Staycation…Prepare Your Home for Some Downtime
You’ve got some time off coming to you, but a road trip isn’t in the cards right now. Maybe you’re a little short on cash or family demands are taking center stage. Perhaps you’re traveling a lot for work and the idea of more time away from home just isn’t appealing. No matter what’s going on right now, you’ve got an amazing option open to you — a staycation!
Spending your vacation at home is becoming quite fashionable these days. With travel costs rising and the everyday frustrations of missed flights, tight connections, and vanishing reservations, more and more homeowners are deciding to relax and kick back in the ultimate comfort—the comfort of their own homes. If you’re looking for ways to ensure that your staycation is an opportunity to chill out and recharge, try these tips to interruption-proof your time off.
Take Time to Stop Time
One of the best ways to slow down the pace of your life is to stop tracking every minute. A common staycation mistake is scheduling appointments and errands that keep you locked to the clock. Once you’ve cleared your schedule, hide your clocks in drawers or closets, drop your watches in a nightstand, and avoid checking the time for a couple of days, at least.
Put Messages on Hold
Record a new message for your phone letting callers know you’ll be unavailable for a few days and that you’ll return calls on a specific date. If needed, share an emergency contact (a nearby friend or relative) who can reach you another way. Then resist the urge to check your voicemail every hour.
End of the Road for Email
Use the out-of-office function in your email to let people know you’re unplugging until a set time. You can still use your computer for games or online shopping if that relaxes you, but make your inbox off-limits.
No News Is Good News
One of the easiest ways to truly check out is to step away from the news cycle. Radio, TV, and news sites constantly pull you back into what’s happening in the outside world. A few days in a peaceful cocoon can work wonders. If you’re feeling brave, let your unopened mail stay on the hall table until you return.
Instead of turning on the TV, create your own vacation soundtrack. Put together a playlist that makes you happy and play it throughout the day. Turn up the volume and get everyone dancing!
Order In…Everything!
Why cook every meal when you’re on staycation? Treat yourself to pizza, Chinese, or local delivery favorites. If you genuinely enjoy cooking, make it special by trying gourmet meal kits from companies like Blue Apron or premium meats from Omaha Steaks. That way you still skip the grocery run.
To make things feel even more like a resort, hire a maid service for the week. They can make the beds, tidy up, and even handle a load or two of laundry. Want to go all in? Book a mobile massage therapist for a spa day at home.
No Kidding…
For a real treat, arrange for an overnight babysitter at least once during your staycation. Whether the kids head to Grandma’s house or a trusted friend’s, a date night at home gives parents a chance to reconnect and recharge. It’s a perk you might not get if you were traveling with the whole family—and the kids will love their own little adventure, too.
Camp in Your Own Backyard
Nothing beats camping out under the stars, whether you’re in a tent or just cozy sleeping bags. Your lawn is ready and waiting—just add snacks, ghost stories, and bug spray. Tiki torches, string lights, chimineas, or fire pits help set the mood and add soft lighting for safety.
Indulge in Your Favorite Hobbies
Use your staycation to dive into the things you love but never have time for. Read that bestseller on your nightstand, re-read an old favorite, or lose yourself in a board game marathon or video game session. Binge-watch an entire season of a show you’ve missed, or finish that knitting, crafting, or DIY project you started months ago.
Out for the Day
A staycation doesn’t mean you can’t leave the house—it just means you travel on your own terms. Many people never visit nearby sites of interest. Explore local historical landmarks, spend the day at a nearby amusement or water park, go skating, or hike a trail at a state or national park.
Plan low-pressure outings that don’t require a strict arrival or departure time. Leave plenty of wiggle room for detours, ice cream stops, or spontaneous photo ops.
With a little planning and a lot of flexibility, you can create a satisfying, relaxing vacation—right at home. And if part of your staycation dreaming includes a brand-new home, explore our available Ernest Homes communities and quick-move-in homes to start planning your next getaway space.
