Staycation: COVID Edition

^{By Bromwich+Smith Staff | 467 words | Reading Time: 3 minutes| Date: 2020/07/14}

Ah summer. The season of sun, fun, and maybe seeing a new place or two. This year however, things are a bit different. Travel restrictions, as well as budget restrictions, have planted many of us firmly right in our own backyard. And not that our own backyard isn’t beautiful, it’s just not where many of us pictured ourselves being for the entire summer.

Now is the time to get a bit creative. The backyard is a wonderful place to make special memories by pulling in ideas from a favourite past vacation or recreating one you were planning to have. Bonus: you may even save some money without having to spend on a vacation away.

Move meals outside

Now is the perfect time to mix up your dining routine and get outside. Whether it’s breakfast on a sunny porch, a picnic at a nearby park, or a tasty backyard BBQ, eating outside makes mealtime special. Add in a few inexpensive touches like hanging lights and all weather pillows and you’ve got yourself a beautiful dining space.

Unplug

Vacations are wonderful for many reasons but disconnecting from the outside world is right at the top of the list. The good news is, this can be done from anywhere as long as you make it a priority. Set aside time – like you would for a vacation – to truly disconnect from the outside world. Turn on your out of office, put away your phone and grab that book you’ve been meaning to read. You can unplug for a weekend or stretch it out for a whole week if time allows.

Order in meals

If the budget allows for it, try that new restaurant you’ve been meaning to visit, or hit up an old favourite. Many places have adjusted to COVID-19 by providing takeout and curbside pick-up options. Some have only ever done dine in, so take this chance to bring home a few new ones while supporting the local economy.

Camp in your own backyard

If the thought of packing up and visiting a campground isn’t your thing or if your space is limited, try a backyard camp out. Set up a tent, build a fire, roast those marshmallows and enjoy a night under the stars - with the option of a bed nearby.

Turn your yard into a movie theatre

Setting up a theatre in your own yard takes a bit planning but the effort is well worth it. Put on a favourite movie, grab your snacks and enjoy an evening show right in your own backyard.

Explore the unknown

When you can go anywhere, it can be easy to overlook everything happening nearby. Your town or city has a whole host of things to see and do that you’ve maybe not taken the time to enjoy. Visit your local provincial website to see what’s happening near you.

Travel Alberta:

https://www.travelalberta.com/ca/things-to-do/summer-outdoor-activities/

Destination BC:

https://www.hellobc.com/summer

Tourism Saskatchewan:

https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/

Ontario Travel:

https://www.ontariotravel.net/en/plan