Even with signs of economic recovery, summer vacation is unaffordable for thousands this year. However, what many people fail to realize is just how relaxing a “staycation” can be right at home. “Staycations” aren’t a particularly new phenomenon, but as the recession continues to grip the U.S and Canadian economies, those who cannot take the summertime getaways are finding just as much to enjoy at home as they can otherwise see abroad. Here are a few elements to make your “staycation” a relaxing and enjoyable one.
Feel Great About Spending Vacation Time At Home
Many would-be “staycationers” feel bad about taking one of their precious vacation weeks to just stay at home. Then again, if you already know that you’re not going anywhere expensive or exotic, you may as well release the guilt and enjoy some well-deserved time off work. Of course, if you’re one of the unfortunate many who are already unemployed, you may feel guilty for not looking for work during that week. Release that guilt, too. If you’re in a financial position to do so, take a week, or even just two or three days, away from the pavement pounding to relax.
Getting Your Chores Done
On the first day of your vacation at home, get your chores done. Get your groceries, cleaning, sweeping, exercising, etc. out of the way. If you’re scouting for jobs, send out as many resumes as you can on that first day as well. Even if you get a call-back, it won’t be for at least a day or so, which can be plenty of time to unwind even a little. Do this, and the way will be clear for your remaining staycation.
Become a Tourist In Your Own City
Just as you visit other cities, millions of tourists may flock to your own home for a taste of something different and exotic. Find out where they go. Even if you live in a small-town, odds are you are close to a major metropolis like Chicago or New York, or a major attraction like Niagara Falls or Coney Island. Find out what the local hotspots are and go there.
Discover Local Heritage
Thousands of New Yorkers have lived in the city their entire lives yet they've never been to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island. The same goes for residents of innumerable other communities; there are many sights and gems right there at home that you’ve never seen. Take a walk in the most historic part of your town, learn a bit about its roots and its unique heritage. See the things you don’t normally see as you run your errands or go to work.
Indulge in Everything You’ve Been Putting Off
If you’ve wanted to get that massage, but haven’t done so yet, make your appointment. Book a reservation at that restaurant that you’ve wanted. Have that picnic in the park, or set up that baseball or soccer game. Take the time to draw or paint or whatever it is you haven’t had the time to do. This is the time to do it.
Visit The People You Never See
If you have relatives or friends nearby who you haven’t seen in a long time, call them up and meet them for brunch or dinner one day. This can be especially helpful if you’re looking for work, as they may know of openings that you wouldn’t have otherwise found. You never know.
Finally, Pick One Day To Sleep In, Guilt-Free
After all, in these sleep deprived times, if you can’t stay in bed on staycation, when else can you?
Jody Aberdeen - Jody Aberdeen is a freelance writer and the author of QLO: The Quarter-Life Opportunity, a discussion of the Quarter-Life Crisis. He is a ...
