Since Labor Day is just around the corner, I am thinking how best to take advantage of my long weekend. I do not have any plans of leaving town, but I also don’t want to waste a perfectly long weekend by just camping out on the couch and watching Netflix. I want the best staycation I can possibly have.
A Staycation is when you are on vacation and decide to spend that time at home or in your hometown. Some people look down on staycations, believing that staying home is a waste of a perfectly good vacation day. However, I love staycations. I don’t think they are a misuse of time off, rather, I view them as an opportunity to discover my city with my favorite people. Staycations don’t have to be boring. On the contrary, staycations can be a great way to relax and have fun without the price tag of an exotic vacation. You just need to get creative.
Here are four things that will elevate your staycation and turn it into an Instagram worthy adventure.
- Be A Tourist In Your Own City.
Perhaps you are a New Yorker and have never been to the Statue of Liberty, or a Parisian and never climbed the Eiffel Tower, or you might live in a smaller city like Des Moines, Iowa and never spent a Saturday at the Farmers Market. Use your staycation to experience your city the way a tourist does. Years ago when my sisters and I visited our relatives in Mexico City, my aunt organized a “tourist day,” where we bought tickets to a sightseeing tour bus. We were able to hop on and off at various popular destinations around the city. We even had lunch at the historical center at Café Tacuba, a well-known restaurant serving traditional Mexican dishes. Even my cousins who were born and raised in Mexico City loved the tour. So much so that we still talk about it to this day. Do some research and plan your itinerary with plenty of city tours, famous restaurants, and touristy destinations. You might even go as far as booking a hotel room downtown or at the trendiest neighborhood. Here are some ways to get inspired:
- Follow social media – follow some local foodies or google “Top Things to Do in [insert your city name].”
- Buy a travel guide book – Perhaps you prefer the tactile feel of a book. I certainly have been known to carry my travel guide books with me when I travel. If you live in a city big enough to warrant its own Fodor’s or Lonely Planet hard copy, then definitely take advantage of the suggested day tour itineraries!
- Ask ChatGPT! Have you been wanting to try ChatGPT but don’t know what to ask it? Try asking it to create an itinerary for you. You can try asking, “Walking tour of downtown [insert your city name].” Let AI do the heavy lifting for you.
Discover what others experience when they visit your city. Who knows… you might be surprised at what you find.
- Purchase a Day Pass to a Local Resort.
Many resorts will allow you access to their pools by purchasing a day pass. I recently spent a month in San Antonio housesitting for my parents, and I purchased a day pass to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country resort. It gave me access to acres of pools, lazy river, and bars. There I met a group of girls that regularly purchase day passes to local resorts. “It feels like a girls trip without having to leave home.” To purchase day passes, you can visit the hotel’s website or use services like ResortPass. Through ResortPass you can search for participating hotels, view availability, and purchase day passes.
- Kick It Up A Notch.
Like my parents say, “if you are going to do something, do it right.” This is definitely the attitude you need if you want to elevate your staycation. Do it, but do it amazingly! If you are going to gather in the backyard and light a bonfire, then buy plenty of ingredients to make fancy s’mores. Staying home to watch a movie? Buy some gourmet popcorn and have plenty of full size candy bars around. Maybe it’s time to open that fancy bottle of wine. While housesitting for my parents in Texas, my sister decided to come over to chat, maybe have some wine. I told her “bring your swimsuit.” My parents don’t have a pool, but that didn’t stop me from having some fun in the water. I went to Target and bought an inflatable pool big enough for my sister and I. I also got some margaritas, chips and salsa (Julio’s – a brand from my hometown), and a killer playlist. Vacation is not a destination; it’s an attitude!
- Get the Gang Involved
One of the advantages of vacationing in your home town is that you are in your home turf. All your friends and family are close by. Anything is better with friends and family, including vacations. Invite your friends or relatives to your staycation activities. If you are single, get the girlfriends together for a resort or spa day. Or go on a double date with your favorite couple to a trendy restaurant or bar. If you have children, take them on a sightseeing tour. Sometimes, if I take the day off but all of my friends are working. So I invite them to lunch.
Staycations can be incredibly fun. All you need is to get a bit creative. And remember… vacation is not about a destination; it’s about the attitude!
