Get away without going far
By Valarie Black
Submitted to Corner Post
Compared to 10, 20 or 30 years ago, fewer people associate “vacations” with expensive trips far from home. Lockdowns and fears related to the COVID pandemic prompted many people who previously felt that way to consider options that did not involve public travel or crowds. Surveys show a degree of rebound for travel of greater scale, but “staycations” and “daycations” are more common than ever.
Staycations are generally considered to be 2-5 days of rest and relaxation taken at or near one’s home. Daycations refer to a version of the staycation that’s limited to a single day. The idea is to break from your routine. Goals include reducing stress and doing something fun or relaxing. For that reason, working around the house does not fit the model, unless that is what you truly enjoy.
What should you do? Go for a stroll and enjoy cityscape or a hike and enjoy nature. Visit an area park or a quaint town nearby. Be a tourist in your own town. Take a nap outdoors. Try a new restaurant or enjoy a picnic. Go to a zoo or museum. Take photos, or better yet, paint or sketch (you don’t have to show anyone). At night, look for constellations and shooting stars. Do something new and different!
Even if time, finances, transportation or physical constraints limit what you can do, you can do something. Here’s your opportunity. Pull out that book you’ve wanted to read or pull out a pen and paper to write the long-overdue note to a friend or family member. Go outside, if you can, for at least a little while. Play a game of cards or a board game (either one that you’ve enjoyed before or learn a new one).
Even planning what you’ll do can be fun. Learning what’s available will help you decide what to do during your upcoming leisure time. It also gives you ideas for future R&R (rest and relaxation) days. It’s good to have a plan, even if you allow lots of flexibility, because you won’t want to waste time considering options during the limited time you have to be doing them. (Hint: take note of days/times of operation and fees for places and activities that interest you.)
A bonus tip to make your daycation/staycation more enjoyable is to forgo all social media. Rarely do we realize how much time we spend staring at a little screen instead of seeing the people and beauty around us. Remember, a key to a great vacation of any length is to take a break from the routine. So, commit to a social media-free day, enjoy the people and places around you, and you won’t regret it.
