Living on Vacation: Making the Most of Home During Summer Break

By: burgundy bug

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Cliffside home by Lake Billy Chinook in Or

Source: Cliffside Home | Penelope Peru Photography p3

Year after year, us students find ourselves tasked with the ultimate challenge: cramming as much as possible into an ephemeral, three month break – whether it’s roadtripping, shopping, spending time with loved ones, or working your tusche off to keep you afloat next semester.

Naturally, this brief period of free time leaves everyone craving adventure – but alas, life happens. As tempting as it is to travel, that isn’t always practical.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t live like you’re on vacation without leaving the comfort of your humble abode.

Spongebob Squarepants caroling in the spirit of the summer solstice

Source: Spongebob Solstice Caroling | Amygdala420

Making the Most of Your Home

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Lemon themed kitchen decor

Source: Fresh Lemonade | Penelope Peru Photography P³

Before venturing around and exploring the wonders within a stones throw of where you live, getting things in order at your home will add to the “living on vacation” effect.

Spring – Err, Summer Cleaning

Recycle Song from Rocko’s Modern Life

Source: Recycle Song | Rocko’s Modern Life | NickRewind | NickRewind

Whether you have a few chores left over from unfinished spring cleaning or you never did your spring cleaning all together, a little elbow grease goes a long way. Seriously.

Nothing is worse than coming home from a beautiful hike down a nature trail or a long day in the city to an untidy house. It’s completely and utterly demotivating, borderline soul-crushing. It effectively counteracts the entire “living on vacation” lifestyle.

Yes, while cleaning may not seem very lavish, as a hotel would have staff that pampers and stages the room while you’re out, there’s no reason you can’t be your own cleaning service.

It doesn’t have to be an extensive cleaning, although that would be ideal. Something as simple as making your bed before you go out can really pull your room together and give you that “hotel feel” without the pricetag of a hotel room.

Redecorate

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Geometric wire light fixture

Source: Geometric Wire Light Fixture | Penelope Peru Photography P³

Which brings us to our next point: redecorate. Again, it doesn’t have to be extensive. There’s no need to gut your home, but the money you saved by staying home could go towards sprucing things up a bit.

Treat yourself to a new painting, shower curtain, or knick knack for your desk. It’s the little things that truly make a difference, right?

Invest in New Soap

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Bath & Body Works in Old Mill Shopping District, Bend, Or

Source: Shops at Old Mill District | Penelope Peru Photography P³

Since you won’t have the privilege of raiding the cleaning supplies cart in the hotel corridor, now’s the time to invest in some new soap.

Personally? I’ve been obsessed with Lush’s “Let the Good Times Roll” face and body cleanser lately, but I’ve heard Arbonne sells some phenomenal products, as well.

If you’re feeling real fancy, Aveda is another wonderful store to look into. They also have a loyalty program that allows you to accumulate points that can be traded in for free products or even a trip to Antigua. When you take advantage of the double points promotions they run throughout the year, the points add up fast.

Of course, you can never go wrong with a little Bath & Bodyworks, either.

Making the Most of Your Home Town

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Delaware County themed decor at Local Home + Gifts in Media, Pa

Source: Local Home + Gifts | Penelope Peru Photography P³

Even if you live in the middle of nowhere, you’d be surprised by how much is out there.

Go out and explore! Support your local businesses and artists.

Alternatively, you could use sites like Trip Advisor or Visit the USA to fully immerse yourself in everything your area has to offer.

Reconnect with Mother Nature

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Dainty white flowers

Source: Hiking is Good for the Soul | Penelope Peru Photography P³

You’d be surprised by how many hiking trails, gardens, and parks are throughout the country. Even if you live within city limits, there are trails and nature preserves nestled away like the hidden gems they are.

Just don’t forget to bring sunscreen and bug spray!

Get Active

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Burgundy Bug skateboarding

Source: Valentine’s Adventurin’ Time | Penelope Peru Photography P³

If nature’s not your thing, you can still soak up the summer sun by getting up and being active.

You could treat yourself to joyride on that bike you haven’t ridden in heaven only knows how long, or an afternoon at the skatepark. Even going for a jog or a short walk can be very revitalizing.

Just make sure you stay hydrated!

Take a Bite Out of Something New

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Salad at Ruby Tuesday’s

Source: Salad 04 | Penelope Peru Photography P³

Rather than being a creature of habit, take a bite out of something new.

There are so many wonderful places to catch a good, affordable meal that are exclusive to your area, and yet we often find ourselves relying on the same fast food chains or our one go-to restaurant.

Read: Elizabeth Tabler’s “No Thank You” Bite

The Burgundy Zine

Be brave, be daring, be bold! Expand your palate by grabbing some grub somewhere you’ve never been before. Somewhere local.

Go on a Shopping Spree

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XtaSeay at the King of Prussia Mall

Source: All Around the Mall | Penelope Peru Photography P³

If you’re investing in some new soaps or home decor anyways, you might as well turn it into a full blown shopping spree with a day at the mall.

Think about it. You’d buy souvenirs or supplies if you were traveling anyways, right? Why not use your hard earned money to invest in goods that will enrich your day-to-day life?

Be a Tourist – in Your Home Town

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Bobcat at the High Desert Museum in Or

Source: High Desert Museum Bobcat | Penelope Peru Photography P³

The museums, galleries, zoos, aquariums, and amusements in your area aren’t just for tourists. They’re there for you to explore, too.

Why not go on a date to the museum or spend a day at the amusement park? You might even learn something new!

In Conclusion

You don’t have to travel halfway across the country to feel like you’re living on vacation. There is plenty to do in your own backyard that can be seized to create a luxurious, vacation-esque stay at su casa.

After all, there’s no place like home.

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