As beautiful and relaxing as a tropical Vacation sounds (especially with the recent time change and the season change), it is not always plausible. Whether your commitments at home, health, or job create a roadblock between you and paradise, these reasons do not prevent you from a weekend of pampering yourself. Sing to yourself, “Staycation, all I ever wanted!” and we have just the right tips to make it so.

We want you to unplug from work, achieve the rest your mind, body, and soul desperately need, and enjoy some time alone or with friends. Siena at Tuscany already feels like a vacation resort and it is time for you to enjoy it as such.

Step 1: Plan Your Time and Make a Budget

Depending on how much you relaxation you believe you require to let your mind unwind, you can either ask off work for a few days or simply organize a no-plans-weekend. Once you have your time planned, add a large note in your planner that you will make no plans for that time—no oil changes, doctors’ appointments, or errands can be scheduled for that time. Next, create your budget! Remember, since you are saving so much money by not taking a traditional vacation, you are allowed to treat yourself to the extras you would normally bypass.

Step 2: Treat Your Home like a Hotel

This is the time to boycott being an adult. You should not be required to cook, work, or clean. Plan ahead for your staycation by deep cleaning your apartment and finishing all of your chores ahead of time. If you are able to budget for going out to eat, we highly recommend it. There are a lot of great food options around your apartment in Delray Beach (click here to view our review of many great restaurants in your area). If your budget does not allow this then we suggest making meals ahead of time that can be tossed in the oven allowing you to stay out of the kitchen and reduce your work.

Step 3: Create an Itinerary

The goal is to make this week (or weekend) feel like an actual vacation and not just a weekend of chilling at home with nothing to do. The best way we have found to make this your reality is to create an itinerary of activities to keep you on track. This list can include going to a new restaurant, getting a massage, inviting your friends over for a poker night in the community poker room, or grill at the gazebo. Save some time to lounge by the pool or make a homemade margarita to enjoy on your patio. This staycation has been designed to give you a break from the world, so we urge you to spend it doing things you enjoy.

Step 4: Turn off Your Social Media

Let’s face it: you will be the envy of all your virtual friends if you are constantly posting selfies of the great time you are having so save those moments for when your staycation comes to an inevitable end. This break is to help you unwind and recharge so if you are constantly on your phone where you’ll be bombarded with the good and bad of the world. This is your break so give yourself permission to enjoy your time and relax.

Let the fun begin!