Having a staycation ticks all the boxes – it’s environmentally-friendly, it’s budget-friendly, and it’s super easy. Just book your time off work, unplug (set up your out-of-office email reply and don’t check it again until you’re back!), and relax. I mean, I can’t lie. I’d rather be heading off for sun sea and sand (I’ve even been checking prices for Florida park tickets for a late Honeymoon). But sometimes you have to make do with what you have. So how can you make a holiday at home feel like a “real” holiday? Here’s how to ditch your normal routine and make some special memories.
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Be a tourist
Everyone says this – for a reason. It’s great. Especially great if you’ve lived in your city long enough for it to feel humdrum, as it allows you to rediscover excitement right under your nose! Simply think like a visitor, and hit up all the spots which you might not have time for normally – take selfies at popular attractions, explore museums and art galleries, and go to festivals. Discover your city in a different way (don’t forget to eat out!)
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Bring the pool party to you
Summer hols? Craving a bit of poolside luxury? A family-size paddling pool in your back garden does the job pretty well. If you want to go the extra mile, splash out on fine yellow sand and a lilo to recreate the whole beach experience.
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Get creative in the kitchen
Holidays should be about trying something different – including in the kitchen! Try out recipes that you’d never have time for normally, take it in turns to cook, or even eat takeaway every day (no judgement here). You could even transport yourselves to a different place every night by cooking traditional recipes – watch Bollywood and eat curry on Monday night, drink tequila and cook burritos on Tuesday (Mexican wrestling optional), make banana-leaf plates and eat Thai food on Wednesday.
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Camp under the stars
The easiest stay-at-home holiday ever – set up a tent in your back garden, add some sleeping bags, (plus duvets, pillows, and a blow-up mattress if you like it extra cosy), and have a camping trip just metres from all the comforts of home. Turn out all the lights and try stargazing, before falling asleep to the sound of the breeze over the canvas.
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Set up a spa
You can either stock up on pampering products for a DIY spa day (think face masks, nail varnish, and a good bubble bath), or have a professional come over for a home visit (after all, you’ve saved all that money on flights!) Masseurs are often cheaper than you’d expect, and can inject a welcome dose of luxury into your holiday.
