Vanessa Holwell – How to plan the perfect staycation during the COVID-19 pandemic!

How to Plan the Perfect Staycation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has made travel more difficult. If you had a trip planned, you may have had to cancel it. While this can be upsetting, you could consider the alternative: planning a staycation! By booking a few nights at a cozy local hotel, spending your time outdoors, and patronizing small businesses, you can enjoy a staycation while following local health regulations. Check out these pointers from Roaming Brit.

Find a Place to Stay

You can plan out a staycation in which you stay at your own home and simply block off a few days for relaxation and exciting local activities. Alternatively, you could head to a hotel not far from your residence so that you can truly feel like you’re getting away. For instance, if you would like to get away from the city life for a little while, look for a lodge or cabin that allows you to experience nature and, if you’re close enough to town, you can still enjoy dining options and entertainment.

Stay Safe

Even if you’re staying relatively close to home, you need to take steps to stay safe on your vacation if you plan to stay at a hotel or lodge. This means packing several masks, as well as hand sanitizer. It’s also a smart idea to get tested for COVID-19 a few days before your departure date. That way, you can be certain that you’re not taking an unnecessary risk.

Plan Local Activities

Because of the pandemic, you may not be able to partake in certain indoor activities. It’s still safer to enjoy outdoor activities during your staycation, so get ready to experience the natural wonders in your backyard! From hiking to fishing to berry picking in nearby green spaces, there is no shortage of outdoor fun to be had. You could even hire a local fishing charter for some serious exploring!

Supporting local businesses in your community is a great way to give them a boost in these trying times. And if you do plan to stay at home, you could build a fire pit in your backyard or work on another outdoor project, like building a picnic table — you can actually enjoy the results of these projects all year round!

If you decide to travel, it’s a good idea to check out your wardrobe before you leave to ensure that you have everything you need. Smarter Travel recommends bringing waterproof or quick-drying pants, sturdy hiking boots, a hat, and a light backpack with plenty of room for gear.

Relax and Unplug

Whether you’re booking a hotel room close by or simply staying home and planning a fun-filled weekend, you can use your staycation as an opportunity to unplug and turn off your digital devices until when you really need them, like to make a call or two. Because of the pandemic, we’ve all been spending lots of time staring at screens this year, so it may be time for a change of pace.

In order to plan a digital detox, Ritual suggests deleting social media apps; that way, you won’t be so tempted to check your phone. Before your staycation officially begins, you could even try simply letting your phone die. Just make sure that if you decide to do this, you have a watch so that you won’t lose track of the time! For entertainment, pick out some books you’ve been wanting to read - with a good book in your hands, you won’t even miss scrolling.

You may be disappointed that you had to cancel your vacation because of the pandemic. But when you opt for a staycation instead, you can still have a great time. A staycation is a perfect way to save money, stay safe, and explore the world during this pandemic!

Photo via Unsplash