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This Week’s Issue

Your Best Holiday Yet? Staycation is the new dream getaway: no travel required

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The Informer
The Informer

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Stay at home and relax.

BY TRAVEL WRITER SARAH JANE

What’s the secret to a memorable staycation? The answer is a shift of perspective: convince yourself that your couch isn’t just furniture, but a first-class experience designed to whisk you away from your work routine. Give your mind, body, and soul a backyard boost.

Here’s a few tips for staycation success.

ROUTINES ARE TO BE BROKEN

• Holiday dress required: Dig out that “I Love Rotorua” or “I Love the Coromandel” t-shirt, throw on the ridiculously bright resort wear (why on earth did you buy the outfit in the first place). Those work clothes have a one-way ticket to the back of the cupboard.

• Who cooks on holiday? Relax and eat out at the local restaurant, indulge in morning tea and order pizza for breakfast. Your fridge is on holiday as well. Pre-holiday prep includes stocking up on cold beer, chilled wine, that sparkling water that is probably overpriced and cheeky indulgent chocolate. 

• Breaking news: Housework, chores and property maintenance have been declared ‘non-essential activities’ for the duration of the staycation. If the budget allows, employ a temporary cleaner also known as hotel housekeeping. 

THE “PRE-HOLIDAY” PREP: CREATE YOUR LEISURE BUNKER

• Set an “Out of Office” Reply (Even for Yourself!): Mentally (or literally, if you have a work email) put up a barrier. Communicate to family and friends that you’re “on holiday” and unavailable.

• Declutter and Clean Before it Starts: This is crucial as it’s difficult to relax with dirty cups littering the coffee table. You’ve dramatically reduced your carbon footprint by ditching the flight, you’ve now earned the moral high ground to hire someone else to deal with the dust bunnies. Think of it as carbon offsetting.

• Stock Up on Supplies: Imagine hitting the beach only to realize you forgot your sunscreen. Now imagine hitting your couch only to realize you’re out of emergency chocolate. The horror! Buy everything. Groceries, snacks, a metric ton of coffee, every streaming service known to humanity, and enough bubble bath to fill a small swimming pool. The fewer reasons to “run out” for something, the better. 

• Plan, But Don’t Over-Schedule: Have some ideas of what you’d like to do (local attractions, themed meals, movie nights), but leave plenty of free time for spontaneity and relaxation. You are to do absolutely nothing but holiday at home, without guilt. 

TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE:

Create a “Holiday Zone”: We decorate for parties … Now’s the time to let your inner self loose. Think of it as a party for one (or two, if your significant other is playing along), where the only theme is “maximum comfort and zero judgment.” “Who knew those ‘Christmas’ fairy lights would turn your bathroom into such a surprisingly cool retreat?”  Welcome to your resort. 

YOUR DIGITAL DETOX, YOUR RULES

Forget the phone use debate for a bit. You’re in charge. NZJane won’t snatch your device or make you do a digital cleanse. Just try to use it like you would on holiday: for quick photos and important calls, not constant scrolling.

BEHAVE LIKE A TOURIST: ADOPT A HOLIDAY MINDSET

• Explore Your Local Area Like a Visitor.  Remember to wear ‘I love …” T shirt stating to the world you are on holiday.

• Go to the local museum and find out more about the place you live in

• Go for a short drive to nearby towns and places, spend the day pottering 

• Take a selfie in front of statues, objects and scenery. It’s amusing, especially when it’s in your backyard. Taking pictures helps solidify the “holiday” feeling and creates memories

• Look for visitor brochures or local event listings – what would a visitor do?

SELF-CARE, MIND & BODY 

• Indulge in Hobbies: Read that book, start that craft project, play an instrument, or learn something new online.

• Connect with Loved Ones (Intentionally): Have dedicated quality time with family or friends without the distractions of daily life.

• Movement and Fresh Air: Even if it’s just a walk around the block, getting outside and moving your body can significantly boost your mood.

• Practice Mindfulness: Take moments to simply be. 

• Reflect and Journal: Write down what you’re grateful for, your staycation experiences, or your thoughts without the pressure of productivity.

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