Here is a well-curated bunch of foolproof strategies for achieving a permanent vacation-like state year-long without overspending or leaving your home. Enjoy!
Yearning for a break from the daily grind? Though you may not be able to travel right now, you can still create a holiday atmosphere in your home or town. Check out these ideas to make it feel like you are on vacation.
Stop using technology excessively
Technology can simplify our lives, but it can also bring stress and anxiety. Taking a break from technology, as you would on a vacation, can help you relax.
Make time each day to turn off your gadgets and enjoy quality time with your family, go for a walk, or read a book. You may be surprised at how refreshing an unplugged break can be.
Make a bucket list of the places you want to visit
Create a list of the destinations you wish to travel to and the experiences you aspire to have; this list can be a source of optimism in anticipation of future plans. Then, you can take a virtual tour of all the places you want to go.
Prioritize your own well-being
To reap the same relaxation benefits of a vacation, practice self-care by engaging in activities that promote your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Spend a day at a nearby hotel, book a massage, try yoga, or meditate. Or create a spa day at home, fill the tub with essential oils, light scented lamps, and take deep breaths for a calming experience. Self-care leads to a feeling of renewal and revitalization.
Create a vacation atmosphere in your home
Transform your home into a relaxed getaway by investing in some vibrant plants, cushions, and accessories. Set up a hammock or other seating area to read and relax. Add music and candles with a beach scent to complete the atmosphere.
Read a book and take yourself off for an adventure
Take a journey to a distant land by reading a book set in an exotic or touristy destination. Let your imagination take you away!
Here are some book recommendations for you:
- The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho (set in Spain and Egypt)
- Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden (set in Japan)
- Shantaram, by Gregory David Roberts (set in India)
- The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini (set in Afghanistan)
- The Beach, by Alex Garland (set in Thailand)
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (set in New York, US)
- Like Water For Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (set in Mexico)
- Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie (set in India)
- Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen (set in Kenya)
- A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway (set in Italy)
- The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver (set in the Belgian Congo)
- The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway (set in Paris, France)
And if you have kids, encourage your children to love reading.
Acquire a new ability
Vacationing in a new country can be extremely rewarding. Recreate the experience by enrolling in a cooking, or language class.
Not only will you learn a new talent or skill, but you will also feel a greater sense of fulfillment and add an adventurous element to your everyday life.
Novelty increases memory retention and creates positive memories, making time appear more expansive and valuable. So remember to incorporate slowing down and enjoying the present moment into your daily routine.
Host a travel-themed movie night
Create a cozy home theater atmosphere by hosting a movie night complete with snacks and beverages.
- Choose a cozy room in your house to set up your movie screening. Make sure it is comfortable and has enough seating for everyone.
- Invest in a projector or a large-screen TV to really get the movie theater experience.
- Arrange to seat with comfortable chairs or couches and plenty of soft blankets and pillows.
- Create a concession stand in your home with classic movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and soda.
- Set up dim lighting or turn the lights off to create a theater-like ambiance.
- Choose a selection of movies to screen ahead of time and allow your guests to vote on which one they want to watch.
- Make sure your sound system is set up properly to provide high-quality audio.
- Provide subtitles or closed captioning options for guests who may need them.
- Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy the movie with your friends and family!
Set up a tipi or a tent
How about installing a tipi in your living room?
Or, if you have a garden why not pitch a real tent in your backyard, start a campfire, and marvel at the stars? Here’s how to make it happen:
Start by selecting a flat spot in your backyard for your tent, ensuring the area is clear of any sharp objects. Then, unpack and lay out the tent, attach the poles and insert into the sleeves, then secure them.
When that’s done, assemble some firewood and light a fire. You can also roast marshmallows and hot dogs over the fire.
And there you have it, the easiest way to enjoy a memorable staycation with your significant other, your friends, or your family beneath the stars.
Incorporate fun activities into your exercise routine
Try out a new at-home fitness activity, such as Zumba or pool aerobics. Here’s how you can get started:
- Choose an activity that you enjoy and that suits your fitness level, such as Zumba or pool aerobics.
- Find a suitable space in your home where you can do the activity comfortably.
- Make sure you have the necessary equipment or accessories, such as a workout mat or water weights.
- Set a regular schedule for your at-home activity and make it a priority in your daily routine.
- Start with a warm-up and stretch before beginning your activity, and cool down and stretch afterward.
- Monitor your progress and adjust your routine as needed to challenge yourself and avoid plateaus.
- Stay motivated by setting goals and tracking your progress
Plan a board game night
Invite some friends over for some board games and make it a themed party. Travel-themed board games are a great way to explore the world from the comfort of your own home. Popular travel-themed board games include:
- Ticket to Ride, where players compete to build the longest train route across Europe, the USA, or other exotic landscapes.
- Carcassonne is a game where players compete to create the most impressive medieval city by strategically placing roads, monasteries, cities, and farms on a map.
- Puerto Rico is an earnings-based game where players take on the role of successful colonial governors managing plantations, using resources to build and ships to trade.
Through these games, players gain crucial problem-solving skills as well as a newfound appreciation for all different cultures and landmarks around the globe.
Organize an at-home treasure hunt
Create a scavenger hunt at home to discover interesting things in and around your house.
First, make a list of interesting items in or around your house that people need to find. Then, write clues or riddles that will help people locate each item on the list and hide the items in creative places around your house or yard. Finally, think of a small prize or treat for those who successfully complete the treasure hunt.
Some examples of items you could include on your list are a unique piece of artwork, a tasty treat or a favorite plant in your garden.
Find a connection to the natural world
Taking a break and spending time in nature can help you feel more grounded and in the moment. Go outside and enjoy the beauty of a sunset, the sound of birds chirping, or the tranquility of a park.
To enhance the feeling of peace, you can start your own vegetable garden on a budget or bring nature indoors with plants, flowers, timber, or stone. Connect with your environment and experience a sense of ease, calm, and connection.
Take a break and stay local planning a staycation
Enjoying a staycation can be a great way to explore and appreciate the area you live in.
Book a night or two at a nearby hotel, retreat, or bed and breakfast for a mini vacation with all the amenities.
Visit museums, parks, and restaurants in your city as if you were a tourist, and take photos to make sure you capture the memories.
Trying new cuisines for a unique experience is always a great idea too.
Explore the great outdoors
Maximize vacation vibes in your own backyard! From the beach to the forest- take a day to explore the outdoor treasure trove that can be found in your neighborhood.
Pack a picnic and bask in the view- no passport required!
Create a journal
Construct a scrapbook, photo album, or travelogue to preserve memorable experiences from previous trips. Here’s how:
- Choose the type of album you want to create (scrapbook or photo album)
- Gather all the materials you need such as paper, glue, stickers, decorations, and photos
- Select the photos that you want to include and arrange them in a logical order
- Create a layout for each page and decide on the design elements you want to include
- Start putting the pages together by attaching the photos and adding decorative elements
- Include captions or descriptions for each photo to provide context and share your memories
- Personalize the album by including mementos such as tickets, brochures, or postcards
- Finish by reviewing the album
Sample the local delicacies
Enjoy the experience of local cuisine while traveling. You can recreate it by exploring and trying new restaurants in your hometown.
Alternatively, you can also host a themed dinner party at home where you can serve food inspired by your favorite destination.
Get ready for your next thrilling journey
Get excited about planning your next trip! Start by making a list of goals, doing some research, and saving up. Even without the actual travel right now, the anticipation and thrill of prepping for a vacation will bring joy to your everyday life.
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No matter your location or financial circumstances, you can make every day feel like a holiday. Try one of these suggestions and start feeling like you’re on vacation now!
