With summer winding down and the new school year about to begin, many of us are looking for ways to get in some last-minute R&R and time with our loved ones. As much as we wish we could spend a week at the beach getting away from it all, it’s a bit late to be planning a full-on vacation. Still, that doesn’t mean we can’t take a few days to pause and relax at home before the chaos begins. If you can relate, read on for some tips on how to plan your own end-of-summer staycation.
Unplug & Set Boundaries
This one should really go without saying, but it’s not really a staycation if you’re working the whole time. For many of us, it’s hard enough to put work aside and be present when traveling somewhere new, let alone at home where the lines tend to be much less clear. Establishing solid boundaries around work and other day-to-day responsibilities and sticking to them will help you to actually enjoy your time off and feel like you’re on a real vacation. Tell your colleagues in advance that you’ll be unavailable, and set an automated reply for any work-related emails or text messages.
Create an Itinerary
If you’re the kind of person who prefers to spend your vacation sleeping in and lounging around by the pool, by all means, skip this one. In general, however, having some kind of loose plan will make your time at home feel more like an actual vacation, especially if you’ve got kids. Head to the public pool, take a drive to the beach, or make a day out of a trip to a local amusement park.
Complete Your To-Do List
There are few things that feel less “vacation-y” than paying bills or a visit to the DMV. Make a list of all of the things that you’ve been meaning to do and complete it before your staycation begins. We also suggest doing a grocery haul and deep cleaning your house in advance to create an environment you can truly relax in.