Last weekend was a super long thanks to the Friday holiday and with Independence Day tomorrow and Janamashtami on Monday there is another super long weekend coming up. While the adventurous enthu cutlets can dash off hither and thither, this is the perfect time for a staycation.
Popularised in the US during the downturn, Wikipedia defines a staycation as “a period in which an individual or family stays home and participates in leisure activities within driving distance, sleeping in their own beds at night.”
According to hospitality and travel executive, Aloka Kumari, “The trend is gaining momentum in India and most people here think it’s the easiest and cheapest way to actually unwind especially on long weekends.
From renting DVDs, catching up on some reading in a hammock in the backyard, visiting neighbours and doing potluck meals to taking the kids to the zoo, going to Cubbon Park for a picnic or riding off to Nandi Hills with your better half, there are innumerable staycation options Bangalore offers.”
Making the most of your surroundings is what a staycation is all about and Tanisha Roberts, a PR officer for a travel company, suggests: “If you have a lovely garden, take dinner and movies outside!
Go as a family and visit your neighbourhood pet store, allow your kids to spend time on the swings and slides in the park while you and your spouse catch up on some alone time. If you don’t have kids yet, the two of you can indulge in a home spa treatment, check out new restaurants in the neighbourhood, visit the museum, go for evening walks together or catch a local concert or play.”
Ryan Sebastian, a sommelier by passion feels: “If you’re looking for some romantic staycation ideas, a guided wine tour would be perfect. Stop having dinner at the table, maybe sit on the porch instead. Watch the sunset from your balcony. Go for a swim together. Take up salsa lessons. Redo the interiors of your home if that’s been pending.”
On a staycation, people often take up short courses in cooking, baking and art. “I’ve been wanting to learn to make classic French pastries for the longest time now so I’m finally getting down to doing it this weekend. And when I’m away, my husband’s going to resume playing golf and the kids have their PlayStation to keep themselves occupied. I have a friend who is attending a short music workshop during the Diwali weekend,” says Anamika Girish, a corporate trainer.
Keeping kids engaged for three days in a row might not be the easiest of tasks but there are plenty of staycation options for them too. Play as many board games as possible. Go bowling together. Visit the local library as a family and introduce your kids to the wonderful world of books, get them to learn to bake cookies or indulge in some DIY crafts.
But remember for a relaxed and enjoyable staycation, you shouldn’t have access to your smartphone, email, laptop (that’s right, no working from home!) or any other device or forum (Facebook can wait a few days for your return) that takes your mind off vacation!
