A successful staycation is within reach!

Are you familiar with the term staycation? The staycation—a portmanteau of the words stay and vacation—has become more topical than ever because of COVID-19. This "vacation at home" typically includes local and regional excursions. It's a great way to take some time out to unwind and have fun. In addition to providing an opportunity for some R&R, staycations are good for the local economy—an important perk given our current situation.

How to have the perfect staycation

Staycations can be short or long and take place in your hometown or neighbouring region. For an ideal holiday at home, it's important to be adventurous—but also organized! Below are a few helpful tips:

Disconnect

After several weeks in lockdown, it can hard to switch off. For many of us, all our daily chores are now done from home, including childcare and work. If this is the case for you, enable your out-of-office email function, no matter how long or short your vacation is. Reduce your screen time by trying to check your emails and social media less often. It may not be easy, but it's definitely worth it! Staycations are all about me time. Go ahead and sleep in, or read that stack of magazines on your bedside table. Take some time for yourself by getting back to basics.

Switch up your routine

Open that recipe book you've been meaning to check out and get cooking. Plant a garden, space permitting. Wish you could take a spa day? Set aside a morning to light some candles, relax in a hot bath, and use some homemade products, like a sugar scrub. If you have children, pitch a tent in your backyard and roast some marshmallows!

You can also mix things up by playing tourist in your own town. Buy a guide and explore the surrounding area. Take the opportunity to appreciate the world around you, all those details of your day-to-day you never really took the time to notice before.

Step out of your comfort zone

Do those things that have been on your to-do list for ages, like rock climbing, mountain biking, or bagging that peak you've been dreaming of. If you need to buy some equipment, don't put it off for too long, as there may be shortages and long delivery times. Discover Québec's natural splendour. No need to travel far! Before setting off on your adventure, check that the park you're heading to is open to avoid unnecessary travel.

A staycation can also be a good time to take on a new challenge. There's likely something you've wanted to do for a very long time, but have never found the time. Maybe it's painting. Or learning to play an instrument. Or renovating your kitchen or bathroom. Take advantage of your time off to dive in, without forcing yourself if you don't feel up to it. We can't say it enough: Use this time to take care of yourself and relax.

Be open to others

Embarking on a new hobby often goes hand in hand with meeting new people. While we still need to practise social distancing, it's important to keep in mind that it doesn't mean you can't be social—quite the opposite! Talk to people you know and ask for recommendations. You might be surprised by the variety of communities online where people have banded together around a common interest. You could discover a new hobby and enjoy engaging conversations.

Take advantage of the good weather to stroll outside with friends and family within your social bubble. Have brunch in your backyard or drinks on your balcony with your neighbours, while respecting public health guidelines.

Treat yourself in local shops

Get a meal to go from a restaurant you've never been to before or visit the best ice cream parlour in your neighbourhood. Support the local economy by discovering all those places you've always wanted to check out. Many restaurants now offer a variety of menu items that can be ordered online for pickup. Some have even added picnic baskets or carts to the menu, with everything you need to avoid using plastic and cardboard. They're a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and family, while contributing to the local economy. Ask around—you might be able to order that guilty pleasure you haven't enjoyed in weeks!

The benefits of vacationing at home

Even before the lockdown, the staycation trend was growing, due to its many benefits.

You contribute to the local economy

In these unique times, staycations are an excellent way to support the Québec economy. Although emergency aid programs are in place to help small and medium-sized businesses, many are experiencing financial hardship. Maybe that takeout latté you get tomorrow will help your neighbourhood coffee shop stay afloat. By grabbing your lunch to go or visiting the shops on the streets that you haven't been to in ages, you're helping the local economy. We appreciate all the services available in our neighbourhoods and in our region—let's keep them open by making them our first choice.

You have time for yourself

A staycation is also about taking care of yourself. We often get stuck in a rut and forget to take a moment for ourselves, whether it's to lounge in the sun, garden with the kids, or create a piece of art. Vacationing at home allows you to prioritize these small, personal projects that are often neglected due to a lack of time and money.

You can rediscover your surroundings

How many times have you heard about an incredible lookout that's only a stone's throw away? Québec is home to a wide variety of terrains—you might be surprised by the natural gems in your area! Already familiar with the local landscape? View it with fresh eyes and really take it in. Staycations are a great way to get away from it all and clear your head, all in your own backyard.

Whether by choice or due to COVID-19, vacationing at home is an affordable way to break free from your daily routine and create lasting memories with your loved ones. So, when are you booking some time off?