By Joy Ehonwa.Credit: lifeunsweetened.com
So you couldn’t go on vacation in 2012; big deal. Whether your budget was tight, or you just couldn’t get away, no matter. A fresh new year, 2013, is here, and after the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, taking your annual leave, or at least planning towards it, isn’t a bad idea. Regardless of when you decide to take time off for yourself, not being able to travel doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the pleasures of a vacation. How? Plan a staycation.
A staycation is a “stay-at-home vacation” which, with careful planning, can bring you all the joys of a vacation, without you having to travel. Unlike a vacation involving travelling, a staycation incurs no lodging costs and minimal travel expenses, if any, making it a less expensive alternative. The point is a little rest and relaxation of course; if a vacation for you means sightseeing, you may just have to wait until you can travel somewhere nice. Here are some tips for a vacation you won’t forget:
1.Take time off work. I mean completely. Just because you’re still in town doesn’t mean you should be working from home or dropping by the office. Set a start and end date for your staycation, and take the usual time off work that you would if you were going to travel, and activate your email vacation response. You’ve worked hard, and you deserve it. Don’t short-change yourself.
2.Draw up a budget. This applies even for a regular vacation. You don’t want to have mad fun and then come down from that high feeling bad about having spent too much, or worse still, actually being broke. Know what you’re going to spend, write it down and stick to it.
3. Plan fun activities. Yes you’re not travelling, but there are amazing places to visit and things to do, that you may not have noticed if you’re used to working when you’re in town and travelling when you’re not. Get online, ask around and you’ll definitely come up with a list that suits your fancy. Board games, like Scrabble, Chess, Monopoly and Parcheesi (Ludo), are also a good idea.
4.Stock up on edibles. Groceries, snacks, drinks, chocolate, sweets, biscuits, and whatever else catches your fancy. It may seem that this goes without saying, but it is essential to do more than you usually would in this regard, or your vacation will too closely resemble a regular “few days off.” So go heavy on the yummy goodies.
5.Sort out the children. If you have kids, then you know how they can tire you out and take the fun out of your vacation. So you should bundle them off to their grandparents’, or if they have to be with you, make sure you arrange for adequate entertainment for them, and have babysitters on hand to help.
6.Enlist the services of support companies. The point is avoiding routine, and creating the feel of a traditional vacation, so you don’t want to be bogged down with chores and errands. If you live in Lagos, there are so many companies now available to take the stress off their clients, and using them can help support your staycation as if you were in a hotel- or almost.
Anywork Services– A lifesaver on any given day, Anywork will clean your home, do your laundry and you can even rent a maid to take care of your household needs and while you enjoy your staycation. Call 08168363654 or log on to www.anywork.com.ng and you’re one step closer to a refreshing vacation.
Call a Messenger– This concierge company handles personalized errands, soft cleaning, will even provide you with a personal driver to chauffeur you around, and you can pay daily! Visit www.callamessengerng.com to learn more.
360 Delivery Ltd– 360 Delivery Ltd will deliver and pick up anything, anywhere in Lagos. Call 08105004000, 08188336600, email delivery@the360delivery.com or contact them via Blackberry Messenger 28B1CB60
Nylah’s Catering– To have sumptuous home-cooked soups, stews and other meals delivered to your doorstep all through your staycation, just call 08028617022 or ping 22CD40BB, and put your feet up.
Breakfast in Bed– What better way to add a little extra pampering to your staycation than to call 07069283135 or send a BB message to 22596ABD and have a rich breakfast delivered to your home in the morning? The Yankeedoodle- buttermilk pancakes/waffles, sausages, bacon and eggs is a personal favourite.
7.Get some rest. That’s the point of having a vacation sans the stress of packing, long drives, or waits at airports. Don’t schedule so many activities that you can’t catch your breath. Plan for some peace and quiet, and enjoy it.
