Staycation Ideas During Coronavirus Quarantine
If you’re feeling the quarantine blues of social distancing during the Coronavirus outbreak, it’s time for a staycation! There’s only so much Instagram scrolling and Netflix binging a person can do. This is your guide to the best staycation ideas while COVID-19 social distancing that don’t involve vegging out in front of the TV or endless social media scrolling.
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In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life:
It goes on.
ROBERT FROST
With the outbreak of COVID-19, people everywhere are dealing with difficult situations and canceled plans. We’re cooped up at home, balancing remote work or classes (or worse, indefinite layoffs), many with kids or others to care for. There’s no sugar coating it – this sucks.
But beyond the stress and economic situation, it’s hard to think of the limitations this all brings. We’re canceling trips and vacations, and we don’t know when we’ll be able to plan or set out on new adventures again.
For many of us, planning the next trip or vacation is the motivation to get through the work week. We know this can’t last forever, but without an end date and so much uncertainty, it can be hard to see the light at the tunnel.
But corona or no corona – the world keeps turning, and the months will pass by anyway. So this can be a block of time wasted on waiting for it to be over, or we can make it about something more. I, for one, refuse to wish time away. If you’re with me – if you’re ready to say this moment in your life is not going to be about fear and waiting, then join me. Here are some great ways you can embrace life through a staycation during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Take a Hike
– or a Walk or a Bike Ride. Away from all the scary news, you’ll find that outside the birds are still chirping, the sun still shines, and the world is still a beautiful place. So take this opportunity to explore something beautiful near you and take up a healthy new hobby.
Of course, be sure to maintain the 6+ft distance from others you may encounter, stay away from playgrounds or crowded areas, wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and all the usual CDC recommendations. Be sure to check park websites for any closings and be mindful of any local restrictions.
AllTrails.com is a great resource to find a trail near you. It includes trail photos, difficulty ratings, and even information about whether bikes or dogs are allowed.
Schedule an Airbnb (Online) Experience
Many of you will have heard of Airbnb – an online marketplace for arranging lodging or even tourism experiences. Airbnb allows people who are traveling to arrange a local homestay, and even set up an “experience” with a local host. These experiences range from cooking classes, wine tastings, tours, hikes, and more. It’s a great way to get to know the location and people authentically, while ensuring more of your tourism dollars go to the local community.
In the wake of COVID-19, Airbnb did something pretty amazing: they started offering those experiences ONLINE! So now, you don’t have to travel at all to experience local cultures. Here are just a few of my favorites to check out:
Cooking
- Morocco: Home Cooking lesson with Moroccan Family
- India: Flavors of India at Home: cooking and culture session
- Bali: Balinese Home Cooking session from Denpasar, Indonesia
- Spain: Spanish Tapas Cooking from Málaga, Spain
- Italy: Make Pasta with Italian Grandmas from Sabina, Italy
Wine & Cocktails
Activities
- Flamenco Dance lesson from Sevilla, Spain
- Virtual Visit to an Animal Sanctuary
- Tango lesson from Caba, Argentina
- Origami and Japanese culture from Koto City, Japan
This is just a tiny starter list of what’s available! Check out my full article on some of the best online travel experiences here. These Airbnb Online Experiences will be the ultimate key to a successful travel-themed staycation!
Treat Yo’self
It’s more important than ever to indulge in some self-care. Line up with a few hours just for you complete with bath, deep conditioning hair treatment, face mask, under-eye treatment, pedicure, manicure.
If this kind of pampering isn’t for you, then do whatever makes you feel fresh and recharged.
The number 1 rule: don’t listen to, read, or watch the news. Instead, put on your favorite music, or better yet – some calming ocean sounds and pretend you’re at the beach.
Take a Culinary Adventure
One of the best things about traveling is the food! Whether it’s trying a new food or treating yourself to your favorites, having something special to eat makes the day special. So why limit yourself at home? Enjoy a travel-ish meal on your staycation!
Don’t want to deal with the grocery store to get your ingredients? Try Instacart! This grocery delivery service sends a grocery shopper to pick up your items and deliver to you at home. I use Instacart for virtually all my grocery shopping and highly recommend it. You’ll also find that many grocery stores are offering free pickup service. No need to leave your car!
Here’s just a starter list of some travel specials you can make at home:
Disney
- Molasses Glazed Ham with Cornmeal Crepes and Honey Butter
- California Grill’s Chocolate Lava Cake – such a simple recipe!
- Apple Crisp from Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
France
Italy
- Italian Wedding Soup
- Fresh Homemade Pasta – WAY easier than you’d think! This makes a great activity for a couples date, to make with kids, or solo quest.
- Pick up a pasta roller from Amazon here or a fancy pasta attachment for your Kitchenaid here.
Bali
Go on a Local Getaway
If you’re really itching to get out of the house, you could take a staycation getaway that still allows social distancing and requires no airplanes. This could be a nice change of scenery as a quick weekend trip. If you’re working remotely, why not go for the week? Just make sure the cabin has wifi!
For this to work as a safe getaway, be sure you’re choosing something within short driving distance so you’re not exposed in the airport or making a lot of stops along the way. Be sure to bring along some disinfecting cleaner to wash down surfaces and handles once you arrive, and choose something without daily housekeeping service.
So get out of the city, find someplace cozy – maybe with a view and a hot tub! Or stay in the city and find a rental with features you’re excited about. Check out Airbnb.com for options within driving distance from you.
Take a Mixology Course
Missing the fun occasional cocktail? The bars may be closed but you can mix up a pro-level staycation cocktail at home.
If you’ve ever had a mild interest in mixology this is a great time to take a course. Udemy offers a free Bartending 101 course or more advanced and specialized courses on things like whiskey, wine, and sake at really great prices.
Then, enjoy! Better yet – if you have a private outdoor space like a deck or balcony, enjoy your cocktail outdoors. You’d be surprised the difference a little change of scenery can make.
Learn a Language
Is it just me, or is there something exciting about learning a bit of a new language in preparation for a new trip? I get pumped to prep a few phrases to chat it up with locals – or at least ask for the toilet. Before our trip to Paris, I bought one of those great Phrasebooks from Loney Planet and practiced all the time (check it out on Amazon here – they’re a steal at less than $5).
You’ve got the time and life these days calls for growth – so while you’re on your staycation start getting ready for your next dream adventure by learning a new language!
You can pick up a 12-month subscription for up to 24 languages on Rosetta Stone here.
Plan Your Next Trip
Say it again for those in the back – this quarantine won’t last forever. This coronavirus outbreak is a moment – a bad one – but a moment nonetheless. The time to start planning your next trip is now.
Sure, you may not be able to set the date. But there’s a LOT you can do to move forward on vacation plans besides booking! Where do you want to go? What would you like to do while you’re there? What kinds of local foods do you have to try while you’re there?
Create a new Pinterest board for the destination you’re dreaming of next. You can see the trips I’m currently dreaming about here.
Need some inspiration? Check out our Bucket List destinations for 2020 here.
My humble hope for you today is this: Keep dreaming. Keep planning. Keep believing in the next adventure, and keep your eyes on the horizon – we’ll be there soon enough.
Until then, check out these posts to inspire your next trip:
- Bucket List Destinations to visit after COVID-19
- How to Travel with Only a Personal Item Backpack
- Dublin, Ireland Travel Guide
- Key West, Florida Itinerary
