Bouncing off of last week's post, it's safe to say that not everyone will feel comfortable hopping on a plane this summer. With restrictions only just being lifted, that trip to Italy that you'd previously been looking forward to might not seem so tempting now. That said, you can still experience the wonders of a much-needed summer vacay - and that's where a staycation comes in!
In case the concept's new to you, a staycation is basically a vacation in which you stay at home, or at least in your own country. You might think you're sick and tired of your own country by now, but hear me out. Sometimes - well, most of the time - we take our daily surroundings for granted, and their beauty goes right over our heads. Not to mention that you'll be helping your nation's economy in these trying times. So if you're curious about how to have a vacation while staying in the safety of your own country, just keep on reading :)
P.S. I'll try to keep this as general as possible so that it will be useful to you wherever you are in the world, but of course I'll be making specific references to the Maltese islands throughout.
1. Click the pause button on that work schedule
The first thing you should consider - to be fair, this is kind of a given - is to take time off from work. Now, if you can't afford to take a whole week off, you can always just take a weekend, or even take advantage of your Sunday. Just make sure you give your mind the chance to take a breather.
2. Suite life = sweet life
This is by no means a must, but if you've managed to save some cash over the past few months and you want to indulge, booking a few nights at a hotel in your own country is a great option. Not only would you be helping local businesses, but you won't even have to worry about chores for a couple of days!
3. Treat yourself to some local dishes
One of my favourite parts about going abroad is tasting some traditional foreign food. Even though it might not be anything particularly new to you, you should definitely go out and dine on some authentic food from your home country during your staycation! Try to source out eateries that specialise in local cuisine, such as Il-Kċina Għawdxija in Xlendi (Gozo) and Ta' Kris in Sliema.
4. Have a bucket-list-fulfilling moment
This one is for all those who like to get their blood pumping when on a trip. We all have a bucket list, whether it's officially written down or all in our heads. So during your staycation, what could be more exciting than planning to tick something off of it? For example, if diving is on your list, you don't need to go to Bali to tick it off, because Maltese waters can be just as beautiful.
5. Channel your inner Dora the Explorer
In a country as small as Malta, you might find yourself thinking that you've seen everything there is to see. But I can guarantee you that is not the case. During your staycation, explore your surroundings a little bit more closely, and you'll be sure to find some hidden nooks that you'd never even heard of before. This will make you feel like a tourist in your own surroundings!
6. Learn something new
Speaking of feeling like a tourist... One of the best things about visiting a new place is that you get to learn about its culture and history. Even if you're not into that sort of thing, it's unavoidable that you take at least one piece of knowledge back home with you, especially if you find yourself talking to the locals. So keep your eyes - and ears - peeled for any new tidbits you might be able to find out about your own culture, whether it be from the guy selling fruit and veg at the local market, or from an actual tour guide if you really want to go all out!
7. Capture those home-grown memories
While living in the moment is super important, you can't really go on a trip these days without taking at least a few good photos. So make sure to give yourself that same vacay feeling by taking lots of pics during your staycation. You don't even have to post them anywhere, but you will always be able to look back on them to remember a time well-spent on your very own turf.
So there you have it, seven tips for treating yourself to a mini vacation while staying in your homeland. Be sure to tag @writings_on_the_wall.blog in your photos if you have any staycations this summer! Happy relaxing🍸
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