explore your own backyard.
The holiday season is upon us once again, and while we’d all like to peace out of town and hit up Bora Bora, this is also one of the most expensive times of the year to travel. Don’t worry though, it’s also the perfect time of the year to have a staycation. Not only do you have time off from work to accomplish that to-do wish list you’ve been building throughout the year, but because so many other people have left town, the city isn’t as crowded.
So you might be thinking, “I live here. How is hanging out where I live an escape?” Have a little faith and check out the below:
Take a Spa Day
Spas are indoors so it doesn’t matter if you’ve flown to Canyon Ranch or if you’re at a spa on Sunset Blvd, you won’t notice the difference! A massage, facial, and relaxing day complete with a quiet room for reading is perfect wherever you are. Since you didn’t spend any money on traveling, treat yourself to an extra indulgence while you’re there.
Become One With Nature
Remember all of those hikes you wanted to take in your early twenties? These days you’ve been too busy with work to hop to it, or maybe the onset of that late-twenties hangover (even after two glasses of wine, what!) is keeping you from rising with the sun. Whatever the reason, your hiking plans are often thwarted. A staycation is the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors in your own backyard. Remember how much fun camping in your own backyard was as a kid? Same premise. Same fun. If hiking isn’t your thing, you have time to finally take that tennis or surfing lesson that’s been on your bucket list. If you take a group class you’ll meet new people just like you would if you’d gone away. Plus you have the comfort of returning to your own cozy bed if you’re sore.
Try Cooking a New Dish
Take a restaurant quality dish that you never in a million years would have thought you’d be able to make at home and challenge yourself. What exactly is in Beef Wellington? With no time constraints or outside stresses you have the freedom to try (and fail) at making something new. Once you perfect your dish you will have a delicious accomplishment under your belt.
*Another dish to try to replicate is Lobster Newburg
Catch Up on TV, Films, and Books
If you’ve had your nose to the grindstone, it’s hard to have it also buried in the pages of your favorite novel. So, this one is pretty self-explanatory. You’ll want to be caught up so you can join in on holiday party conversations.
And last but not least…
Be a Tourist in Your Own City
All of those landmarks and museums that you pass by on your daily commute will be open for most of the time around the holidays. Now’s your chance to go on that tour or check out that new modern art exhibit. Exploring a city takes word, and when we are so overwhelmed with the plans life has for us, we forget that there are some really cool things right in front of our faces.
Whether you take a vacation or a staycation, you have plenty to keep you busy during either. Happy Holidays!
