This winter, you might not be able to plan a getaway and travel far (boo COVID) but you can still bring the vacay feel closer to home!  Whether you’re able to book something local or are turning your home into your very own B and B here are some relaxing staycay tips (that will still be on budget)! 

If you’re in lockdown, make your home into your own B and B.  Here are some tips for your best at home vacay: 

1. Set your new B and B up for your guests (yourself lol) by buying new sheets or maybe a new duvet!  If springing for new sheets isn’t on the table, make sure to wash your sheets and duvet, etc. before you start your staycay.  You want to feel like you’re slipping into a brand new freshly made bed (don’t you just love crisp white hotel sheets?).  (Bonus points if you can clean your home beforehand as well.  Starting with a clean fresh slate will make your staycay all the more relaxing.) 

2. Once  you ‘check in,’ shut off your electronics (phones, laptops, etc or at least log out of your social media) and stay plan and commitment free.  If you’re going about your day to day schedule, you’re definitely not on a staycation!  Also make sure you are changing up your routine during your vacay time as well.  For instance try eating breakfast in bed, later than you typically would or seated around our coffee table if you always eat at your dining table.  

3. Do what relaxes you most.  Is it binge watching tv? Reading in bed? Dedicating time to your hobby while you sip some wine with your partner?  Being able to focus time on something you love doing will help you get the most out of your vacay.  

4. Have a tub?  Take a nighttime bath to release any stress.  Light some candles and throw in some essential oils or bath salts while you're at it.  

5. Depending on what you typically do, change it up for dinner.  Do you always cook night after night?  Well order out and support a local restaurant you haven’t eaten at in a while or are dying to try.  It’s a win-win since you get to support your community but also get to change up your routine and treat yourself.  On the other hand, if you always order out, choose a fun new recipe to try and treat it as though you're in a cooking class learning something new!  

6. While you’re at it, open an expensive bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner.  Or whatever suits your fancy.  Could be your favorite bourbon for a pre dinner cocktail or beer from a local brewery.  Not a drinker?  Spring for a tasty mocktail or splurge on your favorite bottled water.  

7. Go to bed knowing you can sleep in.  You’re on vacation after all!  Knowing you have no commitments while you’re on vacation, resist the urge to set your alarm - you’re supposed to have no commitments so this is a good chance for your body to catch up on any sleep you’ve been missing out on.  

8. Start your morning in your bathrobe (if you can splurge - buy a new robe you’ll feel expensive and bonus you’ll have it to wear daily after!) and with a face mask to give yourself the at home spa experience.  Men too can enjoy the luxury of a facemask…. Or book a home massage if possible where you live.  You and your partner can also practice massages on one another.  And whatever way you choose to relax, have some cucumber or lemon water handy - will ensure you have the most authentic spa experience ;) 

9. Take time to breathe and really enjoy yourself!  This is vacation after all! 

If you’re able to book some experiences locally, here’s some things to think about and try: 

1. If possible, stay at a hotel and utilize their amenities or rent a house a close drive from home.  Being able to pack an overnight bag and leave your home to go to a different destination is huge when channeling the vacation mindset.  If you travel make sure you are doing so safely and bring all your necessities and unplug.

2. If you’re staycay-ing at home or not, if you can get out and about a bit, be a tourist in your own city!  What sights have you never seen since you figure it’s too overcrowded with tourists?  Or what locations make your hometown special?  What shops do you love or have always wanted to go to?  Getting out and about and acting like a tourist is sure to make you fall in love with your hometown all over again.  And while you’re out - make sure to get yourself a souvenir, even though you haven’t traveled far you’re still on vacay!

3. Go to the spa.  Nothing screams vacay quite like going to the spa, whether you’re getting a facial, message or mani/pedi.  You’ll feel more relaxed just walking in.  

4. Eat dinner at a restaurant you’ve been dying to try.  There is always that one place that’s impossible to get into or you’ve heard such great things about but never had the chance to go to… well now’s your chance!  

Whichever staycay route you take - think of it as a true vacation.  Take time off work, change up your schedule and find a way to unplug!