Getting started
You don’t schlepp your life-admin with you when you go away, so take some time to get things in order before your holiday starts. Pay your bills, empty your ‘too-hard’ basket, and give your home a clean through so you are not distracted by the mundane during your break.
If you were going away, you would most probably have a bit of a plan - attractions you would like to see, restaurants you would want to visit, and perhaps even a few bucket list items you would like to tick off. It’s easy to get complacent when you are in familiar territory so keep yourself in holiday mode by making a list of fun things you never get around to doing when daily life gets in the way. Here are some ideas to ensure you stay on track during your break.
When was the last time you explored the city or town you live in? Looking at things through the eyes of a tourist can give you a whole new appreciation for your hometown. Head to the tourist information office and sign-up for a day of sightseeing. And make yourself some new foreign friends while you are at it!
How many times have you said you want to learn karate/pottery/tango/anti-gravity yoga? Whatever your untapped interests may be, book in for a class. There is no need to commit for a full term, just give it a go and have some fun with it.
Take yourself for a mid-week brunch. While the world is whirling around you, get yourself comfortable at a café you have been wanting to visit and enjoy a long, lazy brunch.
Get outdoors. There are endless ways to enjoy our beautiful nature and climate, be it paddleboarding on the bay, swimming in the ocean, or picnicking in the park. Schedule a day with nature, go barefoot, and fill your lungs with fresh air – for a real dose of wellness!
There is something very indulgent about staying in a hotel in your own city. Book yourself a night at a hotel, preferably with pool and spa access. Forget making the beds or doing the dishes – just enjoy being waited on and pampered by the pool.
It’s easy to associate bucket lists with great adventure in a far-away land, but how many things could you do in your own city? Bring the adventure factor to you and get a couple of those items ticked off your list.
Turn grocery shopping into a day trip by visiting a farmer’s market at an out of town destination.
Time is the greatest luxury these days so be sure to make good use of it by doing exactly what you want to do. Whether it’s taking the time to read a book cover to cover, binge watching your favourite shows, or fitting in an afternoon nap.
Consider booking a cleaner to freshen up your home at the end of your staycation to encourage that holiday feeling to stick around as long as possible!
