Do It Yourself: 9 Steps to an Exotic Staycation at Home
Are you yearning for a trip somewhere exotic but you’re stuck at home with a pile of chores? Wish your view was of palm trees gently swaying in the breeze but instead all you’ve got are gloomy grey skies? With a few easy steps you can snap your humble bedroom into a tranquil, luxurious getaway fit for an evening (or week!) away.
Step 1 – Clear away the clutter. Hotel rooms are often decorated with simple furniture, and all you have in the bed/bathroom is what you’ve brought via your small, stylish suitcase. Lickety-split, remove everything from hard surfaces and floors that doesn’t need to be there (ie. piles of papers, glasses, toys, to-do items). Don’t get bogged down with the details, and if all else fails just shove stray clothing or items in a closet and shut the door.
Step 2 – Bring out clean white linens for the bed. If you’re splurging, buy new ones. Place two or three pillows on each side. Make the bed carefully so that the corners are tucked in neatly and that the top of the bed is smooth. Fluff up the pillows and add a soft throw at the end of the bed.
Step 3 – Hang up a couple bathrobes and lay out some cozy slippers for lounging.
Step 4 – Make sure your bedroom curtains offer complete darkness. Sleep will be more restful in a dark environment, so if you are lacking good curtains your sleep will suffer too. Use binder clips to keep the curtains together, or push furniture against a curtain to keep the window corners covered. No curtains at all? In a pinch, try bedsheets or large cardboard pieces and duct tape.
Step 5 – Put up a Do Not Disturb sign for a touch of whimsy or to remind others to come back later. Templates can be found online to print in a hurry, or if you’re the creative type you can make your own.
Step 6 – Get some travel-sized toiletries that you don’t usually use, in cheery scents like coconut, blood orange, passionfruit or mango. The Body Shop, Bath & Body Works, or your local drugstore have tons to choose from, including bubble bath and thick lotions. Lay them out in the bathroom along with a few rolled up washcloths and freshly laundered towels.
Step 7 – Set out a welcome amenity, like a bottle of wine and a small box of chocolates or some fruit. A couple large bottles of water are great for staying hydrated too, and a cookie on each side of the bed is a nice treat.
Step 8 – Spritz the room with a relaxing but transporting scents. Vanilla and Lavender are especially calming. Put a small arrangement of fresh flowers in a vase.
Step 9 – After enjoying your “hotel room” for a while, order “room service” using your local food delivery service ie. Grubhub, Just Eat, Food To You, or Eat 24 Hours.
Enjoy your Staycation!
Update: Reader Tara P. emailed me to say that an important part of her Staycation was putting away all electronic devices. What’s your Staycation tip?
