Making the Most of Your Summer Staycation
Whether you were a Magaluf bound sixth year or packing for a family trip abroad, your plans have likely been grounded (literally!) due to the unwelcome visitor that is Covid-19. As a result, the concept of a “staycation” is becoming an increasingly popular way of reducing the disruption to your summer holiday. Recently we recommended our favourite locations in Ireland to spend your staycation and now here are our top tips to get the most out of your Irish summer holiday!
Get excited!
Let’s be honest, the anticipation is as much a part of the holiday joy as the holiday itself! Plan your break and prepare for the time off in advance to maintain this enthusiastic expectation for your staycation. Brainstorm ideas for what you might like to do and devise creative ways to spend your days to build your excitement.
Don those summery clothes with delight
Most of us have summer specific clothes but within that niche collection there are usually also items that only get brought out to be packed into a suitcase and then worn abroad. Do not let the reduced travel options limit your style too! Glam up and give your gorgeous summer holiday clothes the Irish debut they (and you) deserve! The weather might not be quite as obliging towards your summer inspired style but really, we wouldn’t be Irish if we did not pack a jumper “just in case!”.
Dine “al fresco”
Dining outside might be another thing we participate in more frequently abroad but why save it exclusively for overseas? Whether its breakfast by the beach, lounging in the garden for lunch or a delicious dinner outdoors, it is guaranteed to add to that staycation feel. Picnics are another fantastic option and can be easily combined with a trip or hike for a fantastic day out.
Explore
Some people travel to the same place abroad every year so why not take advantage of this staycation to explore a new area? Ireland is home to some of the most stunning natural areas and our rich heritage has created an abundance of cultural sites that are just waiting for you to visit. Even if you remain in your own county there is plenty of exploring to be done. We typically avoid our most local tourist attractions so now is the perfect time to visit your own.
Take a break from your phone
We tend to engage in a digital detox on holidays, often without even intending to. Whether it is a dodgy Wi-Fi signal or too many distractions to even pick up your phone, our holidays involve much less technology than our day to day lives. One of the best ways to relax and get the most benefit from your break is to switch off from everything!
Ditch the car
Many holidays abroad involve little or no use of the car so for maximum staycation effect why not reduce your driving. This will add to the holiday feel, but it will also help you explore local areas if you have travelled from your home county. As an added bonus it is an easy way to get a little bit of fresh air and some exercise for your mental and physical wellbeing. Also check out if there is an option to rent a bike or, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, why not see if there are stables nearby!
Take photos
If you are considering taking a break from your phone, why not invest in a camera for the summer. This will be particularly worthwhile if you are visiting one of Ireland’s beloved areas of natural beauty or aiming to spend a great deal of your staycation outdoors. Most summers will find your Instagram feed inundated with images of Spanish sunsets or foreign food so why not change it up a bit and take some snapshots a little closer to home!
Collect Souvenirs
I highly doubt we are ever going to need some sort of physical souvenir to remind us of 2020. In fact, I suspect it is embedded in our memories! However, just as you might pick up a keychain, novelty pen or seashell abroad, why not acquire a memento of your staycation? This way you will have something of positive and personal value that can be linked to the weirdest year we have ever known!
Do you have any plans for a staycation this summer?
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