Here are 10 tips that will make your home feel like a luxury resort
Let’s be honest — staying at home is pretty boring. It’s a space you know all-to-well, and if you work from home like me, your home is also your office. And who wants to stay in the office after hours? Don’t get me wrong, choosing your sheets over the streets is therapeutic every once in a while— nothing beats a much needed nap or movie night from the comfort of your own home— but the idea of a staycation (AKA taking a vacation at home) seems like a snore-fest. How many activities can you actually do at home to avoid what feels like inevitable boredom? Does a staycation even count as a real vacation?
If you can’t already tell, I’ve always been skeptical about the concept of a staycation. My favorite part of taking so much-needed time off is packing my bags and jetting off to a place and settling into Vacation Kui, my beloved alter ego that only makes an appearance when I’m not at home. Accessing Vacation Kui is integral to my vacation experience, and channeling her from my abode seems impossible.
But budgets are tight, and thanks to the pandemic and a plethora of other factors, a lavious vacation isn’t in the cards. So I’ve been forced to explore how to make staying at home the relaxing and recharging vacation I need.
After some experimentation, I think I’ve cracked the code on how to staycation and actually feel refreshed afterwards. And I’ve got to say, now I may even choose a staycation over a traditional vacay.
Read on for 10 tips on how to staycation the right way.
Tip 1: Preparation Is Key
It’s all about prep when it comes to a great staycation. Make your bed, meals, and plan your activities ahead of time to mimic the hotel experience.
Tip 2: Ditch Your Phone
Social media is your number one enemy during a staycation. FOMO is real, and it will get in the way of your relaxing, at home vacay. Turn off your phone and if you’re feeling drastic, delete your social media apps for the duration of your stay.
Tip 3: Try A Spa Day
Need to unwind? An at-home spa day is just what the doctor ordered. Get a bucket and soak your feet in hot water with salt while you treat yourself to a homemade avocado mask (all you need is avocado and honey, your face will love it!)
Tip 4: Grab Some Good Loungewear
Great loungewear makes all the difference when you’re staying. And you can cop a high quality robe or cozy sweatpants without breaking the bank (check out Instagram).
Tip 5: Make A Vacation Playlist
Music is the ultimate mood-setter, and you’re going to need it to get in the vacation mood. Not only will the right music get you in the mood, but the process of creating the playlist is so fun.
Tip 6: Have A Themed Movie Night
Movie night is a pretty basic choice when staying in, so take it next level and make it themed! Here are some of my favorites: 2000s comedies, JLo romcoms, and Harry Potter saga.
Tip 8: Try An Indoor Picnic
A little charcuterie board, a bottle of wine, all on a blanket on the floor…my senses are tingling just thinking about it. This is the perfect food-centered activity that doesn’t feel like something a part of your daily routine.
Tip 9: Try At-Home Camping
Who said camping is just for the wilderness? Get a sleeping bag (or blankets) and a pillow and sleep in your living room for a night. Turn off all the lights and use a flashlight to create the ambiance.
Tip 9: Try At-Home Camping
Who said camping is just for the wilderness? Get a sleeping bag (or blankets) and a pillow and sleep in your living room for a night. Turn off all the lights and use a flashlight to create the ambiance.
Tip 10: Try DIY Turndown Service
As aforementioned, preparation is key when it comes to creating the staycation of your dreams. After making your bed, put a small chocolate and a short note for yourself to enjoy when it’s time to call it a night.
