The Staycation Guide – Our 5 Top Tips

Staycations have become the way to spend your summer holiday this season, and with obvious reasons. There are two meanings to staycating - it can either mean stopping at home for a break from your normal routine and going out on day trips and local attractions, or it can mean staying in your home country for a holiday away from home. If you’re used to adventures in far flung places, either of these options can seem like a bit of a damp squib (quite literally with our English weather!) however we’ve put together this list to help you really get the most out of your time on staycation! 

With many of us still furloughed or working from home, it’s important to make a holiday feel like a holiday, even if it’s in your own home. These tips can also be put into practise if you feel the need to redefine your weekends in light of the fact every day feels the same at the moment, as we’re sure many of you will be feeling the groundhog day effect! 

Discover Your Surroundings 

If you are staycating at home, think about how well you know your local area. How far can you map in your mind in any direction? Take some time to fill in the holes, and whether you live in the city, town or countryside we’re sure that you will find something of interest! If you’re staying in a new place, then obviously you will have plenty to discover! As local attractions are starting to open up again, it’s a good idea to look at what’s going on in your area/the area you are staying in, and any booking requirements/restrictions on these places. 

Get Gourmet 

One of the things most people look forward to on holiday is the food and drink, so be sure to get an online shop sorted out, and fill it with all your favourite foods. If cooking is your thing, gather all the ingredients for your favourite dishes and either prepare meals together with your household if you enjoy that (and have the space!), or take it in turns to cook for one another so that you get that feeling that someone is looking after you, just as you do in a hotel. You could even have a different country’s cuisine each day and embark on a journey through food! 

Switch Off 

As long as there are no reasons you need to stay switched on, unplug from work emails and try not to be on your phone all day every day on the internet, messaging or emails. Switching off is a large part of getting away on holiday, so use your staycation as an opportunity to take a break and recharge. Aim for at least two consecutive days of no phone and just enjoy being in your surroundings with your companions or in solitude. Trust us, your mind, body and soul will thank you for it! 

Take Time to Do the Things You Love 

Whilst you might be restricted from taking part in all your hobbies and pastimes due to restrictions, there are still activities you can enjoy yourself, as a couple and as a family. Think about activities you enjoy and would usually partake in on holiday; reading a book, family games and sports, lounging around in the sunshine (we live in hope!), walking, and plan these into your staycation. 

Date Night (or Day!) 

If you have children, this may prove a little more difficult without access to a babysitter and everyone under one roof, but you can at least try. We haven’t been able to go out to restaurants, pubs or the cinema for so long that it is highly likely you’ve forgotten about what date nights are! So settle the kids either in bed or watching a movie (or both!), and get dressed up as though you were going out to a restaurant or bar. What you get up to is your choice (just be mindful of the children!) but you could have mocktails in the garden, followed by a slap-up home-cooked meal, finishing the night off with a cosy film or Netflix session on the sofa before snuggling up in bed. If you are childless or have access to a babysitter, and feel comfortable going out to public spaces, then why not book a table out at a local bar or restaurant.