How to Staycation Like You Mean It

Photo by: Pawel Kaminski

Pawel Kaminski

So, you’re taking some time off but have nothing planned? Don’t spend the whole vacation in front of the TV — no one’s judging you for binging a few series here or there, but think about how good you’ll feel if you actually do something with your days off.

This is the perfect opportunity to do things that you normally don’t have time for. Whether that’s getting outside and exploring your neighborhood or trying out a new restaurant, you’ll be glad to have some real stories to tell when you’re back at the office. You don’t have to travel somewhere exotic to enjoy your time off. Try out some of these tips for making the most of your staycation.

Spa Day with Bobbi Brown
Loading Video...

Turn on some peaceful spa music and apply DIY spa treatments like face masks and hand scrubs to get your zen on. Cucumber water is a must for the full effect.

Homemade Ice Cream: Vacation is for indulging, and if you’re not getting some ice cream on a boardwalk, you have plenty of time to break out the ice cream maker and whip up the homemade version. (Here’s a tutorial if you’ve never opened the box to your ice cream maker.) If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can get the same satisfaction from no-churn ice cream.

House cleaning product on wood table

493659432

House cleaning product on wood table

Photo by: Tatomm/iStock ©Tatomm

Tatomm/iStock, Tatomm

Before you disregard this, hear us out – when else do you have the time to make your own natural cleaning products and then use them around the house? Give a little extra love to those everyday items you sometimes neglect, like cutting boards and wine glasses. You’ll thank yourself once the staycation is over and you’re back to your normal routine in a much cleaner space.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Staycations are perfect for trying new things, and bread making is the kind of hobby that we can definitely get behind. Try making yeasted breads which do require some time for proofing and kneading, but don’t require special starters or equipment.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

Again, it sounds like work and this is your time off, but your future self will love you for prepping ahead. Stack the freezer with big-batch meals that are easy to portion and freeze, and even easier to reheat.

Related Links:

Next Up

What Does One Alcoholic Drink Actually Mean?

And how to calculate how many drinks you're having.

Halwa Tastes Like Sweet Nostalgia

As a child, I used to bite my grandmother’s shoulder until I got a fresh batch of halwa. Now, I prepare it every Diwali.

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah Like Molly Yeh

We're not saying there's anything wrong with grandma's brisket, but Molly Yeh sure knows how to spice up holiday favorites.

What Does 2,000 Calories Look Like?

Whether you're an omnivore, vegetarian or vegan, here are 2,000-calorie meal plans.

This Wrapping Paper Smells Just Like Bacon

Add this to your list of holiday musts.

What Does Coca-Cola Y3000 Taste Like?

Created with the assistance of A.I., Coca-Cola’s latest flavor attempts to offer a taste of the future.

What Does Coca-Cola Dreamworld Taste Like?

What do dreams taste like? Coca-Cola says it has an answer.

What Does K-Pop Taste Like? Banana, Apparently

Coca-Cola released a new limited-edition flavor, K-Wave Zero Sugar, inspired by the wildly successful music genre.

What Does Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Taste Like?

The new beverage is a permanent addition to the Dr Pepper lineup — and we got an advance taste.

Everything You Need To Cook Like Emily Mariko

We rounded up the TikTok star's most-used products!