How to Plan a Traveler’s Working Staycation

Have you ever considered taking a Staycation? I know, I know, once upon a time in a land not so far away I too made that face when a coworker told me she was staying home. “What a waste”, I thought, “If I’ve got time off, I want to travel.”

However, these past few months, when Sunday night rolled around, I heard myself grumble; “I need a Staycation!” My weekends were filled with personal projects I couldn’t finish in one. Every year it seems that summer flies by without me ever having used the swimming pool or gone to a beach. The only “tan” I get is on my morning 5 mile runs.

 

I’m not complaining mind you, I choose to spend my time in this way which is often rewarding, but it did make me look at the idea of a Staycation as a more promising adventure of self preservation and personal project productivity!

So inspired, “Around the World in 5 days Working Staycation”! In fact, many entrepreneurs I know have taken productive staycations this year. Having more than one reason to stay home might just make it the best decision you could make all year.

 

-Reasons to Stay Close to Home:

 

1) you’re saving for a major business investment or even an epic trip next year.

2) It’s been a while since you visited all those places you love in your own area.

3) You NEED a mental health day (or 5). No joke, if one more person asks you where you went this past weekend as if you’re like a normal person who goes to the Hamptons.

4) All those projects you outsourced are on your table now and you’re holding up production.

5) Your summer reading list and magazines are beginning to look like a Shel Silverstein horror story.

6) You’ve declined too many invitations with so many friends you wonder if they will ever call again.

-Make a List:

 

I know planning and list making may not be something you think of for vacationing, but making a list of all the fun you hope to have as well as the projects you want to knock out, will help you make sure you get in enough R & R as well as R & D.

-Make Your Home into a Luxury Hotel:

 

A few weeks from Stay Day, start preparing your home to simulate a luxury hotel. The goal is to make it a place you may not care to leave. Schedule an in home spa treatment or mani/pedicure. Fill the house with a wonderful fragrance that reminds you of vacation, I love these summer fragrances from Bath and Body Works. Clean the house and organize your creative space so that every corner invites you to stay and play.

 What’s the best part of traveling? The Food! I spent the week leading up to my time off collecting wine from the regions of France and Spain, beer from Germany, Goat and Sheep’s cheeses with prosciutto and fig butter. I collected herbs from my garden including Mexican Tarragon and Basil. Finally, the day before, on my way home from work, I stopped off for some Sunflowers to remind me of Spain and Macaroons to taste summer in Paris again.

  I also researched local restaurants near home that had good reviews for tapas, beef tartare and sushi. I kept the list to choose from when and if the desire to go out struck.

-Plan Your Days to Flexibly Alternate Fun with Work:

 

 Though my days would be filled with a mile long “To-Do” list of projects, I needed opportunities for play and relaxation. Be sure to have an idea of what each day holds, but don’t be so tied to it that you miss out on a moment of spontaneous fun.

A friend invited me for a BBQ, and good times were had. I even caught some fireflies which is always on my summer to-do list, but rarely happens.

-Expect the Unexpected but don’t be Surprised When the Expected Happens:

 

You’ve got to get things done, so be sure to prime the mind to help you focus. Make some tea or coffee, leaf through some inspiring blogs, books and magazines to prime that mind of yours and get going. Give yourself 1 to 2 hours of “prime time” then get your butt in the studio.

-Combine Business with Pleasure:

 

I love to sketch animals but it’s also part of my work.  I decided a trip to Natty Meu was too much of a chore so I went to the local Zoo to sketch. I had a walk in the sun, an ice cream sandwich and did some doodles.

 -Enjoy the Process:

 

Sometimes it’s just fun to build something. Enjoying the process of putting things together can be very relaxing. Find a useful craft project you enjoy and take your time.

 There is nothing more luxurious than having time to yourself.  Make a space in your life to do the things you love. Staying home is a luxury you can afford!

 How do you take “me time”? What creative lifestyle changes can you make everyday that feel like a mini vacation? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you.