Fun Socially-Distanced Staycation Ideas

With COVID-19 still looming the idea of a staycation sounds more and more appealing.  And more and more necessary if I’m being honest.  While I love to travel to far-off destinations and explore new places, I’ve come to terms that just won’t be happening for me in the near future.

Even in a non-pandemic world, there are times when it’s just not feasible to travel.  So when you have that travel itch, but just can’t scratch it, reference this list for some fun staycation ideas on how to get away without getting away. 

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Have an At-Home Tasting Night

Create your very own boozy tasting night at home. Brandy, vodka, wine, beer, the options are endless. You can either get something put together, like this brandy tasting kit, or choose to buy 3 bottles of whatever intrigues you. Add a little sustenance, a charcuterie board for beer night, a cheese board for wine night, and a chocolate board for brandy night. With the alcohol tasting and the accouterment, you’ll have the whole evening planned out.

If you have some brandy leftover, definitely make this Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet cocktail.

Read a Book That Transports You

I’m a bookworm and I have been all my life.  Part of the magic of a book is the ability to get so engrossed you forget where you are or what is happening around you, responsibilities be damned!

While you are in staycation mode I highly recommend reading a book that takes place somewhere else.  For me, I love to read books that take place in Europe.  Since I’m pretty familiar with it I can picture myself in the locations they reference.  Some of my favorite books with a European setting are The Idea of You, Angels & Demons, and A Moveable Feast.  Pretty eclectic list but that’s the point, any sort of story can take place there.

Attend a Virtual Cooking Class

One of the silver linings of a global pandemic is how many awesome things are available online now that only used to be available to do in person before. I enjoy cooking, mainly because I really enjoy eating and entertaining, but it’s not something I’m great at. I would definitely be intimidated to take a class with other people so a virtual class is a great option. It’s a fun, new activity to try in the comfort (and judgement-free zone) of my own home. Here are a couple that I’m scoping out:

• Serena Wolf Sign up for a class with an acclaimed chef. While I haven’t done this yet, my friend highly recommends it!
• Masterclass This is a little bit of an investment because you are only paying for the pre-recorded classes and then you buy the ingredients yourself, but this is almost like a culinary education. If you go this route, this is learning the best from the best. BBQ from a James Beard Winner, Italian from a 3 Michelin star chef, and so much more. And really that’s just the tip of the iceberg because there’s so much else offered in the Masterclass membership. Actually, this would make a great gift too…

Plan an Epic Vacation

Just because we can’t travel doesn’t mean we can’t spend this time dreaming about travel.  Use the time now to research destinations and then once you pick a destination you can really plan where you want to go and what you want to do.  You can also use this time to be strategic in earning and using travel points.  It will also give you something to look forward to, which I know I could very much use. 

My biggest problem here will be narrowing places down.  After so long do you go someplace you know and love or someplace you’ve been dying to try?  On top of my love list are Paris, London, and Mexico.  On my dying to try list are Bali, Amalfi Coast, and Africa.

And while you’re planning your next vacation, check out my unexpected travel essentials so you’re ready to go!

Experience a Virtual Show

With so much going virtual, now is the perfect time to try a show that you normally wouldn’t be able to go to.  At the beginning of the pandemic, a lot of shows were held on Zoom, but recently I’ve noticed things becoming more sophisticated, aka, less technical difficulties.  

The possibilities are endless, but here’s where I am: 

• I’ve attended a Heather McMahan virtual show.  If you aren’t familiar with her she is a comedian I found on Instagram and she’s blown up.  She’s hysterical, has a spot on Ina Garten impression, and honestly, I just want to be her friend.  If she holds another one I highly recommend it.  
• I bought a ticket for a live Bitch Sesh show, after attending one last year in person I’m interested to see how it will compare.  Since I already love the podcast I imagine it’s going to be good.  
• I’m looking forward to the Chicago Magic Lounge virtual Cocktail Hour.  Their close-up magic is amazing, I’m always shocked at how I can’t figure it out while I’m there and it’s 6 inches in front of my face.  A fun magic show is so unusual and from living in different cities I know it’s not something you can find everywhere so this is a cool opportunity to see it. UPDATE: I did the Chicago Magic Lounge show and it was great (had an Old Fashioned cocktail or two with it) and it was great. A friend did it and she didn’t love some of the magicians, so your experience can be dependent on who you get for the show.

Pour a Themed Vacay Cocktail

What better way to enjoy movie night than to experience the location.  Enjoy an Aperol Spritz while watching The Talented Mr. Ripley, chill with a Pina Colada while watching The Wrong Missy, or sip Champagne while watching Moulin Rouge.

If you want to immerse yourself completely make it a full night and prepare (or order in) a full-themed meal.  I love a good theme party, and there’s no reason it can’t be a party of one.  

Get Intimate With Where You Live

Have you ever noticed that it’s not until company comes to visit that you do touristy things?  A staycation is a great time to be a tourist in your city.  It’s kind of cliche, but cliche but because it’s true.  Take this opportunity to see what your city has to offer.  And in cases like a pandemic, or maybe just because you are an introvert, explore some of the lesser-known places.  

Since I live in a city I feel like I’m getting away when I can feel disconnected from the city and all its people.  For me, that’s going for a walk on the lakeshore, having a leisurely picnic in a park, or finding a hiking trail.  I wouldn’t say I’m the outdoorsy type (although dining alfresco is one of my all-time favorite things) but connecting with nature takes me out of my element.

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When you are ready to travel again, check out these 3-Day Itineraries and your next trip is planned for you!

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