As Covid-19 continues to impact the global community, and summer holiday season etches slowly closer, it’s only natural to weigh up your options for your next get-away.
Regardless of if your typical vacation involves hiking volcanoes, exploring coral reefs, lounging on the beach or delving into a city’s historic past, one thing guaranteed is that this year will be different for most. Sometimes, there is really no place like home, follow our tips below to bring the holiday feeling into your living space.
Planning is Everything
Like any great holiday, a great staycation needs a plan. When you’re staying away from home, a lot of mundane activities are automatically cut from your schedule. However, when you’re in your normal environment, it’s very easy to be sucked back into your routine and may feel like the perfect time to get all your chores completed. Make your plan – you can be productive, but it’s also important to make time for relaxation, fun and recharging your batteries.
Have a Spa Day
Staying at home does not mean you can’t be spoilt. Plan a DIY spa day to enjoy in the comfort of your own home; fill the bathtub, apply a face mask with cucumber slices and choose your favourite mani-pedi colour. If you’re lucky to be staying with a significant other, a foot rub may be in the cards also. Use essential oils to re-create aromatherapy treatments.
To re-create a spa experience, refresh your towels, upgrade your hand lotion and relax in a robe and slippers.
Role Play
Having the luxury of someone bringing you a tray of hot food is just one of the perks of your holiday. If you are staying with a partner or housemate, swap days that you each prepare and serve the other room service.
Nothing beats the anticipation of freshly made coffee and pancakes, cooked by someone else and served to you in bed. Looking for inspiration? Check out our PS Life recipes here.
Dinner Date
If you would usually be an adventurous eater and delve into the local cuisine, transform your kitchen into a dining destination. Try new recipes and have fun recreating exotic dinners from your own home. If you’re really feeling creative, make a starter, mains, dessert and beverages inspired from a culture or cuisine.
Not feeling creative? Choose a new item from your local restaurant delivery menu or choose a cuisine you have never tried before.
While in the kitchen, think about trying a new wine or learning a new cocktail recipe to enjoy with your creations.
Pitch a Tent
If you have a garden, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the great outdoors right in your own backyard. Get out the camping gear, tell some spooky stories with a flashlight and toast marshmallows on the campfire (or in the kitchen).
Be Social
Don’t forget to let your friends know you’re taking time off. Take the time to catch up with friends and family and spend your holidays ‘together’. Since you are not at work you have time to dedicate to video calls, online bingo with friends and phone calls. You’ll never know who may join you for a brunch mimosa over a video call, unless you let them know you’re available. Time spent with good friends and family can be rejuvinating and inspiring.
Sleep Luxuriously
Getting a good night’s sleep is a huge part of being relaxed and refreshed while on holidays. Use the time you normally spend commuting to catch up on sleep.
Don’t forget to take some time to wind-down from the day. Create a ritual before going to bed; light candles, practice meditation, read a book, drink a cup of decaffeinated tea or have a bath.
Host Your Own Film Festival
Show a screening of your favorite movie series, golden oldies or those movies you would be embarrassed to be caught watching. Whatever you’re in the mood for, make some popcorn, dim the lights and make yourself comfortable.
If you’re staying in with company, discuss preferred film genres in advance, sit back and enjoy the show!
Hold a Yoga Retreat
Find your ‘om’ and recreate some yoga retreat luxuries in your own home. Infuse water with calming chamomile and mint leaves, unroll your yoga mat, tune into some online yoga tutorials and reap the rewards.
Get Outside
If local health and government authorities permit, and the weather isn’t up to its usual tricks, plan an outdoor excursion. Lace up your hiking boots, visit a nearby park or walk along the beach. Soaking up some nature will help lift your mood and balance out in-door time
Take a Virtual Tour
The world’s most famous tourist attractions are available for you to explore from your own home. Destinations like Machu Picchu, the Louvre and the Great Wall of China are available online for your sightseeing pleasure.
Turn Your Phone Off
Even if it’s only for a couple of hours, take the opportunity to relax and unwind without being bombarded with news reports or social media.
Studies have shown that the average person struggles to go little more than 10 minutes without checking their phone. We know it’s hard to resist the temptation, but at the least, delete your work email account from your phone when you’re on holiday to avoid ‘just checking’.
Do you have other ideas for getting away from it all in your own home? Or have you taken inspiration from our tips above? We would love to hear!
