As the coronavirus continues to sweep the nation, many people have begun to work from home. Millions in the business, financial, and software industries are now working remotely. However, for the majority of people in the service and hospitality industry, working from home isn’t an option.
If you find yourself in the latter category and are currently unemployed, it’s easy to become discouraged. After all, no one knows when this pandemic will end. Thus, as people — employed and otherwise — continue to quarantine themselves at home, many are canceling vacations and losing all hope of visiting the places they had planned to see this spring. But, who says you have to go anywhere to have a grand vacation?
Make the most of your current situation and have a staycation. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
1. Order Out
Craving some crab legs, sushi or tacos? Order out one night and bring your favorite foodie destination to your own home. You can even make a whole week of it by stashing to-go menus in your kitchen. Peruse the pile each night and order whatever food your heart desires.
Complete the experience by spreading out a blanket in your living room and having a picnic. Add some romance by lighting candles, pulling out your nicest dishware, and dressing up.
2. Game With Friends
If your ideal vacation already includes staying at home and playing video games, social distancing may be the greatest thing to ever happen to you. Make every day game day by hopping online and challenging friends to races, duels, and various virtual missions.
If you don’t already have one, consider purchasing a gaming laptop like the Gigabyte Aorus X9 DT. This device features a 173-inch screen for an immersive experience that’ll make you forget you’re actually at home.
3. Adventure in VR
Today’s technology allows you to break free from the confines of your home without ever stepping foot outside. With a VR headset, you can explore places you’ve always wanted to visit while skipping the airport. Just set up your equipment in your garage and give yourself enough space.
While you’re in there, make sure you’re secure. You don’t want to leave all your expensive technology in your garage, only to have it stolen overnight. Consider installing a door devil or motion-sensing lights.
4. DIY Spa Night
If you’d rather blow bubbles than blow base camp to smithereens, draw a warm bath and have your own spa night. Yes, men can enjoy baths, too! Add a few drops of essential oil to your bath and slip into relaxation.
Listen to tropical rainforests, waves or other sounds of nature to bring your dream destination to you. You and your partner might also give each other massages to alleviate any stress your body may be harboring during this quarantine.
5. Visit a National Park
If you planned to visit Yellowstone or another national park this spring, you may have been severely disappointed when they closed last month. However, even if you can’t go in person, you can still visit these natural beauties online.
Go online to see Acadia, Arches, Grand Tetons, Yosemite and more than 40 other national parks. Consider purchasing a Qualcomm mobile processer to improve your computer graphics.
6. Camp Out Inside
Likewise, if you were planning a camping trip, you can still enjoy the pleasures of camping from home. Pitch a tent in your living room or the backyard if it’s warm enough.
You might even kindle a fire in the fireplace or your outdoor fire pit and toast some marshmallows. If you have kids, they’ll absolutely love playing with flashlights, curling up in sleeping bags and eating some traditional camp food.
7. Escape With Books
Escape the constant coronavirus media coverage by burying your nose in a good book. Depending on your novel of choice, the words may take you to Italy, Spain, the North Pole or a whimsical land you’ve only ever dreamed of.
Even if you’re not the reading type, picking up a sci-fi or fiction novel for just a few minutes can help you to escape reality and give you something to do during the quarantine.
Check Out These Different Ways to Vacation
As quarantine drags on, you may begin to wonder if this time will ever end. When will you be able to return to the office? How many more weeks will you have to stay home? Instead of wishing this time away, learn to appreciate it.
Odds are you never had this much time to spend with your family or pets before the pandemic. Plus, you probably didn’t have time to declare a spontaneous staycation and pamper yourself. So try some of these different ways to vacation. Enjoy this time — it won’t last forever.
Dylan Bartlett is a men’s lifestyle blogger from the City of Brotherly Love. He runs the site Just a Regular Guide, looking at other topics related to health and wellness, relationships, the outdoors and DIY. You can follow him on Twitter @a_regular_guide to get frequent updates on his work.
