Monday, July 27, 2009
Simplify with a San Francisco Staycation
Staycations, a vacation you do from home, are increasingly popular during the current economic slowdown. Not only do they save you money, they can save you the stress and time involved in planning a traditional vacation away from home.The key is to make it a relaxing, enjoyable experience so you feel truly refreshed at the end. Here are a few tips that will ensure that you get the most out of your staycation:
- Unplug – This is really tough for those of us that are addicted to our laptops, iPhones or Blackberries. But the point of a staycation is to get away from the demands of your regular life. To truly do so, you need to become unavailable. If at all possible, set-up your phone to go straight to voicemail and don’t check work emails. Tell everyone you won’t be around for a week, and just take a break.
- Try Something New – This is your chance to be the ‘hometown tourist,’ and living in the Bay Area there’s an endless list of fun things that the city and surrounding areas have to offer. Try to avoid the restaurants you normally go to and try those places you’ve been meaning to try. Check out this great article I found that provides “frills” and “no frills” options for things to do on your staycation in San Francisco.
- Be A Hotel Guest – Okay the logical question is, why spend money to stay in a hotel when you live nearby and can sleep in your own bed for free? But do you have room service, brand-new little soaps, a whirlpool bathtub, onsite spa services, fun attractions around the corner and maid service? In a hotel you also don’t have visual reminders – piles of laundry, a messy desk or clutter – of the work that needs to be done.
- Get Lazy - Schedule in some downtime to read, relax, sleep in, and just do nothing. It might help you get in the “mood” if you choose a day to stay in your pajamas. Get the DVDs to Lost and relive the first season, surf the net for hours, play crossword puzzles – plan to be lazy and enjoy it.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Splurge - Because you’re saving money on airfare or gas by staying close to home, splurge in other areas. Maybe you can go to brunch, get a facial, go shopping, or hire a cleaning service for the week. (We can help, if you need to find great local services.)
I hope these tips will help you enjoy the benefits of a staycation, without spending as much time or money as you would on a "traditional vacation." Please share any tips you’ve discovered!
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