Vacationing Without Traveling: Taking an Effective “Staycation”

So, you've got some vacation time burning a hole in your schedule, but you can't afford to go away. If you like the feeling of escape that a vacation provides but money is tight, try taking a "Staycation!" 

Staycations aren't as simple as staying at home during your vacation. If you simply stay at home with no agenda or ground rules, you'll likely get sucked into household chores and tiresome routines that don't give you a sense of being "away" from work most of the time. Instead, you may accomplish a fair amount of work around the house, but you won't feel rested or refreshed.  

Add to that the distinct possibility of - gasp - remaining connected to the office by taking calls and sending emails (since you are still in town after all, right?), and you may as well not be on vacation at all.  

Here are a few guidelines for an effective staycation: 

Don't tell anybody in the office where you're going.

If the boss knows you're still in town, they could surmise that you're prepared to do a little bit of work while you're on your "vacation" because you'll have all sorts of free time, and you're close at hand.  

Instead, when people ask where you're going, you could say it's a secret, or even bend the truth by saying your partner or friend has something planned but you don't know what it is. (If you have a crisis of conscience with this white lie, then actually get your partner/friend to plan out a day or two (read on for ideas) that you don't know anything about).  

Disconnect. No really.

This is one of the most important aspects to taking a staycation, and inevitably the most difficult. You must disconnect from the "real world!" Your tie to work is the most important umbilical cord to cut, but if you want a true "escape," you could even go so far as to leave the home phone and/or emails unanswered. It's up to you as to how much you'd like to escape.  

Become a tourist.

I remember a friend from out of town visiting my old home city for the first time. I gave him the royal tour, and in so doing, I rekindled my own love of the place! I saw the city through fresh eyes, and enjoyed many of the tourist sites that I'd never previously bothered with.  

Although we often try to stay away from "tourist traps," there are some attractions that are attractions for good reason: they're genuinely interesting!  

Create your own room service: hire a cleaner and personal chef.

This is optional, but is a great way to make you feel like you're on vacation without actually leaving home. You've saved money on airfare and hotels, but if you still have to cook your meals and wash the dishes, you remain psychologically "at home."

Instead, hiring a cleaner and personal chef can catapult you into the lap of luxury without breaking the bank. You can arrange for a chef to come only once and prepare the week's meals in advance, or have them come in every day to shop for and prepare your meals. Their availability and your budget can determine this.  

The same applies to the cleaner; once at the end of the week will do, or a quick daily sweep of the place can keep you feeling like you're in a hotel getting daily maid service.  

Choose a few nights out at restaurants you haven't been to.

Beyond having yummy candlelit gourmet meals at home, you may want to try a few new restaurants, since part of the appeal of going on vacation can be eating out. Make sure you don't go to your regular place, but instead step out of your comfort zone to try something new.  

Going away on vacation is about changing the pace, the scenery, and trying something new. You travel to step outside your comfort zone, discover new sights and smells, and come back home with a new perspective and a refreshed zest for life. Spending big dollars on going away to do this isn't for everybody. A staycation can be the perfect balance, and a lot of fun. Give it a try!  

Nora Dunn

Nora Dunn is The Professional Hobo: a full-time traveler and freelance writer. She is a contributing writer under Life Balance. Having sold her business and belongings to travel, she has been on the road since 2007. She travels in a financially sustainable manner, taking advantage of creative volunteering positions while constantly balancing life and her location independent work on the road. As a former certified Financial Planner, she is financially responsible for her actions along the way. She believes there is a fine balance between planning for tomorrow, and living for today. Compensated CareOne Blogger.