College can get expensive. From tuition, to books, to online homework platforms, the money just seems to leave my hands faster than I can get it. For me, it's difficult to justify taking a vacation over the summer when I have to pay for school in the fall. I still want to have fun over my summer break, but I don't want to spend a lot of money doing it. A stay-cation, or a stay-at-home vacation, is the perfect solution. Even if you have to work over the summer, taking a few hours for yourself will help you maintain balance in your life. Some of these activities are completely free, and some may cost a little, but all of them are super fun!
1. Treat yourself to a spa day.
This is not just for ladies-- anyone can treat themselves to a relaxing spa day. This can be as cheap or as expensive as you want it to be. If you want to go all out and spend a full day at the spa, go for it, but if you are on a strict budget, maybe you can spring for a bottle of bubble bath, a scented lotion or even that new color of nail polish you've been dying to try. Take a long, hot bath, and pamper yourself for as long as you need to relax.
2. Go to a museum.
Don't just limit yourself to major museums: Lots of towns have small museums that are free or very cheap to get into. Learn a little bit more about where you live, and stay out of the hot sun in the process.
3. Try Geocaching.
Geocaching is a giant, world-wide treasure hunt. People hide capsules in various places and log the coordinates online. You then use a geocaching app to access these coordinates, and use the clues to find the capsule. Sometimes the previous finder has left a little present inside for you. Best of all: This is completely free!
4. Find a local festival or concert
Check local newspapers for events and information. Usually, the Parks and Recreation department throws some sort of "bash," concert, barbeque or other outdoor event. Grab a few friends or go people watch for a few hours.
5. Go visit a local dog park.
Not only is a dog park a great place to go by yourself, but it's also a great place to take your pet! If you have a furry friend at home who is begging to go on a walk, take them to the dog park instead. After running around for an hour or so, your pup will be worn out and ready to go home. However, make sure to bring lots of water for them or you will end up with a car seat full of drool.
6. Read a book.
Yes, I know it's a cliche, but sometimes it can be nice just to relax and enjoy a good book. You don't have to stay at home to read: go to a park, the pool, a coffee shop, a library or a nice bookstore. Changing up the venue can make it feel like a real vacation.
7. Make a travel playlist
Can't make it to that country you've always been meaning to visit? Make a playlist of popular artists from that country to experience some of the culture you've been dreaming of.
8. Take from foreign cuisine and make a meal.
Tip: The meal becomes twice as delicious if served with the travel playlist going in the background.
9. Play an old board game.
You know that old board game that sits in the back of the closet? Gather a few friends, dust it off and play! Note: playing board games on your phone is not the same thing. There's just something about physically moving Monopoly pieces and seeing the fear in your friend's eyes that you can't get electronically.
10. Visit a new place in your hometown.
No matter how well you think you know your hometown, there is always a secret little nook to discover. Visit a used bookstore, an old record shop, a special place in the park: anyplace you haven't spent a lot of time before. Who knows: you might find your new favorite spot.
11. Make time for a well-deserved nap.
Sometimes all you need to recharge is a nice long nap. Schedule a little bit of time in your day and snooze. Make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to sleep so that you don't feel rushed when you wake up.
To truly enjoy your stay-cation, you have to make the day special. If you feel rushed to complete household chores or work in order to do one of these activities, you will end up stressing yourself out to the point where you no longer enjoy the activity. Make sure that you remember that this is your vacation: enjoy it!
