For the past four or five years, staycations have become the rage, as Americans seek a way to get away from it all without spending a lot of money. While it is harder than ever today to escape from work—with smart phones and iPads and laptops allowing the office to go where you go—by following a few simple rules, you can learn how to plan a getaway in your own backyard.
1. Make a Plan
Just because you aren’t heading to the beach or jetting off to some exotic locale, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a plan for your staycation. Think about what you want to accomplish during your days at home. Do you want to do nothing? Do you want to explore and learn more about the city you live in? Or do you want to plan your own spa retreat by scheduling a massage and/or facial at Massage Envy?
2. Step Away from Technology
Even though work can follow you no matter where you go, at home the temptation to check in at the office via email or phone may be even stronger than when you are away. Resist. Tell co-workers you will be unavailable, just as you (hopefully) would if you were going somewhere. Then stick to it.
3. Don’t Cook
Odds are you go out to eat when you are on vacation, so plan to do the same during your staycation. You can even opt for restaurants in your town that you have never been to before. If you’re really on a budget, plan and prepare meals in advance, so all you have to do is reheat them during your time off.
4. Prep Your Home
Imagine what you would do to prepare your home for guests—clean, stock up on special coffee or treats, stock the fridge? Whatever you would do for a visitor, do for yourself to make your time off in your own home feel more special.
5. Do Something Different
Part of the joy of a vacation is breaking out of your normal routine. Try to replicate this during your staycation. For instance, if you always watch TV in the living room or den, move the television into the bedroom. If you have a guest room, sleep in it instead of your normal bed. If you have kids and the weather allows, they may get a kick out of sleeping in tents in the backyard. Use your imagination and think of ways that you can change things up.
