The Staycation: Tips for Fun Without Leaving Home
Our budgets may be tight, but that doesn’t mean we can’t plan an entertaining staycation spent at or near home. Here are some ideas for a fun, relaxing and cost-effective staycation:
Take a Mini Road Trip
A scenic drive is one of the best ways to maintain social distancing while also getting out of the house. Hop in the car and take a road trip to a spot just an hour or two away. Enjoy the day by exploring new sights, having a picnic, hiking or simply watching nature.
Read a Good Book
Curl up on the couch or go outside and laze in a hammock or on a blanket under your favorite tree, then dive into a good book. A glass of lemonade would be nice, too.
Have a Spa Day
Make your home feel like a retreat. Light some fragrant candles and turn on relaxing music. Apply a moisturizing treatment to your hair, smooth on a moisturizing face mask and cucumber slices, and soak your feet in Epsom salts. Whatever you do, just focus on using that time to relax.
Go Camping in the Back Yard
Pitch a tent, create a campfire, roast hot dogs and make s’mores. The kids will love it if you tell spooky stories and sing camp songs around the fire. When it’s time to call it a night, have everyone crawl into the tent and sleep under the stars (or you can bring the gang back inside to sleep in your comfortable beds too).
Plan a Game Night
Dust off your board games and gather the family around to enjoy a simple game night. Or, plan a virtual game night with friends and family through one of the many video conferencing services like Google Hangouts and Zoom, smartphone apps, and interactive websites. You can play traditional classics like Monopoly and Scrabble or check out the host of new and interesting virtual game hosting sites.
Have a Movie Night
You don’t have to leave your house to catch a good flick. Rent a movie — or even better, stream one for free. Grab some popcorn from the store or pop your own, and you have all the makings for a great (and really cheap) movie night. You can watch movies with loved ones who live outside your home by hopping on a video chat and pressing play at the same time. Or, you can watch content with friends and family and chat online through Netflix Party and Prime Video.