How to Cope with the Not-On-Vacation Blues

We’ve been home for 7 months, and with no travel plans for the time being I’m starting to get a little stir crazy. My planning notebook is starting to collect dust and It’s time to do something about it. I am starting to get vacation fever and am daydreaming about sunshine, sandy toes, and sand castles. So, what do you do when you’ve got the not-on-vacation-blues? Here are some ways I cope:

Have a quickie.

Ok…get your mind out of the gutter…I mean a quickie vacation! Plan a weekend getaway and stay in a hotel for a night or two. Pretend you are somewhere far away and swim, order room service, or do absolutely nothing. A change of environment can make all the difference. Choose a hotel you feel comfortable staying at and bring any items that will make you feel safer like your own pillow, towel, or blanket. Don’t forget to bring hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.

Start planning

Research says that simply planning your next trip can create happiness. Planning your next adventure will give you something to look forward to and can get you through those rainy, cold days. Research hotels, attractions, and restaurants so you’re ready to go when the day comes.

Spa day

When you’re lying face down in a dimly lit room, covered by a soft blanket, surrounded by relaxing music, it’s easy to dream you’re somewhere exotic. Try a new treatment that will remind you of travel like a coconut oil massage or a sea salt scrub. Choose treatments you feel comfortable with. Possibly just a manicure or pedicure? Tell them what you feel comfortable with and wear a mask in the spa. Not ready to go back to the spa yet? Do a home spa day with your family.

Embrace the season

I get antsy during winter. I have a love/hate relationship with Mother Nature and winter really tests our friendship. I try to find the fun in winter by snowmobiling, tubing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. If I force myself to get outside and stop complaining I actually have fun. Embrace every season. Go leaf-peeping in autumn and pick apples, eat cider donuts, and drink those pumpkin lattes.

Complete a home project

Take comfort in this time you get to spend at home. It’s the perfect time to finish those projects you’ve been putting off. Or, in my case, nag your husband until he finally finishes off projects you’ve wanted him to do. (You should see my new outdoor shower! Great job Babes!)

Day trip

Pretend you’re a tourist and head somewhere for the day to do some exploring! Take a tour, go to a museum, try a new restaurant, go to an attraction you’ve always wondered about. A break from your normal routine can make all the difference in your mood!

Remember past trips

Finally make that photo book you’ve been planning. Create a collage with prints. Talk about your favorite past trips and use souvenirs you bought there.

Create your own ‘Trip Night.’

Recreate your favorite destination by putting on some music from the country, use a recipe from that country to make a meal together as a family, and even shake up a cocktail you drank there. Here’s a great resource for international meals…