Summer is here, and while many are jetting off to exotic destinations, some of us are choosing (or needing) to stay closer to home. But don’t let the lack of travel plans bring you down—staycations can be just as fun, relaxing, and memorable. Here are ten tips to make the most of your summer at home.
Why it’s Okay to Spend Your Summer at Home
Let’s face it, sometimes life doesn’t align with our grand vacation plans. But here’s the good news: you don’t always have to go on a vacation to get that holiday feeling. Staying home this summer can be just as fulfilling, exciting, and rejuvenating. Here’s why:
- Stress-Free Planning: Forget the hassle of booking flights, finding accommodations, and packing. A staycation allows you to unwind without the logistical headaches.
- Budget-Friendly: Save money on travel expenses and splurge on local experiences or home improvements instead. Your wallet will thank you.
- Discover Local Gems: Often, we overlook the beauty and attractions in our own backyard. Use this time to explore and appreciate your local area.
- Quality Time at Home: Spend more time with family and pets. Create lasting memories without the rush of itineraries.
- Personalized Comfort: Enjoy the comfort of your own home. No strange beds, no adjusting to different environments – just pure, personalized comfort.
- Flexible Schedule: Enjoy the freedom of a flexible schedule. Sleep in, take afternoon naps, and set your own pace.
- Reduce Travel Fatigue: Skip the jet lag and travel fatigue. Feel refreshed and energized without the need for recovery time.
- Home Sweet Spa: Transform your home into a spa retreat. Pamper yourself with homemade facials, long baths, and relaxation routines.
- Creative Adventures: Engage in creative activities like cooking new recipes, crafting, or home projects. Rediscover your passions.
- Mindful Relaxation: Use this time for mindfulness and relaxation. Practice yoga, meditation, or simply enjoy the tranquility of your space.
10 Tips for Awesome Staycation
1. Create a Home Spa Day
Why not start your staycation by pampering yourself? Turn your bathroom into a mini spa with scented candles, a bubble bath, and a good book. You can even DIY some face masks and scrubs. Trust me, your body and mind will thank you!
2. Backyard Camping Adventure
Set up a tent in your backyard, string up some fairy lights, and have a camping night. Roast marshmallows, tell spooky stories, and enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of packing up the car. This way you still get the feeling of being on vacation but still have the luxury of having your own house a few feet away.
3. Take a Culinary Trip Around the World
Miss traveling? Let your taste buds do the exploring. Pick a different country each night and cook its traditional dishes. You might discover a new favorite cuisine without leaving your kitchen. One night, you make lots of Italian food, the next night you can try Spanish food. And don’t forget to invite people to make it even cozier.
4. Movie Marathon Madness
Turn your living room into a cozy theater. Pick a theme – like ‘80s classics, superhero sagas, or romantic comedies – and binge away with popcorn and comfy blankets. Bonus points for building a pillow fort! And no, pillow or blanket forts are not just for children.
5. Rediscover Your Neighborhood
How well do you really know your own neighborhood? Take a walk or bike ride to explore nearby parks, trails, and hidden gems. You might be surprised at what you find just around the corner. And it is a win-win situation because maybe you will find new beautiful places, but at the same time you are also moving your body. A cool way to discover your neighborhood or a different neighborhood is to try ‘Geocaching’. It is treasure-seeking for everyone. But sometimes it brings you to amazing beautiful places.
6. Home Improvement Projects
Channel your inner HGTV star and tackle some home improvement projects. Whether it’s painting a room, building a garden, or just rearranging furniture, freshening up your space can be incredibly satisfying. This is definitely on my to-do list this summer. You can use Pinterest for some inspiration and just take your time. Don’t rush anything. It is still your vacation.
7. Learn Something New
Ever wanted to learn a new language, play an instrument, or try your hand at painting? Use this time to pick up a new hobby or skill. There are tons of online classes and tutorials to get you started. A free and easy way to learn a new language is the app/website Duolingo. I use it every single day and you can decide how much time you spend on learning a new language. But there are so many things you can learn this summer.
8. Host a Virtual Game Night
Connect with friends and family for a virtual game night. There are plenty of online games that you can play together, from trivia to board games. It’s a fun way to stay connected and have a few laughs.
9. Dive into a Good Book
Catch up on your reading list. Create a cozy reading nook and lose yourself in a good book. Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or a bit of both, reading is a great way to unwind and escape. For this summer, I also made a summer reading list and it is super long, but I am definitely going to enjoy it. In my opinion there is nothing better than sitting at home with a drink and a good book. I mostly read in the evening and I can hear the birds singing in the background, which is very relaxing. Reading does not have to be expensive. You can go to the library, ask your friends or go to a thrift store to save some money.
10. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy a staycation is to do absolutely nothing. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Just take some time to breathe, relax, and enjoy the slower pace of life. Mindfulness and meditation have so many benefits. You will have less negative thoughts, you will feel better, more energetic, and so on. You don’t have to meditation for hours every day. I mean, you can if you want to. But some people recommend just to meditate for 15 minutes.
Bonus: Get Crafty
Unleash your creativity with some DIY crafts. Whether it’s painting, knitting, or making jewelry, crafting can be a fun and rewarding way to spend your time.
So there you have it! Staying at home this summer can be a fantastic way to relax, recharge, and maybe even learn something new. Plus, you can enjoy all the comforts of home while creating new and exciting experiences. Who knew staying in could be so much fun?
Happy staycationing, everyone! 🌞🏡✨
Photo by Eilis Garvey on Unsplash