Staycation Anyone?
A Short-Term Getaway Reaps Long-Term Results
Summer is almost here and I hear the current economy will affect two thirds of Americans’ vacation budgets. Are you planning to escape during the summer, or will your only sunny activity will be watching the thermometer rise?
Don’t resign yourself to being sick and shut in – take a staycation! That is, stay close to home but still get away. Everyone’s doing it, and after all, we are near some spectacular places.
To practice what I preach, I decided to experience my own staycation to see if the hype is justified. Thirty minutes from the Bay Area you’ll find Napa, Redwood Forest and of course your home.
I just completed my staycation at Sonoma just a few days ago and it was spectacular.
I searched the Internet and found Tips for a Successful Staycation.
For an optimal experience, this article advises:
- Schedule start/end dates: Easily done – my staycation starts the minute I log off my workstation, and ends when the sun sets and I can no longer read my magazine.
- Plan activities: Does a nap count? I unfold my lounge chair and assume a semi-horizontal position. I figure as long as people see me breathing, no one will call Search and Rescue.
- Declare a “choratorium”: No chores? No problem. I have no intention of bringing my laundry, soap and washboard, recreating a clothes-cleaning scene from the Old West.
- Create a vacation atmosphere: Beverage cooler? Check. iPod? Check. I’m ready to get this staycation party started.
- Invite people over: This gets tricky – I observe my fellow bay area dwellers, and it appears their definition of staycation is different from mine – a bit more long-term. I ignore this tip and maintain solo staycation status.
I read, relax and fantasize about blue prestine waters in the Caribbean and attractive natives walking/ drifting by. I consider lecturing them on Stella got her groove back safety, but abstain. A dog stops by and introduces himself. As long as these visits don’t involve the reptile family, I’m untouchable in this mode.
Two hours pass – my experience is brief, yet relaxed. Time to pack up my vacation-in-a-bag and head home, mission accomplished. Who’d believe I’m only 45 minutes from home or an hour from work?
If I can’t manage a summer vacation, a few staycations may do the trick. The best part is, I can leave my toothbrush at home.
A Great Staycation Near You
Need a staycation? Here are recommended spots near the Bay. They include a drive to Monterey or Carmel, Bodega Bay, San Rafael, Tiburon, Lafayette and if you are really brave a day trip to Lake Tahoe. Don’t forget there are some nice hotels and restaurants near SFO. The Elephant Bar in Burlingame is my favorite. I arrive close to sunset and get a table with a view of the water and the airplanes. I enjoy a simple meal and a beverage while thinking of future hopes and dreams. It really works!
So log off, gas up, get away from the office, and regain your sense of Inner Calm
Vickie Stephens, Insurance Agent | Auto Home & Life
3100 Capitol Avenue, Suite E
Fremont, CA 94538-1527
phone: 510.796.8164
email: vickie@vickiestephens.com
web: www.vickiestephens.com
Serving the Eastbay & Fremont Area | Auto Home & Life Insurance
