“Staycation all I ever wanted, Staycation time to get away…” Rethinking those lyrics feels good, huh? So does rethinking your idea of a vacation. Maybe you can’t afford to take a plane and stay in a fancy hotel right now, or maybe you can’t get the time off from work. Whatever the reason, your vacation deserves to be taken and we’re here to help! So skip the travel time and make your own dang wanderlust with these four steps to having the best apartment staycation ever.
Idea #1: Say “No” to screen time
Vacation is all about disconnecting, and nothing says “I’m not on vacation!” like a phone in front of your face. Make the most of your staycation and only do things that you would normally do after you leave the office (or your home city):
- Set up an “Out of Office” email reply. It’ll feel soooooo good.
- Put your phone on “Do not disturb” for long chunks of time. Better yet, leave it at home and enjoy the scenery around you. It’s called “nature!”
- Vow to not get on the computer. We already have personal computers in our pockets. You don’t need to sit in front of a bigger one.
- Don’t answer your pager. (Really. Don’t even touch that thing. In fact, you should probably just donate it. Who’s contacting you on a pager anyways?)
Idea #2: Treat. Yo. Self.
Just because you’re ballin’ on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself. If the money you save by staying in town allows you some spending room, book yourself a few relaxing appointments – spa, nail salon, skydiving…whatever you consider relaxing! Don’t have the money to splurge? Recreate what you can at home (not skydiving, we definitely don’t recommend doing that at home).
Can’t afford a fancy restaurant dinner? Buy some top-notch ingredients at the grocery store and make one yourself, or invite friends over and do a potluck style meal. The more, the merrier, and that goes for people AND food.
Idea #3: Pull a “Dora the Explorer”
Your city and surrounding area probably has a lot more to offer than you think. Always wanted to check out that art museum but never had time? What about that cool coffee shop just outside city limits? Is there a small town nearby that you’ve always heard great things about? Now is the time to get out there with your backpack, backpack.
Up for a fun game? Ignore your childhood nightmares from Spin the Bottle and play it again, only this time, drive in the direction that the bottle points. Sometimes the unplanned adventures are the most memorable. You may end up finding a new place, a new city, or even a cool landmark that you never knew existed.
Idea #4: It’s all about the ambiance
Feeling overwhelmed in your own apartment? Even though you’re taking a break from work, that doesn’t mean you can’t work to freshen up your place. Sometimes a change of environment is exactly what you need. Try some feng shui or clean out the junk drawer you’ve been eyeing for-EH-ver. It’ll make you feel really good and accomplished, which is honestly what we all need every once in awhile.
Speaking of freshening things up, ever go into a hotel and just bask in the glorious smell? There’s a secret, and it’s doable in your very own home. Buy the very scents that make these places feel fancy and you’ll feel like you’re lounging in the Hilton, all from the comfort of your living room couch.
Well, you’re all set. Now get out there and have the best staycation ever! Ready to make a new house your home this summer? Find your next apartment on ApartmentSearch.com and you could get a $200 reward. Just think, more cash to spend on that stay-cay. Now, what were we saying about a spa appointment?
