Everyone would probably agree that the COVID-19 pandemic is the worst time to travel. Countries have been banning foreign visitors, air travel remains risky, and some areas restrict interstate trips. These reasons all come down to one thing — people have limited vacation options.
As COVID-19 made everyday life seemingly hard, the mental distress and financial fallout caused by the pandemic have driven people to look for ways to take a break and recharge. Some are trying out vacations sprees by going camping or availing of boat cruises similar to ones used for bucks parties to escape the crowd. This gives them a chance to party with their closest friends while staying safe.
When vacation trips may seem like a stretch, staycation offers a great alternative to experience rest and recreation without spending more. Although staycation is often labeled as a budget option for those who can’t afford to travel, it’s still an ideal way to enjoy your vacation without going too far. If you’re looking for some fun and easy vacation ideas amid a pandemic, here are ways to pull off a memorable staycation.
Explore your city
Whether you live in a large city or suburbs, there are countless ways to plan an adventure weekend. Even if you live in an urban area, there are still a lot of things you’ve probably never tried within your city.
Becoming a tourist in your own city allows you to discover places you haven’t visited before. Chances are, your city has a lot of great attractions to offer. Our lives have become so fast-paced that our responsibilities kept us from appreciating the things around us. If we take the time to explore these places, we’ll be surprised at the number of great finds we’ll discover.
Your main goal is to check out places you never do or see in your community. These can be local parks, hidden coffee shops, green spaces, and other interesting sights. If there’s a new room in the nearby hotel, why not spend a day or two for some relaxation? Give yourself the version of your city that visitors see. This will give you a newer perspective and appreciation for your community.
Most cities today are incorporating green spaces amid high-rise buildings and commercial establishments. This allows city dwellers to take a break from the bustle of urban life and experience the health benefits of nature.
Becoming a visitor in your community provides the same level of fun and excitement when on vacation. This will also help the local economy by supporting small businesses around your neighborhood.
Turn your home into a spa destination
Anyone who deals with stress regularly will definitely love a weekend spa experience. Most tourists love visiting spas on vacation to de-stress, relieve body aches, and devote time for some self-care. If you love spas when going on vacations, there’s no need to leave the house to recreate that experience.
Self-care products such as bath salts, scented candles, and essential oils will help you experience the relaxing environment a spa offers. You can run a hot bath, light some candles, turn on soothing music, and you got the perfect ambiance for a spa experience. You can also spend the day doing manicures and pedicures, enjoying a long shower, or buying beauty and wellness products for home use.
If you want to take your spa vacation to the next level, create a spa in your home by adding some upgrades. You can search online on how to design a home spa without breaking the bank.
Practice mindfulness exercises
The best thing about going on vacation is that it offers an escape from all the work stress, including emails from your boss, unexpected phone calls, and other work-related tasks. But setting a boundary with work-life can be difficult for some people, especially if they’re used to it.
When taking a staycation, do it like any other vacation. Block everything that will disrupt your relaxation, including social media. Instead, try a meditation retreat by practicing mindfulness. This is one of the easiest forms of relaxation since it doesn’t require too much time and effort. You need to set aside some for yourself by spending time alone in a quiet place where you can do some meditation without interruptions.
There’s no need to travel too far to experience a fun vacation. Planning a big trip can be hard, which can easily spoil your vacation plans from the get-go. Why not take everything easily by trying a two to three-day staycation? This allows you to explore interesting places without going over your budget while staying safe.
