, just as you would if you were leaving on a holiday. This gives you firm boundaries around your “away time” and tells the world when you will be back to real-life commitments.
- Set a budget Decide how much you can spend. Staycations don’t have to be expensive and often being creative will give you an even better, debt free experience.
- Start fresh Get your home cleaned beforehand. Whether you treat yourself to a cleaning service or ask a friend to, getting your home spic and spam ready will s set the mood and the stage for a good experience.
- Eat well Whether you order take out or drop into a local restaurant for a good meal, treat yourself a bit. Try something new one day. Do a combination of your favourite pizza deliveries the next.
- Join a virtual travel tour Are there places around the world that are on your “bucket list?” Why not join a virtual tour on an African Safari or an amazing adventure to Antarctic? These virtual tours are often free and let you travel vicariously through others.
- Play vacation music Put on your favourite tunes or play some music from far-away places. There is nothing like the sound of steel drums to get you into the “island mood.”
- Get some exercise Try an online yoga class from your living room or join a walking tour of your own city. Get your body moving—it’s good for your health and your spirit too.
- Put the world “on hold” Set a schedule to check phone and email if you can’t turn it off altogether. Staying away from social media and yes, even turning the nightly news off is good for you.
- Light up your evenings Make a plan to enjoy an evening outside by having some pretty candles, dozens of tea lights or a few large lanterns. Candles create calm to help you relax and escape.
- Pick a fun theme Define what kind of style you want—will you be glamorous, relaxed, comfy cozy or elegant—for your staycation. A theme will help guide activities, what you wear, where you go and what to eat.
- Have a “Mini Film Festival” Escape to far-away places, get engulfed in new adventures or solve a mystery.
