While you may still be planning to go on a big vacation for the remainder of this summer, travelling to a far-off destination may not always be possible, and is actually not at all needed to enjoy summer holidays to the fullest. We've decided to come up with an alternative go-to list of fun, simple ideas for that perfect summer staycation with your friends and family.
Staycation? Never heard of it!
Staycation is a stay-at-home vacay, and simultaneously, an economical and enjoyable way to switch off and relax. The great thing about staycations is that they don’t cost a lot of money, do not require tons of planning ahead, and, if you don’t have a lot of time off work, are ideal, frugal getaway solutions.
Summer Staycation Bucket-List:
Summer is a beautiful season full of long days, warm nights and fresh, sweet-scented air. No matter if you’re solo or with your loved ones this season, you definitely ought to have some well-deserved time off to unwind and recharge after a long academic year.
If, for whatever reason, you were unable to travel abroad this time around, don’t let that get you down. Use GBSB Global’s ideas below and get creative. They key is to simply have fun!
1. Water Escape
If you happen to live somewhere warm, make sure you make the most of it by going near the water. If you haven't got a sea/ocean nearby, search for a local lake, river or an open pool, which often also offer various water sports such as SUP (paddleboarding) surfing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, boat riding, fishing, diving etc. Also don’t forget about sunbathing: on the beach (if not natural, then manmade), or rooftops. Cheapest and easiest alternative – your balcony!
2. Backyard Camping and Stargazing
Campgrounds are often booked in advance and can be quite hard to get to. Perfect alternative: the backyard. You can decorate it with some fun colourful lights or candles, pitch a tent, lay out your sleeping bags and watch the stars, cook on the grill, roast marshmallows and more. Stories around a «campfire» – definitely a night to remember.
3. Hiking Trip
Another outside idea for those who love being outdoors. Go on a hike! Bring along your pet, friend or a family member, if you so choose. The length of time you want to spend on your hike is up to you – keep it sweer and short in the early morning or an afternoon, or go on a full-day hike. Pack smart - bring plenty of water, put on sunscreen, wear proper shoes/clothes and hats. Fully charge your phone ahead of time and consider bringing a solar charger with you in case of emergency.
Now, enjoy your hike and spending a little time in the great outdoors.
4. Mixologist in the Making
Time to acquire a new “party trick”! Call up your best mates, YouTube a fancy cocktail recipe and learn to become skilled bartenders right from your kitchen. Run down to the nearest food store, chip in together to buy all the necessary ingredients, and experiment at your “home lounge bar”. Do a social media livestream to share your memories with others – give them a real show to remember!
5. Are You For Reel?
Make sure to stay on top of content making trends! Make a fun Reel – a 30-second multi-clip IG video. Showcase whatever you want, but play around with filming angles, music overlay and creative editing: add effects, captions, stickers, and drawings. Put it together directly through Reels or with a video-editing app, such as InShot.
6. Dance Away
Stay active and keep in shape this summer in a much more fun and social way rather than the usual working out in the gym. Google the nearest dance school or a dance class that you’ve never done before, but always wanted to try out. Now is the time! Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Kizomba, Afro, Dancehall, Hip-Hop, Reggaeton, House, Electro, Belly Dance... you name it!
7. Unleash Your Inner Artist
Stretch your creative muscles by taking an art or a drama class. Painting, clay sculpting, acting, public speaking, writing classes – just to name a few. Check what your local community has to offer, from small business owners, to nearby schools or universities that may offer one-day workshops (sometimes free of charge!). Acquire a new practical skill or create a new piece of decor to show it off!
8. Picture Perfect
Two options! Become a photographer or a model. Grab your phone, or a camera if you have one, call that one friend “who takes awesome pictures” and get going! Find some interesting, unusual, picturesque spots around where you are, come up with a few looks and create your own mini photo-shoot capturing different photography styles (street art, portrait, urban, commercial, creative etc.)
9. Blogging Made Easy
Up for another challenge? Being able to express your thoughts on paper concisely is a fundamental soft skill needed on a daily. Improve your writing, or perhaps even creative writing, in a series of short blog posts e.g. 9 entries (3x3 posts on IG). What is your area of expertise or what are you most passionate about? Alternatively, think outside the box – create a character, and a short summer adventure for it, or even try rhyming in a small poem/rap verse. Share it with the world as you perfect your craft.
10. Expand Your Global Perspective
The best way to feel abroad is to immerse yourself into an international community. This is also one of the best ways to learn foreign languages or get acquainted with new cultures. Interestingly, you do not need to travel overseas for this experience. The last task on your staycation bucket-list is to find a local yet international community, and join in, at least for a few socials. Make new acquaintances, learn new phrases in foreign languages, learn new facts about different cultures etc. Where should you start? Search for groups on Facebook or a local equivalent, google for international bars/clubs/social spots, and if nothing comes up – create your own international community via social media! Proudly add “event organizer” to your CV.
Stay active, search for new opportunities, and try, try, try! New classes, new skills, new people. Summer is about making new memories, so make sure you organize your daily activities regardless of your physical location, to ensure you have the best time.
P.S. if you do end up blogging or making a Reels, remember to tag @gbsb_global – we’d love to see the results!
