She Is GLAMM

Nearly six months ago, the entire world came to an abrupt halt. We all faced mandatory quarantine. No one imagined that an unknown virus named COVID-19 would emerge. It is also known as the coronavirus (in my Cardi B voice). This virus would bring about such life-changing events. These events transpired into the Pandemic of 2020. It’s unbelievable that we’re still living in the midst of this today. The possibility that we will continue well into 2021 is even more mind-boggling.

When COVID hit, we completely placed travel plans on the back burner. Just your simple journey to the local grocery store and back home became a great luxury. Many people, like myself, had great plans for traveling the world in 2020. The year 2020 was declared as the year of YES for me! Although, it will continue to be a year of yes, just not quite as I imagined. Now when I think of traveling my options are slim.

COVID has taught us all an important lesson. We do not have as much control over our lives as we once thought. Anyone who transitioned into the year 2020 with travel plans was rudely awakened by this sudden tsunami of a virus. Instead of booking your next flight to your dream beach vacation, consider staycations. They have now become our best and safest choice.

WHAT IS A STAYCATION?

A staycation can truly be whatever you enjoy in the comforts of your own home or somewhere locally. Staycations give you the chance to explore places that are located in your current city or town. Places that you have not had a chance to visit or ever thought to beforehand. Or, you can simply use this time to rest and decompress. The options are endless when it comes to planning a staycation.

As I stated above, the options are endless. Here are a few for those who prefer to play it safe and stay home:

1. Plan a movie night

2. Camp out in the backyard

3. Have an adult sleepover

4. Complete a project that you have been putting off

5. Throw a virtual party

6. Start a DYI project

7. At home spa day

8. Read a new book

9. Plan an indulgent dinner

10. Detox from social media and the news

MY RECENT STAYCATION EXPERIENCE

Recently, to keep from completely losing my mind, I planned my own staycation where I am located in Atlanta, Ga. Last month I booked a room package deal at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Atlanta. This package included two tickets to the art museum. It also provided complimentary valet parking. Guests received a $50 credit to use in the hotel restaurant or for room service. Many places have reopened since the quarantine. They are now taking great measures to keep their employees and guests safe. The Four Seasons Hotel did not disappoint in this area.

Once we checked in, we were quite hungry so decided to check out their restaurant. The hotel restaurant/lounge Bar Margot was the only one operating at the time with a very limited menu. Because of this, we decided to order wings (that were delicious) fries, and cocktails. After lunch, we decided to take a dip in the hotel’s pool. We pretty much had it to ourselves, except for a couple relaxing in the Jacuzzi.

As part of the package, we decided to go to the art museum the next day. The Art Museum is normally a come when you please establishment. Because of COVID, it is now operating by appointment only. Before checking in, I had to choose the day and time we preferred for our museum visit. There were definitely social distancing precautions at the museum as well. Everyone who attends the art museum is asked to wear a mask. Do not try taking it off because you will be quickly instructed to put it back on. Ask me how I know. Lol

The full lockdown has now subsided. Many places have finally reopened back to the public with restrictions and precautions, of course. There are also limited countries that have reopened their borders to the US. For example: Mexico, Bahamas, Costa Rico, Bora Bora, Jamaica, Aruba and others. Visit Travel Off Path for a comprehensive list of countries now open for tourist travel. It also provides details on their restrictions upon going and returning home.

In closing, I understand many people are not ready to return to domestic or international travel just yet. So, a staycation is the perfect fix. The great thing about planning a staycation right now is that you can enjoy the comforts of your own home. Additionally, everything can be delivered right to your doorstep. Stay-cations are a great opportunity to utilize your creativity skills or just simply relax.

I hope you enjoyed my Top 10 Stay-cation Ideas! Will you be trying anything on this list? If so let me know in the comments. Also, if you have any great stay-cation ideas that aren’t listed, drop them below!