So we’ve all been stuck inside for over 2 weeks now…we need a vacation! We just can’t go anywhere. I got you covered though with drinks, warm weather, and no screaming kids!

For those unfamiliar with the phrase “Staycation” it’s where you literally stay at home and normally you’d do housework, or catch up on paperwork, or any other tasks around the house. But…we’re going to take this to the next level!

Pre-Flight Checklist: When it’s safe, and appropriate to do so, head out to the store and add a few things to your grocery list. Plan a few special meals, snacks, get some extra beer and liquor. You’ll need these things.

Step 1 – Warm Weather: You’re gonna wanna crank that thermostat up a bit…more…just a litt…ok go ahead and crank it more. Like…set it at 80…minimum. And I know what you’re thinking. It’s still going to be cheaper than airplane tickets and a hotel room.

Step 2 – Dress the Part: With that thermostat running you got maybe 15-20 minutes before you start to feel it so, might want to get into your vaca threads. I’m talking flip-flops, shorts, sun dresses, you get it. Let’s dress like we deserve this vacation!

Step 3 – The Only Airplane You Need: It’s airplane mode. Unplug for crying out loud! Put on do not disturb, turn off the push notifications, sleep that inbox. You have to distance a bit to truly vacation right? The same rule applies for your staycation.

Step 4 – Staycation like a Vacation: When I go on vacation I usually don’t start to unwind till I’m on the plane and enjoying my first drink of the trip. That drink tastes like relaxation, freedom, and it tastes like I am not thinking about my credit card statement till it shows up in 29 days.

I have a recommendation on the drink front:

I mean you also can’t go wrong with the usual vacation standbys like a Pina Colada, or whiskey and coke.

Step 5 – Get your Activity on: Now here’s where the fun starts, unless your 3 full redneck margarita’s in; then it’s already fun doesn’t matter what your doing…We gonna ride some rides at the theme park! So I’m going to recommend making a plan like you’re going to actual theme parks. You can’t just watch all of them in one sitting…you go through almost every ride in Disney World in like 4 hours which, kudos I admire your commitment, but you’re on vacation! Spread out the fun! Here are two of the newest rides in Florida- one from Disney World and one from Universal Studios because I believe in fairness.

Plan on visiting a different “park” or two every day! Look up each park’s map and visit the rides like you would if you were there. Make snacks like popcorn or grab some ice cream that you bought on your pre-fakation shopping trip as a treat.

“But Joe,” you say as you refill your drink after checking the thermostat, “I’m not a theme park fan.” I’d like to suggest you try doing something different. Look up a recipe to make something different for dinner, or if your the active lifestyle type check out a yoga video done in remote locales

The point is you’re on vacatio…a staycation! Act like it! Try some meditation, treat yourself to a bubble bath/spa day…it’s your time! Do something new like visit some of the most beautiful places on earth with virtual tours of national parks or take a few moments to enjoy some of history’s finest works of art, you can even visit the nation’s premier museum, The Smithsonian Institute, online to see some of our nation’s greatest treasures.

I really hope you take the time to refresh yourself just as you deserve! Take these steps and take your family on the staycation of your dreams! We’re all stuck at home and we need a break once in a while. I pray you’re doing well and staying safe. We’ll get through this together guys!