How to Plan for the Best Staycation this Summer
Grandma Sandy is on vacation, returning Wednesday, August 14. In the meantime, each week, we’ll feature a curated collection of the best of “Call Me Grandma!” In today’s post, we’re highlighting our best staycation ideas.
Remember the financial crisis of 2007 to 2008 when “staycations” became popular? We were all tightening our belts so we stayed home and made the best of it by pretending to be on vacation.
It turns out “staycation,” is not a modern term. According to Merriam-Webster there is a reference to “staycations” from as early as 1944.
The pandemic drove another wave of staycations. But travel is booming again, so maybe you’re not staying home this year. Or, like me, you might simply be avoiding the peak summer travel season; I’ll do an international trip in the fall.
In the meantime, with the grandkids spending the summer with their other grandma, I’m starting my own staycation. My idea of a staycation isn’t so much about playing tourist in my city, but a way to get stuff done.
Make a Staycation List
Make a staycation list of what you want to accomplish; check periodically to see how you’re faring. Here’s my list from 2022. This exercise is like writing New Year’s resolutions, but prepared in a more leisurely time when you’re more likely to succeed.
Tackle a Big Project
For my big project one summer, I decided to put all my 90 herbs and spices into matching jars (insane, I know). The look is quite spectacular, but it was a lot of work. The bonus was that the old spice jars became the basis of a craft project for the grandkids. This may not be your idea of a great staycation activity, but I bet you have some kind of project like this, waiting for you to accomplish.
Host a Simple Party
Making simple party food for a small garden party is not too much work and is a great way to socialize in intimate groups while enjoying the outdoors.
Yesterday, I hosted a dear friend for lunch in our garden. It was a beautiful day. I made Salade Niçoise, my favorite summertime dish, and we had Strawberries in Phyllo for dessert.
With farmers markets burgeoning with tomatoes, strawberries, and the freshest seasonal produce, it’s a great time to be entertaining friends.
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