There’s a lot to be said for traveling vacations. Falling asleep on a plane only to wake up halfway around the world is thrilling or driving several hours for a stay in the next city can be fun. There’s a downside to vacations like these, though. The jet lag and stress of it all can diminish the excitement quickly. Sometimes, you just need to unwind and rejuvenate, both physically and mentally, and home is often the best place to be to do so.
At-home vacations, or “staycations,” can be just as fun as any traveling vacation, and in many cases, be even more relaxing. Since you don’t have to pack or go anywhere, you can focus on the task at hand – relaxing and enjoying life. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the ultimate stay-at-home vacation.
1. Get Chores Done Ahead Of Time
The last thing you want to worry about on your vacation is chores. You don’t have to worry about them if you go away, and you shouldn’t have to worry about them while you’re on vacation at home, either. Get things like dusting, vacuuming, and laundry done before your vacation starts and don’t think about them again until your vacation is over.
2. Invest In Some Added Comfort
Your home may be the most comfortable place on the planet to you, but for a real vacation feel, add some extra luxuries. For example, adjust the lighting in your home to be more relaxing and calming. Soft ambient lighting can really change the mood of any room.
Also, purchase a couple plush area rugs for the living room and bedroom. These add a touch of warmth and can be a great place for reading if you add in a couple of floor pillows.
Lastly, buy yourself some new bedding. Not only will it feel like you’re someplace else when you slip into bed, you’ll have some new sheets for after your vacation is over.
3. Create Ideal Vacay Spaces
If your idea of a great vacation includes the spa, create a spa-like staycation by transforming your bathroom with scented candles, relaxing music, and essential oils.
If camping is more your thing, create an outdoor oasis by setting up your camping gear in the backyard and enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer for the length of your vacation.
4. Plan Meals Ahead of Time
Don’t waste any of your precious vacation time trying to figure out what to eat. Figure out ahead of time what you’d like to eat and get the shopping done before your vacation starts. If you like to cook, think about making more complicated meals you don’t normally have time to prepare or even consider hiring a chef to come in and cook for you.
Be sure you have menus and phone numbers ready for your favorite places to eat out so ordering from them for delivery is super easy, too.
5. Map It Out
If you have an idea of what you’d like your staycation to be, map it out beforehand and delegate tasks to each member of the family. Don’t take on all the planning and execution yourself. Make it a family plan that everyone contributes so the stay-at-home vacation is a success.
When you’ve got some time off and you just want to relax and rejuvenate, taking a staycation is a great idea. With just a few tweaks, you can prepare for the ultimate stay-at-home vacation.
