The summer of 2020 may become known as the season of the staycation, as travel restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 keep people closer to home.
For most of us, that may not have been our first option, but having a staycation can still be adventurous, fun and restful. To help you out, we’ve provided you with some tips that will help you make the most of your summer staycation.
Take a Digital Holiday
A 2019 survey shows that Canadians average 11 hours per day on screens, whether it’s a computer,
television or a mobile device. That’s 4,015 hours per year! Consider disconnecting as much as you can.
When you think of it, a staycation is the ideal time to take a break from our devices. You’re not travelling so you likely won’t have the need for directions every day, and won’t be tied to your email or calendar like usual. You’ll have time to enjoy being present with family and friends, you’ll worry less, and sleep better too.
Don’t maintain a Schedule
Talking about schedules – don’t keep one. Regardless of whether you’re taking the trip of a lifetime or staying home, a vacation is more than a break from work. It’s also an opportunity to step away momentarily from the hectic schedule too many of us call life.
Assuming this summer was like any other, taking a traditional vacation getaway requires you sticking to some sort of schedule. These trips require you to plan around tee times, tour times, spa reservations and a number of other things. A staycation will be the one and only time you can get away with having no schedule at all.
When was the last time you were able to live life spontaneously? Take advantage of it!
Become a Tourist in Your Own Town
We live in an extraordinary city, but we can sometimes forget that because it’s so familiar. Take the opportunity to explore Edmonton region like you never have before. We’re not talking about going to that restaurant you’ve been to a thousand times, or seeing the same museum exhibit for the third time.
Whatever you choose to do, be sure to seek out adventures you haven’t experienced before. For some ideas, consider some of the ideas we provided in our last blog post.
Take a Culinary Adventure
While you likely won’t be travelling far from home, you can still experience a different part of the world. Consider cooking a dish (or ordering one in) that is a break from what you’d usually eat. These could be dishes that are completely new to you, or ones that will serve a memory of a vacation from years past.
While the setting during a staycation is familiar, you’ll make the most of your summer holiday if you change your routine. A special meal is an easy way to change things up.
Go Camping in Your Backyard
While provincial and federal parks have opened their campsites for reservations at the moment, you don’t have to go further than your backyard to get a taste of the experience. Setting up a tent in your backyard, roasting marshmallows over a small fire or a candle, and sharing some spooky stories in the dark is easily done.
This also creates a great opportunity for parents to expose their young children to the experience for the first time. This avoids the hours of preparation and driving for a trip that may not be as enjoyable as you think. You can set up a tent in the backyard and if things go south, its back in the house with little effort invested.
Start a New Hobby
We’ve all told ourselves that we’d start that new hobby or project we keep thinking about – whether it’s woodworking, writing a book, or learning to play the guitar. If only we had time! If our busy schedule wasn’t to blame, it was because we weren’t convinced the hobby was something we’d commit to.
A staycation is a great opportunity as you have both the time and the focus to start something new. It will give you a chance to take a deeper dive into what you’re doing, which will also help you understand your interest level once you’ve gotten started. At worst, you’ll waste a day or two trying something new; at best, you’ll start a lifelong hobby that will leave you feeling fulfilled.
Staycations are great ways to rediscover the city you live in, have new experiences and to get some well-deserved rest. You may just discover how awesome staycations are and plan for them in the future. At the very least you’ll save all that money from this year’s vacation abroad, giving you the opportunity for epic adventure next summer.