Setting up the best staycation experience

Every year, during Holy Week, people from all over the world make the most of the long break by going on vacation.

While this may raise some eyebrows of religious followers, the season is actually the perfect time to bond with family, visit new places and rediscover God away from our usual worries.

Not everyone has the luxury of time or money to go on vacation though. Many Filipinos still stay at home, especially those who prefer to participate in local church activities. But what if there is a way somehow we could manage to do both, that is, have a great vacation without ever having to leave home?

If the idea of staycation, or staying at home while on vacation, entices you, you’ve come to the right place.

Today, let us explore the idea of turning your home into the ideal staycation venue. Besides saving on travel expenses and losing guilt over missed church activities, the perfect staycation home will allow you to find fun and relaxation on a daily basis.

Close your eyes and ask yourself, how do I wish to spend my ideal vacation?

Perhaps, you’re the type who dreams of cooling off the whole day in a pool. Or maybe, you prefer the idea of exploring the outdoors, hiking through trails or fishing by a lake. However you imagine your ideal vacation, this should serve as your guide in determining the best setup for you.

Once you’ve determined what you would like to do, start thinking of ways you can recreate the ideal vacation at home. If you have some substantial cash to spend, perhaps you’d like to have a small pool built in your backyard. But if the budget’s a bit tight, don’t fret. You just need to be more creative.

If you would like to have a wet spot to cool off, consider buying an inflatable pool or the type that stands on metal frames. If you want to try fishing, build yourself a pond in the backyard and fill it with marine life. If you want to have a barbecue, set up an outdoor grill and al fresco seating.

You can also fashion a hammock or a swing chair just to put your feet up and chill. Sky’s the limit when it comes to recreating your ideal vacation activity at home.

Perhaps it’s the garden that eases all your worries, or maybe it’s a relaxing soak in the bathtub that rejuvenates you.

Pick your favorite spot at home and dress it up with new accessories and decor. This allows you to enjoy familiar haunts with a new look. You can also add new items that will make your relaxation sessions in your home feel different, such as a treadmill, a gaming console or a playground for the kids.

Invest in a good night’s sleep

Perhaps some of us just wish to have eight hours of uninterrupted sleep on a holiday. If this is your goal, it’s worth investing in quality sleeping materials.

Get beddings that are made of cotton, linen, bamboo or silk. These fabrics allow your skin to breath and dispel odors better compared to synthetic ones such as microfiber and polyester.

When it comes to pillows, get orthopaedic ones that prioritize your comfort and spine. According to the Hampton Roads Orthopaedics Spine and Sports Medicine (HROSM), a cervical pillow is best for back sleepers, a contour pillow for side and back sleepers, and a memory foam pillow for side, back, and stomach sleepers.

Consider body pillows as well for additional support to the head, legs and neck, helping align your spine.

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A firm and hard mattress is also best for joint pains and spinal alignment problems. Lastly, consider investing in ambient lights, relaxing fragrances and other small items that can make a big difference.

Surprisingly, the Sleep Foundation recommends red, amber and other warm lights to encourage melatonin production. Also, while this is known to many of us, it still needs to be said: put down your phone at least an hour before sleeping to get a good night’s rest.

Explore nearby destinations

While on staycation, there’s nothing stopping you from venturing outside and heading to nearby places of fun, such as natural wonders, local parks or even malls. Many of us actually avoid local tourist spots because they are easily within reach or we don’t want to fall victim to tourist traps.

You’ll be surprised sometimes though how old destinations can become exciting new experiences with the right companions on hand. Also, the beauty of nature never ceases to invigorate us, so a visit to a nearby park can already do wonders to your mental health.

Savouring the experience beyond the destination

Overall, we all need a break from the daily grind once in a while.

If you find yourself unable to take a grand vacation any time soon, however, don’t worry. You can always make the most out of your home, whether by splurging on exciting amenities such as a swimming pool or by making simple changes such as new bedsheets.