Suddenly I understand how you celebrate vacation at home

It was sweltering, but the thunderstorm rumbled across the bedroom, causing us to close the window a bit. I was practically driven out of bed because it was probably forty degrees between the sheets. Never again, we thought, so a night later we lifted the mattress downstairs and positioned it right in front of the French doors (with a screen). It felt like we were sleeping outside.

Suddenly, I've completely caught the vacation vibe at home, while we're still going, so it's actually double the celebration. It's due to the tactics we're applying, so if you're also in the mood for a vacation from home: here they are.

1. Go camping in your own house

This morning I woke up briefly, and when I lifted my head, I saw the red-orange colors in the garden from the sunrise. The half-outside sleeping was due to the temperature, but I got a vacation-worthy sunrise with it.

2. Jump into the nearest water in the evening

Now we have an inflatable pool in the back of the garden (read here why that is allowed), but it's definitely recommended to go to the water in the evening to splash the day away. Swimming in the evening feels extra free and summery.

3. Close the curtains

The nice thing about vacation is that you're away from everything for a while, but you can also do that at home, you know. Just don't open those curtains in the morning. No one sees you, no one knows you're home, and you can enjoy yourself in the garden or on the balcony.

4. Go out to eat

If you stay around your own house, it's worth checking out the restaurants in the area. Not cooking yourself is vacation, going out to eat is vacation, not having to clear the table is vacation, lounging for a long time is vacation, that divine bottle of white wine is vacation. It's clear, I think.

5. Maintain your vacation rhythm

Get up early for a hearty breakfast, quickly head to your room to pack your things, and dash to a beach bed or go on a road trip. My vacation rhythm and activities are solid. Enjoying a long lunch, having drinks at the end of the day, reading a book at the beginning of the evening, freshening up and changing to go out to eat. Letting go of your daily rhythm gives a vacation feeling, but also maintaining your vacation rhythm at home helps. Just try it once.

An additional benefit of vacationing at home: you finally have all your friends around, which makes it extra cozy. Cheers!