Just because you and your family aren’t going anywhere for vacation this year doesn’t mean you still can’t reap the rewards and benefits of being on one. Vacations help us unwind, relax, de-stress, expose us to new things…. It’s a necessary respite from the daily grind and taking a vacation every year is good for our health. So don’t skip it. After all, you still most likely have time off to take, so instead of using it to catch up on chores or tv shows, use it to create a luxury staycation that will do you a world of good. Here are a few essentials you should include to make your staycation perfect!

Add Some Greenery

There is no quicker or easier way to make you feel like you’re in a tropical resort than to add some mood-boosting, beautiful plants to your home. Full, lush, green plants create a soothing atmosphere and also have air-purifying benefits. Place a few container plants around the home or go big with large, leafy plants such as a Ficus, Janet Craig, Rubber Plant, Bamboo Palm, or Money Tree. Succulents and hanging plants such as English Ivy and Boston Ferns also help create a cozy and inviting space.

Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa

Easily transform your bathroom to look like a fancy resort spa by investing in new, fluffy towels, a vibrant new shower curtain, and bath mats. You can also have bath bombs and fancy soaps on the counter. Luxury shampoos, soft robes, and comfy slippers complete the transformation.

Create a Mini-Oasis in Your Backyard

Just like having green plants into your home creates serenity, so too do they create a tranquil retreat in your backyard. Large, leafy green trees and bushes not only give your yard a tropical resort look, but they also create privacy so you enjoy your staycation away from the prying eyes of nosy neighbors. Additional relaxing features to add are a fire pit or a water fountain. The sound of moving is essential in helping your worries just drift away.

Surround Yourself with Flowers

When is the last time you had flowers in your home just because? Transport yourself to a lux resort by having fresh flowers in the bathroom, next to your bed, or on the patio. Take a large bouquet of flowers and break it up into smaller arrangements or single-flower vases you can place throughout your home for a lovely home accent. Also, you can plant some fresh flowering plants in your backyard to enjoy a pop of color and beauty.

Experience Something New

Get out of your hum-drum routine by visiting a new museum, attraction, park, or try a new activity such as stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, or horse-back riding. You’d normally go on new adventure when traveling to a new place, so do the same around your own neck of the woods to get the same type of vacation adventure experience.

Incorporate Little Luxuries

• If you love satin pajamas, then get some!
• Splurge on new bed linens for a luxurious night’s sleep.
• Hire a housecleaner for the week… because you’re on vacation!
• Send the kids camp for a week…they’ll love it and you’ll love it. Or, keep them busy with fun planned activities throughout the week.
• Hire a chef…how often do you cook when you’re on an away from home vacation? Treat yourself and hire a chef to cook dinner a couple of nights a week, or to create a whole week’s worth of dinners for you to just reheat.

This is how you staycation! You still have to budget for a staycation, but it will still be a lot cheaper than flying somewhere and staying at a hotel, with the added bonus of no stressful travel time on crowded transportation. Take your staycation seriously – don’t check your email and limit your time on social media. Staycations are all about relaxing, reading books you’ve always wanted to, and re-connecting with your family and loved ones.

Once your staycation is over, don’t forget to still occasionally stop and smell the flowers….and splurge on yourself throughout the year by having fresh flowers around your home to boost your spirits and promote well-being. San Mateo’s best florist, Ah Sam Floral,  is here to help keep your home in gorgeous plants and flowers and to help you with your next wonderful staycation.