This is for everyone who is bummed about that canceled trip

Yes, I get it, it sucks. I also had a week of chilling in the Antilles planned. But are we going to sit here feeling sorry for ourselves in times when people are getting sick? No way, that's crazy. That's what I mean. So we're going to row. Yes, with the oars we have lying around at home. Vacationing in your own house is so you-have-no-choice-on-trend-april-2020. Need that blissful vacation feeling? This is how you fix it.

Step 1: put your computer and phone away for a week
Sweetheart, you are on vacation. Enjoy, breathe in, all distractions away for a bit. It's so tempting to check your email or phone every day when you're at home or to keep refreshing the corona news all day, but no, being online all day is something you can do again when you're not busy with a staycation.

Step 2: cooking? What is that? No, you're not doing that right now
Because that's just so chill about that lazy vacation feeling: not having to cook. There are also many restaurants that could really use your order. Support your locals. Find the best food you can. Make a weekly menu and surprise yourself, your partner, or your family every evening with a different culinary delight. Order some new fancy plates and set the table beautifully. 

Step 3: household chores are also forbidden for a bit, you understand that
Just not doing the laundry for a week is totally fine. Give yourself the time to really do nothing for a bit. That's why it's important to prepare well for your staycation. Clean the house well before you start, and hey, that dishwashing isn't so bad because you're not cooking anyway. 

Step 4: the anticipation begins with something new...
Yes, you can buy a, um, new vacation outfit or sunglasses for your staycation. Just for the feeling. It's allowed, it's allowed.

Step 5: do you have a garden or balcony?
Make it cozy. Create a foreign atmosphere. Go all out for a Greek theme (including sirtaki music), a thousand-and-one-night fairy tale (order a hookah, who cares), or Ibiza-style à la Patty Brard. Set up a tent. Or a tipi. Or order a hammock. Fuck it. Lanterns in the trees and cloths on the ground. Beautiful new plants in pots, colorful cushions... in the evening, light a fire pit and roast marshmallows like crazy.

Step 6: no garden and no balcony?
You are not going to let yourself be defeated, yes, hold on. Find a quiet spot nearby and plan a day when you are going to have an extensive picnic. Like, really picnic. Like in the movies. Wicker basket. Nice blanket. Glass of wine. Fresh fruit. Cool packs. Homemade sandwiches. Sunglasses on and lying on the grass. Sigh...

Step 7: think with everything: is this something I would want to do on vacation?
For the optimal vacation feeling, it's handy if you treat the staycation as a real vacation. Get your favorite magazines. Grab those vacation books. Lie in the sun. Play beach volleyball. Book a massage with your partner (including candles, oil, you want the full shebang, hello, you are on vacation) or lock yourself in the bathroom for a spa treatment. Get face masks, that nice shower gel, body lotion, and scented candles.

Come on. Pack your suitcase, darling. We're going to make up for that canceled vacation. It’s. Time. For. The. Chill. Mode.