Recharge With A Staycation

In my own backyard and I didn't know it!

I know what you're thinking -- that you need to go someplace sufficiently different and far away if you are to have any hope of feeling like you've really had a break. But, in actuality, you don't. There are two main components to feeling like you're on holiday -- time away from home and a change of scenery. How long and how far away are up to you, but if you commit to both, I'd say you can achieve a feeling of actually getting away.

Staying close to home for a break is called a staycation. And there are numerous reasons to take one. Don't have a lot of time or money? A staycation can offer you a restorative break even when you simply can't get to your dream destination. Hate dealing with airports and other forms of public transportation these days? Get anxiety packing for trips? A staycation can eliminate those stress points.

The KEY to a successful staycation is a commitment to ignore the "to dos" at home, just as you would likely do if you were traveling across an ocean or continent. Once you leave the house, in your mind, you actually need to leave the house. Ideally, you spend a night (or more) away, but if all you can manage is a day, then so be it. Make the most of it though!

Making a local escape can do wonders. If you don't know where to head, here are some ideas to help you decide, keeping in mind budget and time constraints:

1. Think about what do you like to do most when you are typically on vacation (spa, museum, beach, explore nature, explore city, build community, eat, be entertained, etc.);

2. Refer to a list (written or in your head) of places you've been MEANING to try around where you live; and/ or

3. Ask friends/ family what areas nearby they enjoy visiting and wish they could spend more time.

Now you have a direction. Obviously, if you live far from a beach or it's winter, you won't be able to replicate the feeling of the warm sand under your feet. But, seasonality limits trips like that even when its far afield. I bet, though, that there is a lake or river nearby where you can find a place to relax during warm weather if that is your thing. Spas are everywhere, as are new-to-you places to explore in the area near your home (less than 2 hours is ideal). If you can swing it, stay overnight at a hotel, inn, VRBO, or bed & breakfast and add a fun activity for the morning you head home or en route to your home.

If you live in or near a popular tourist destination, chances are pretty high you show friends and family around when they visit (and if you don't, you really should).  I'd like to propose that you try to incorporate something new each time you put on your tour guide hat, be it a museum, a part of town, a tour (walking, boat, food, whatever), or an activity, so that you, too, feel like a tourist for a day (or at least part of a day).

In the past several years, I have taken a 1 week vacation less than 2 hours from my home, as well as numerous day trips exploring some of the areas near my home which I had just not gotten around to visiting. And let me tell you, they were amazing (some more than others) and I am super glad I finally visited them. Somehow, though, my list (which I do have written on paper, as well as on my device) continues to grow, even as I cross things off the list.

The world today is hard and so many people feel overworked, overwhelmed, underappreciated, and/or in a rut. Taking a break from all that is a form of self-help and one I thoroughly support. Physically getting out of the house and committing to a break in your routine will recharge you more than you know. Additionally, exploring new local places and/or can (re)ignite a new-found appreciation for your hometown/area.

So start or check your list today and make sure it's updated. By paying attention to what's going on in your area -- festivals, new restaurants, food trucks, hikes, museums, great new hotels, art exhibits, gardens, and the like which sound good to you -- you'll have ideas to draw from when you really need a break. Then, when you want to shake up your routine, actually PLAN the getaway as you would a day (or more) on vacation. Trust me on this, you'll be amazed what you find and experience.

Happy travels.