Relationship Drivers: Staycation Ideas

Post 34 of 44
December 11, 2013

The concept of a staycation is fairly inclusive — it can be as elaborate as a normal vacation, or as simple as a few quiet days of rest and relaxation. The only constant is that you won’t be traveling too far. And really, that’s not a necessary element of a fun vacation anyway; the act of travel itself isn’t what makes a vacation relaxing or legitimate. It’s the fact that you’re leaving behind the responsibilities and stresses of everyday life and allowing yourself to decompress.

The key behind sharing a staycation with your significant other and making it feel special is to treat it like it’s something special. Even if you’re only planning a couple days of sightseeing around your own town, you should act like it’s a real, traditional vacation and not an inferior alternative that you have to settle for. As long as you’re not trying to catch up on work or letting ordinary life encroach on the time you’re spending together, the experience really can be as memorable as a traditional vacation. The following staycation ideas were selected for their value as fun, romantic or practical gestures — ways to use this time to strengthen your relationship.

 

Tour Local Vintage Stores & Thrift Shops

The point of shopping at a vintage clothing store is the possibility of finding something unusual or unique that you would never have found in a normal shopping setting or finding something that would ordinarily be much more expensive. Coming across an awesome find is more a function of time than money, making this endeavor perfect for anyone with free time and not a lot of cash. Be sure to visit some stores that would normally be too far out of your way.

 

The Gastronomy Staycation

If a traveling vacation isn’t in your budget — but you still have enough cash to indulge a little — spend your staycation visiting the best eateries your town has to offer. Go to a trendy restaurant, bakery or cheese shop. Visiting a vineyard and winery outside of town is an ideal day trip. It’s a romantic experience, as the area is usually very scenic and — despite being moderately upscale — it’s often more affordable than a full meal at an expensive restaurant.

 

Historical Tour Of The City

Most cities offer guided tours to parts of the city you might never have known about or to places that had relevance that you weren’t aware of. A walking tour isn’t just a way to spend an afternoon — it’s also a way to feel like the two of you are tourists in your own town, seeing it from the perspective of people who don’t take the charms of the area for granted. If you can’t find any guided tours, check online for self-guided tours that highlight your town’s most significant places.