Super Staycations

Are you suffering from vacation envy as your plans for a long-haul flight to the tropics vanish due to recession worries? Go on a “staycation”. Save money, avoid crowds, and arrive back at work relaxed and refreshed. More and more people are opting to relax at home and avoid the hassles—and costs—of going abroad. A staycation can turn out to be the perfect holiday as long as you follow the rules:

1. Change your routine It won’t feel like much of a vacation if you do the same things. Shake up the routine! Be spontaneous and give yourself unscheduled time for fun. Do the unexpected. Your usual routine will be there waiting when you’re back to work!
2. Unplug Turn off the cell phone, take off the watch, put the Blackberry in a drawer, stay away from e-mail and screen your telephone calls. Resist the temptation to check in with work. Pretend you are too far away for anyone to reach you. The biggest challenge of your staycation is to keep work at bay!
3. Skip the chores You’re going to feel really deprived if you spend your time cleaning out closets or doing other chores. Hire a cleaning service so you can spend the time lounging or having fun instead of cleaning. Take a vacation from the pets as well by sending them to a local kennel for a few days.
4. Eat out Dining out is part of any holiday. Get online and read reviews of local restaurants and pick out some new cuisines to try. Invite some friends offer for dinner or invite them out to a restaurant and pick up the tab -- you can afford it since you’re saving money by staying at home.
5. Spend some time with nature Slow down. When was the last time you laid back and watched the clouds roll by? Go for a skate, a snowshoe or a ski. National Parks have nominal fees but offer some great places to explore, at any time of the year. Plan an overnight trip. If you’re a foodie, follow a local food circuit, such as The Okanagan's Wine Trail, Niagara's Icewine Trail or Quebec's La Route des fromages, or visit a maple sugar shack.
6. Become a local tourist Rediscover the things you love about your hometown. There’s sure to be some local attractions you’ve been meaning to visit for years. Get out to those concerts in the park or festivals you’ve been missing. Pick up a guidebook and discover what visitors enjoy in your town. As a local, you’ll be eligible for all those amazing discounts most cities offer.
7. Pamper yourself Be kind to yourself and don’t be afraid to splurge. Visit a day spa. Spend the entire afternoon lounging in one of those glorious robes while you get a massage, facial, pedicure and manicure. Check into a four-star hotel for an evening away and soak up the luxury. Since it’s close to home, you won’t have the hassle of luggage or finding your way in an unfamiliar city.
8. Relax Don’t over-schedule yourself. Leave time for downtime and let yourself do whatever you feel like. Read a book, take naps, visit friends for afternoon coffee, sleep in, spend the day in your pyjamas and lose track of time. The idea is to feel like you’ve gotten a break without exhausting yourself.
Find more suggestions at Staycations Holidays.

Bon voyage.