With words like “new normal” and “unprecedented” constantly being tossed around by everyone, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and anxious, or just simply bored and stir-crazy. Right now, we are reinventing the ways we use our homes to fit the situation. Suddenly dining rooms are business headquarters, basements are schools, living rooms and backyards are home gyms, and nearly every person you work with has met your pet during a video call. People are missing the physical company of their family and friends and experiencing wanderlust in, dare I say, unprecedented, quantities. So, since we can’t get away right now, how about a staycation?
A staycation is the simple concept of spending a vacation in your own home, rather than traveling somewhere to enjoy a few days off. Staycations have a lot of pros, such as saving money, boosting the local economy, easy planning, no delays, and no packing! As innkeepers, we aim to help our guests feel at home at the Holladay House, so we thought we’d share our tips on creating the perfect staycation for you.
- Digital Detox: Just as you would likely do for a real vacation, set up your “out of office” auto-reply, close your laptop and lock it away, and put your phone on airplane mode. Then, open a book you’ve been dying to read or sit outside with your feet up and a cold beverage in your hand with your sunglasses on (it’s Spring, after all). Even though you’re at home, that doesn’t mean you need to be chained to your digital devices. If you typically avoid television and binge-watching while you’re on vacation, then unplug those devices too. But, if a binge-worthy weekend is just the escape you need, then keep the internet signal clear and strong so you can get sucked into pod-dating and big cat aficionados.
- Plan Your Time: There are two types of people on vacation – those who plan every second of their trip, and those with no plan at all. The number one rule is that a staycation is NOT the time to do chores, cleaning, organizing or other house projects you’ve been meaning to tackle. This is a vacation, so figure out what you want to see and do. Don’t let being “stuck” at home discourage you either. Places throughout the world are offering free online tours, so you can cover a lot of ground on your staycation. You could start the morning at Buckingham Palace, then the afternoon in Paris at the Louvre, and squeeze in a quick tour of Monticello before dinner.
- Support Local: When we travel, we love trying new restaurants, wineries and breweries, and shopping in antique stores and boutiques. A staycation, particularly during this time, is no reason to ignore these fun activities. If you typically treat yourself to a special meal on vacation, find a fancy restaurant and place an order for curbside pickup. Transform your dining room into a special experience with a tablecloth, your fancy dishes, candlelight, and a dress code. Many local wineries and breweries are still offering pick up and even delivery in some places, so you can still enjoy a special bottle or brew at home.
- Get Creative: A staycation doesn’t mean you’re spending the weekend on the couch or lying in bed feeling lazy. There are endless possibilities for transporting your body and mind to a place that feels nothing like your home. Thankfully, we are still getting deliveries, so set a small budget for your staycation, then order what you need. This might include a new tent and air mattress so you can go glamping in the backyard (don’t forget to get some twinkle lights, too). You can order face masks, foot baths, Lavender-scented neck and eye pillows, a new robe, and slippers, and ask Alexa to play spa music while you recharge all afternoon. Take an online class that teaches you a new skill like how to needlepoint. You can put together your ideal happy hour with a charcuterie board, or pretend you’re actually here with us and make one of our most requested recipes to start your day.
- Celebrate: Many people take vacations to celebrate or commemorate special times of their life like a babymoon, a big promotion or birthday, or for holidays. If you’re alive and healthy right now, that’s reason enough to celebrate with a staycation. This is a tough time, so remembering that you’re doing the best you can and rewarding yourself for that is just as important as washing your hands and social distancing. Set up a Zoom call to share holidays with your loved ones and ask everyone to share one recipe ahead of time that each household makes. You can decorate the house for a birthday or other special event and still share in milestones and celebrations despite the physical limits.
We know this time might not be ideal or comfortable, we are right there with you. But, we hope until we can all meet again our tips for a staycation can make your weekend less mundane and more memorable, despite the circumstances. We cannot wait to host you at the Holladay House and until then, stay safe and healthy.
