Travel Diaries

So the world has come to an end.

Nope.

Nada.

It definitely has not.

Around a year back we all innocently entered lock-downs and travel restrictions with no idea that we would still be battling with these words a year on. Of all the changes we have had to normalize into our new lives, one of them has been to say adios to our vacation plans. I know there were many like me who thought 2021 would be different and would be the year we could double up on our vacation dose but clearly a stubborn virus (who shall not be named – I refuse to give it any more importance than it already has) is here to stay and so, alas, 2021 might not be any different. Which is truly unfortunate, because a vacation is what we all need the most right now.

But wait.

What’s that?

Staycation?? – Yuuuppp! it’s still a vacation but with less travel, less risk and less expenses.

And no, a staycation isn’t about moving out of the four walls of your home to stare at the four walls of a hotel room. You need to make sure it is an experience that gives your mind and body the break it truly needs. It can be a hotel staycation or in your neighboring park or even in your backyard (whichever is safest depending on where you live). So please do not suffer any longer. As soon as you’re done reading this blog – plan your stay, pack your bags and leave!

Beach and Waves

If you’re a water baby and live close enough to a beach then this one is a no-brainer for you. There is nothing more relaxing than swimming in the ocean and falling asleep on the beach to the sound of the waves. A beach resort is in itself a perfect staycation deal as you can spend the whole day switching between the beach and pool. Beach resorts are a good option irrespective of whether you are planning to go alone, as a couple or the whole family. They usually provide full access to their beach and pool including food and drink offers. If you feel like splurging you can opt for villas right on the beach. Beach staycations are usually fail safe as the sand and waves are loved by adults and kids alike and you can personalize your beach time by carrying beach balls, snorkeling equipment, or a yoga mat, depending on your mood and company.

Camping

For those who prefer to be more active on their vacations, camping is a great option. Depending on the type of activity you prefer you can either combine it with hiking/biking to reach your camp site or 4-wheel your way there and set up camp under the stars with your own fire and barbecue. Based on where you live and what the camping laws are, you can look for a spot by a lake/river, on the hill side or in the middle of nowhere. As long as it safe to travel and you know where you are going, sky is the limit, truly. Just remember to be with the right company and carry along all the gear you might need as well to keep an eye on the weather conditions.

City Tour

Now this one might not sound interesting at first but with some imagination this can be a good idea for those who do not wish to spend much. If you live in a place which is popular tourist spot, chances are the tourism industry has taken a pretty bad hit, which means the otherwise expensive tourist attractions would now be accessible for much cheaper and these places would welcome locals with open arms. So why not take advantage of the situation and re-visit the place you live in through the eyes of a tourist. Take a tour in those open-top tour buses around the city, go to the tourist “hot spots” (pun not intended) that were always crowded otherwise, find hidden gems within your town, pose like a tourist in front of iconic landmarks, find some cheap accommodation too so you can sleep in a different bed and enjoy breakfast made by someone else for a change.

Amusement parks

OK, please don’t raise your eyebrows at me just yet. I know an amusement park is not the most ideal choice during a pandemic but most parks that have opened up, have all the required precautions in place. They are sanitized and safe to enjoy, so if you would like an adrenaline filled staycation then what better way than to stay in a amusement park. Most parks offer great deals for stay with access to the whole park, and sometime even throw in Food & Beverages credit. So you can spend the whole day exploring everything the park has to offer with no rush. This would be great for a short stay where you get to live in an entirely different world that is tailor-made for having fun and forgetting your worries (can’t go wrong with that)

Nature Retreat

For all the nature lovers out there, if you live close to greenery(or have a backyard) then planning a get away from the concrete jungle might be your sweet escape. Look for an AirBnB or fancy nature resorts or rent a caravan, whichever fits your bill and spend a few days in the lap of nature, away from work and even technology if possible. It would be a refreshing change to wake up to the sounds of birds instead of Alexa or Siri. Nature resorts usually offer a range of activities too like a nature walk, educational classes, DIY projects you can take up,etc. so make sure to take advantage of these. If you are going out on your own then you can try hiking, bonfire or your own man vs wild adventure.

Day-Cation

In this new world there is whole host of restrictions that didn’t exist before. So if stepping away from home for a whole night is not possible then try a daycation instead. Just a whole day out for yourself – or with family however you prefer. A day of no work and no worries just doing something to relax – like being in the pool, or spa or even a spiritual place. Hotels and resorts are currently offering great daycation deals which include a brunch/dinner plus access to their pool/spa/grounds for the whole day. Another option would be to pack your mats and foldable chairs and head out for a picnic at a park. Remember to pack enough to munch on and carry some some games to play while soaking in the sun. This will work especially well if you have children or pets or both.

This list is in no way exhaustive but I hope it gives you the inspiration required to plan something for yourself despite all the hurdles facing you. There is always a way to enjoy and take the break you deserve. So stop making excuses and do yourself a favor and plan a break – whatever, however is possible without putting yourself at risk, but DO IT. Life has given us enough lemons over the last year… (you know how it goes)