Great Vacations At Home
Many of us look forward to our vacations so we can relax and enjoy time with the family. In days past, many of us traveled to enjoy our time off, but with the state of the economy, it’s so costly that it may not be feasible anymore. Why not consider a staycation instead of going on vacation?
You might actually enjoy the process of renovating your home, preferring to do improvements instead of hiring professionals. Since you’ve got a week off from work, why not take one room and work on changing it into something bold and new. There are so many options to explore, including painting it a vibrant color with accent trim, shining up light fixtures and fans, and moving furniture around.
Set off on a cultural journey by heading to the museum, local art venues, and your town’s library. Get in touch with the history of the area in which you live, and find out the back story of your town or state. For example, New Jersey is called the “Garden State” and Missouri is the “Show me State.” Find out why at a bookstore you love, and not only will you get some culture, you’ll learn something new as well.
During your week off, at least one day should be considered total “you-time.” Get self-indulgent for once and hit a day spa, and while you’re there, get a manicure and pedicure. Since you’re off the clock, how about a nice deep-tissue massage to really relax you? Consider getting your hair done in a totally new style, perhaps even changing the color. A bold gesture, if you’re up for it, is to try out a henna tattoo.
Set a theme to be followed on each night of your week off. ‘Picture day” would entail seeing a movie at the theatre, complete with popcorn and candy, then a rented movie for later that night. Before the day is over, get out your digital camera and capture that beautiful sunset. “Animal day” could start off with a visit to the zoo, then a night of watching animal shows on t.v. “Sports day” could be a day of throwing the football around with your kids, then renting “Rudy” to watch later on.
Check the local weather forecast and, if it’s going to be a nice day, get outside and get physical. Consider hiking, which will get you out into nature and will get your blood pumping, or camping out under the stars. Try to gather a group of friends who will camp out with you without the technological gadgets we’ve all come to rely on so you can be in touch with nature and each other while enjoying a night under the stars.
Even if money is tight for you right now, it is certainly possible to enjoy your time off from work without traveling far or spending a fortune. Looking around the area in which you live, you’ll find interesting sights to visit and things to do that don’t require much travel. Take a chance on a staycation instead of a vacation, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you’ll have.