So, summer's finally here and your vacation plans either didn't pan out or you forgot to make them - no sweat!
We've got you covered with this "staycation" prep guide to help you get that getaway experience right in your own backyard.
1. Request Time Off
If you're like us, you need to request time off in advance - the good news is that with a staycation, you won't need to budget travel time into your calculations, saving you some paid time off to use for a real vacay. Whether you're taking a 4 day weekend or a full week off, make sure you submit that request ASAP to ensure you get approval. Don't let Janet beat you to the punch!
2. Think Ahead
As with any vacation, you don't want to find yourself stuck doing chores when you should be relaxing - make sure you tackle the week/weekend's chores ahead of time (as much as you can), so when your time off rolls around, it is exactly that: time OFF!
At the very least, here are some basics you can cover to make your staycay feel a little more resort-like: 1) change your linens (and maybe splurge for some high-quality, hotel-esque sheets), 2) clean the windows, 3) vacuum, 4) put laundry and clutter away (or at least out of sight!), 5) clear your tables, counters, etc of any miscellaneous items
3. Get Comfy
One of our favorite things about a hotel stay is the chance to wear those fluffy robes and slippers - and it turns out that those robes aren't even expensive! Treat yourself to a nice, cozy robe, some new candles (candlelit bath, anyone?), and maybe even a face mask or two to help you unwind and have the spa-like experience you're craving.
PRO TIP: Put a few cap-fuls of vanilla extract into the oven at 300 degrees for an hour and your home will be filled with the warm, delicious scent of freshly baked cookies. Warning: this might become your new addiction!
4. Create Your Ultimate Staycay Space
Whether you're into camping or getting your tan on, you can do it all right in your own backyard! Setting up a tent in the yard with your comfiest pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags is a great way of glamping at home - you can sleep under the stars and still watch your favorite Netflix shows, or you can go more old-fashioned and turn off the Wi-Fi for a more camping-like experience. Throw in some s'mores and we're sold!
What's that? You're more interested in tanning and/or swimming? Well, luckily for you, Orange County has some of the best beaches in California (and, in our opinion, the world). Prep your beach bag with all the essentials (sunscreen, a hat, a good book, sunglasses, a towel, etc) and make your way down to Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, or even San Clemente and enjoy the laid-back beach town vibes while laying out on the sands of the Pacific Ocean.
5. Plan Your Activities and Meals
One of the best parts about vacationing is all the new sights, foods, activities, but it is a little known fact that playing tourist in your own city can be just as fun! Google and Groupon are excellent tools to search for local events, activities, and deals to help you make some memories while you're staycationing. Orange County is home to wineries, breweries, world-class libraries and museums, beautiful hiking trails and waterfalls, and much more - you're really only limited to your imagination! If you can think of it, we're willing to bet that Orange County has it.
Make sure you also set aside a small budget to splurge on some of the delicious, highly-rated beachfront restaurants, local food trucks, and hole-in-the-wall eateries - in Orange County, we've got it all!
Let us know if you have any staycation tips of your own, and stay tuned for more summertime articles coming soon!
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