Summer 2020 seems to be the season of canceled travel plans, as the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in closed borders, several American states imposing self-quarantine requirements for some out-of-state travelers, and numerous canceled events.
Instead of sulking over what could have been, use your hard-earned vacation days and create a rejuvenating getaway at home with a summer staycation.
Like you would with a regular vacation, it can help to go into your staycation with at least a loose plan. Do you want to take a long weekend or plan 10 days of fun activities?
Are you looking for nonstop fun, pure relaxation, or a bit of both? Whatever your idea of the ideal vacation is, having an idea of what you want each day to be like can help you plan your activities.
Do you have a budget in mind? To prevent overspending, particularly if you are trying to save money with a staycation, it is helpful to set a daily, or an overall spending limit.
Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Start by thinking of activities and events you wanted to try for months or even years, but never found the time for. Is there a sunflower farm nearby you’ve always wanted to photograph, a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or an outdoor goat yoga class you’re eyeing? This is the perfect time to try them.
If you’re stuck searching for fun ideas, here are a few additional things you can try.
Create a backyard campsite
Set up a small fire pit, make s’mores, or play the guitar while enjoying the serenity of a summer night. You can invite a few friends over to relax by the fire, stargaze, or simply enjoy a change of atmosphere while you sleep under the night sky.
Do Something Extreme
Have a wild streak? Try skydiving, parasailing, paintballing, white-water rafting, hang gliding, or go ziplining.
Hit the Green
Whether you’re always under par or you’ve never picked up a set of golf clubs, spending a day on a golf course is an excellent way to enjoy a beautiful course and good company at a relaxed pace. If golf isn’t your game, find a miniature golf course in the area for a silly and inexpensive activity.
Have a Spa Day
Seek out a local spa and indulge in a day of stress-relieving activities, like a massage, take a steam bath, or get a pedicure. For a budget-friendly option, make face masks at home, soak your feet in a foot bath, or light candles and enjoy a relaxing bath.
Explore Your Environment
Learn more about your hometown by looking into any museums open during the pandemic or historical tours. Use an app like Geotourist, which offers audio tours of several popular attractions globally you can use for self-guided tours. If you live near a major city, try CityPASS, a ticket that allows users to attend several of the selected city’s top attractions within 30 days.