5 Staycation Ideas During the Pandemic

With the pandemic still ongoing, having a staycation seems more appealing than ever. Since the emergence of Covid-19, we’ve seen a lot of changes going on in the world and we’ve had to adapt. We have spent much of our time at home, and we’ve had time to think about what’s most important in our lives.

We’ve learned that being together with our loved ones is what matters most. Furthermore, we are rediscovering the unique and wonderful characteristics of our own towns. As a result, many of us want to stay local and support our communities as they rebuild.

It’s a new year and with it comes sprouting opportunities both small and great. Now we are in the full throes of spring, and summer is just around the corner. This year why not stay local, save money, and enjoy your home more. Forget about that expensive and short-lived “two-week” vacation you normally go on.

Stay home instead. Indeed, you’ll have the whole summer to build lasting memories and have an amazing time! We’re going to show you how to make the most of it!

In the sections ahead we’ll help you map out an amazing summer staycation and give a little practical advice along the way too, despite the pandemic!

1. Have a Vacation Mindset

As you prepare to enjoy your summer, remember that enjoying your staycation is all about your mental perspective.

Plan Out Little Victories for the Day. It’s best to slow down and take one day at a time. As soon as you rise, think about the one thing you would like to accomplish that day.

What are some of your goals for your house or yard? Do you have rooms you would like to paint or a small victory garden you would like to plant? Are there any hobbies that you want to take on, but just never seem to have the time? Now is your chance!

If you are feeling especially ambitious, plan out an itinerary. Specifically think of fun activities for yourself and set out to do those things you know the whole family will enjoy.

Better yet, create a summer bucket list! You can sit around the breakfast table together as a family and write down your summer goals together. Make sure everyone gets to pick at least one fun thing they want to do while on summer vacay.

Despite the pandemic, try to look at this resulting staycation as an opportunity to grow closer to your family and appreciate being together more.

2. Indulge in Rest and Relaxation

Even when you’re not on vacation, it’s a good habit to practice mindfulness regularly. Take time for yourself so that you can think, reflect, and center.

Sometimes taking the time to enjoy a slower pace and enjoy the things around us can give us a lot of peace. In like manner, as you go about your day, take your time and give yourself permission to “stop and smell the roses.” Everything else can wait.

Consider meditating daily. Find your happy place and remember what is most important to you. Clearing your mind can help you relax, decompress, and settle into vacation mode. Once you have spent some time in meditation, then you will be better equipped to take on the rest of the day. You’ll get a lot of clarity too.

Give Yourself the Spa Treatment!

Create Your Own Meditation Nook
Soak in the Tub and Catch Up on Some Reading
Set aside time for a Massage
Have Your Hair Done
Do Your Nails
Craft Your Own Bath Essentials.
- Make Your Own Lotions & Creams
- Mix Your Own Perfumes Using Essential Oils

Now is the time to pamper and improve upon yourself. Take luxurious and relaxing salt baths. Adopt a healthier diet. Partake in an exercise routine. Maybe practice a little yoga. The main takeaway here is, allow yourself to RECHARGE!

Additionally, don’t forget to pamper your significant other too. Make Your Partner Breakfast in Bed! What better way is there to get into a vacation mood than to serve each other a lavish meal in bed?! Your partner will feel pampered and appreciated. What a pleasant start to the day!

3. Enjoy Outings Into the Backyard

Let’s head out to the backyard, because you’ll have lots of fun activities to keep you busy all summer long and carry you right on through into fall.

Camp in the Backyard – Why not get an extra big luxury tent like this one and camp out in the backyard. You can tell ghost stories, roast marshmallows, and have a wonderful time. Undoubtedly, the kids will love it!

Plant Some Flowers and Keep an Edible Food Garden – This is a great way to bond as a family, work toward having a better diet, build extra skillsets, and it’s great exercise.

Invest in a Small Backyard Pool – Having a backyard retreat can make all the difference this summer. You’ll stay cool and have fun together.

Have a date night – So there’s this happening local spot with outside seating and string lights nearby. The music is pretty good too. Best of all, it’s conveniently located on your back patio. Never underestimate the potential of your own back yard!

Wine Under the Stars – Put the kids to bed and head out to the backyard. For added comfort, put down a few large and cozy blankets. Don’t forget to bring your favorite wine, some glasses, and maybe a small platter of olives and cheese. Then as you lay on your back and watch for shooting stars, you can philosophize, reminisce, laugh, or talk just about life. Click here for upcoming astronomical events.

4. Explore Around Town

Once you’ve had plenty of R & R, there will be time to have some fun out and about! In this section, we’ve outlined a few things you can do to stay active this summer.

Support Local Businesses – While on your staycation, remember that many businesses have taken a huge financial hit due to the pandemic. With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to shop small and support your local mom-and-pop shops.

Go On Long Weekend Bike Rides – It’s free, refreshing, and something you can easily do together. Besides, you know you want a stylish bike like this one!

Apple Picking – As fall approaches, go pick apples together. It’s so much fun!

Set Up Weekly Picnic Excursions – Getting out with the family to have a quality meal and simply visit a bit, can be extremely relaxing and refreshing. We’ve got you covered, here’s some great gear for your adventure.

Go to Your Local Farmers Market – Without a doubt, being out in the sunshine and discovering new items at your local market is always a sure way to put a smile on your face.

Go on a photo walk – What better way is there to explore your metropolitan area than to invest in a quality SLR camera like this one? You’ll capture some amazing pictures.

5. Have Fun in Your Home

One of the greatest pleasures in life is getting to be at home with our loved ones. In view of this, here are some ideas about how to make the most of your time together.

Home Improvement Renovation Projects – Since you will be staying home, likely due to the pandemic, and saving a lot of money too, why not use some of that travel money to make your home a staycation destination!

Weekly Board Game Nights – There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition. Find out who’s the best! Let the games begin!

Joint Puzzle Activity – Sure to keep the whole family busy for hours. When you’re finished, you can affix your new creation onto some cardboard and permanently attach it to appropriate matting, and then frame it. Subsequently, you might have to negotiate who gets to keep this new masterpiece and where it gets to be placed.

Schedule a Poker Night – Up the ante! Whoever wins, gets out of chores for a week. Alternatively, whoever wins, gets to keep that wonderful new puzzle creation, mentioned above!

Have a Dance Competition – Crank up your favorite tunes and get moving. Then cast a vote to see who the best dancer is and award prizes.

Become a Master Chess Player – With this travel anywhere chess set you are sure to relax and enjoy spending quality time together.

Plan a Karaoke Night – Have a few friends over and get the whole family involved. Get prepared for hilarity to ensue. Need help picking out a new karaoke machine? You can try this one.

Cook and Bake Together – Spend more time thoroughly enjoying the creative cooking process. Preparing a homemade meal has a lot of rewards and it’s something you all can do together. It’s sure to build lasting memories.

Related: how to have a social life while working from home

Closing Thoughts

Create a home that you truly enjoy. When you love your home, going someplace else to have a good time just doesn’t seem as important anymore. Even so, invest in things that are sure to provide years of entertainment and enjoyment.

Additionally, Pick activities that enable you to bond with your family and connect in a meaningful and authentic way.

While on your staycation, keep video games and television to a minimum. This is because, sometimes it is best to shift our focus to what really matters and empowers us the most. Let your colleagues and friends know that during this time of the pandemic you are on a staycation.

We may need a change of scenery ever so often, but there is so much to discover right under our noses and in our own town.