I’m an out-and-proud Homebody, so not being able to travel anywhere for the last two years wasn't so bad for me. I love plodding around the house, gardening, and generally being a Happy House Nerd.
But this year, it seems like everyone we know is on holiday somewhere fun. EVERYONE! We're on austerity measures this year, trying to save up for a trip abroad next year, so we're spending this month at home. I’ve decided to create a fun Holiday-at-Home situation to mitigate that creeping case of FOMO when I scroll through my feed.
How to Plan Your Staycation
1. Unplug From Technology
I'll admit I do check my emails even when on holiday, but I am trying to make a genuine effort not to crack the laptop during my designated "Staycation" days. Once you start opening emails, it's game over.
2. Make A Staycation Plan
Get your family and friends on board with your proposed downtime, and make sure you have some fun things to do. Just staying home isn't going to feel like a Holiday (especially if you work there). Try to plan your days & nights the way you would if you were really on a trip. You don't have to go crazy with a rigid schedule but planning local outings to the Farmers’ market and packing a picnic can be a fun day if the weather behaves itself. If it doesn’t, why not plan a movie day? Pick a favourite, hop under a cozy throw, and make popcorn & hot chocolate!
3. Hotel At Home
I decided to treat us all to fresh linen sheets (we needed them anyway). I cut greenery and succulents, put them in cute vases, sprayed everything with a delicious fresh scent, and put new candles in every bathroom.
4. Create A Backyard Resort
Our house is still pretty new (to us), but I got a few little "extras" to make it even more inviting to be in our backyard. I moved our patio furniture around, ordered string lights for the terrace, and put Turkish Towels behind every patio chair to take the chill out of alfresco dinners!
5. Set Up A Bar
Cocktails anyone? Now's the perfect time to shake things up behind the bar (you're not going anywhere, so you don't have to drive or even worry about finding an Uber)! We put a new spin on our usual Gin & Tonic recipe by adding frozen strawberry cubes made with basil + Simple Syrup. They go down very nicely. Make a pitcher.
6. Book A Spa Day
Get a few pampering things to take bath time to the next level. Add some delicious body oil, and luxuriate in the tub a little longer than you usually would. If you do a dry brush session before the bath and a fascia brush afterwards, you'll feel like you've had a full-on spa treatment!
7. Take “Holiday” Snaps
I'm making a point to take more photos of the family (even at home). Both our boys are at college this year, so we want to savour our precious time with them. They might complain about your paparazzi efforts, but take them anyway! You'll all be glad you did someday.
A Stay-cation might not top a trip to Sardinia, but if you have the right attitude and make the most of your downtime, a home stay may be one of the most relaxing Holidays you've ever had. At least you don't have to go through an airport!
Xx, mlk
