How To Turn Your Long Weekend Into The Ultimate Staycation

Millions of Americans will be getting out of town for the Labor Day weekend, but if you’re not one of them, don’t let FOMO get you down. Sure, a trip to the beach or mountains might be nice, but by not traveling over the holiday weekend, you’ll not only skip all the traffic and long airport lines, you can create the ultimate staycation at home.

The key is taking a break from your usual routine and turning the weekend into something that feels totally different from your day-to-day life. The best staycations can help you relax, rejuvenate and even rediscover what you love about your hometown and here’s how you do it.

• Start by hitting pause on chores and distractions - The perfect staycation is different for everyone, but one thing most people can agree on is that it doesn't include the same old routine. That means avoiding work email, ignoring the pile of laundry and the un-mowed yard.
• Treat your staycation like a real vacation - Pretend you’re a tourist in your hometown and visit all the museums, parks, and other attractions someone visiting your city would take in, but you never do.
• Make it a spa day - Keep it budget-friendly and DIY your face masks and mani/pedi, or pamper yourself with a massage, sauna and other treatments at an upscale hotel or spa nearby.
• Spend the night away from home - Make a reservation at a fancy hotel or resort you’ve always wanted to stay at, but never had the chance. Enjoy sleeping in the luxurious bed that you don’t have to make in the morning and treat yourself to room service, too. If that’s not in the budget, you could go camping at a local state park, or even in your own backyard.
• Take a cooking class or dine at a fancy restaurant - Use your staycation for a low-key date night with a tasty food experience. Learn a new recipe at a cooking class or make reservations at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t splurged on yet.
• Get outside - Pack a picnic and head to a park, explore a walking trail or mountain hike, or get adventurous and go kayaking, canoeing or biking somewhere nearby but new to you.
• Make time for the fun stuff - As long as you enjoy your staycation and use it as a chance to change your routine, you can’t go wrong.

Read the article at USA Today