Stay-cations

13 Feb 2014

Sometimes you don’t want to go away, but you still want time to relax and feel like you’re on holiday. Why not enjoy a stay-cation?

A stay-cation is essentially a stay-at-home vacation – a holiday without leaving your home or city. But that doesn’t mean you won’t have fun. So many times, having a holiday means exploring other cities and countries. But have you ever thought to explore your own?

Visit the museums

There are probably so many museums at your doorstep, or at least a bus or train-ride away, that you haven’t visited in years. Exhibitions are always updated so it’s well worth a trip to see what’s currently on display. Go back in history or soak up the spectacular and interesting artworks for a day or two.

Head to the water

If it’s summer time, why not head to the beach, the lake or the local pool for the day. Don’t pack your lunch and buy everything while you’re out, you’ll feel more on holiday that way. Take the umbrella, the beach towels and the sun cream and head out in the morning. Don’t come back until after sunset.

Go to the movies

So often, we only head to the movies sporadically. But while we’re on holidays, we tend to go more, even if there’s nothing showing that we particularly like. So pick a time, and head to the movie theatre. Buy your tickets there for whatever is showing at the time.

See a show

Been to the theatre lately? What musicals are showing? Book a matinee and head into the city. Stay there afterwards for dinner and make a night of it.

Don’t cook

Have dinner delivered or go out to eat every night. One night, book a really fancy place. Pop on your best dress and suit, and head out for a night on the town.

Say goodbye

Put an ‘I’m on holidays’ message on your emails, turn your mobile phones onto silent and leave the answering machine on – only answer the calls you really really want to. You’re on holiday after all.

No need for news

Skip the news and put a hold on your mail and newspapers. When you’re away, you’ll sometimes keep abreast of the situation at home but definitely not everyday. So why would you do it while on a stay-cation?

Go shopping

Head to the shops. But it’s not just wandering around shopping, it’s the kind of shopping everyone only does on holiday. Buy that shirt that you would never spend the money on at home. Have enough shoes? Who cares! You’re on holiday!

Take a nap

Holidays are just as much about relaxing as they are sightseeing. Head to the couch in the afternoon or better yet, hop into bed and take a well-deserved nap. Relax and rejuvenate.

Read a book

Stick your nose into a book, or three, and immerse yourself in the world of the words. How many books do you read normally? Now think about how many books you read while on holiday. It’s more right? Well, you’re on a vacation, so start reading.