Being a frequent traveler, COVID left me mentally exhausted. I was living on an island state and Singapore, took the lockdown seriously. The missed travel opportunities left me consumed with lockdown exhaustion, so when Singapore came up with the idea of a staycation, I was immediately on board. Here are my five tips for making your staycation a pleasure.
1. A big bed! You’ll be spending plenty of time in bed so enjoy the pleasure of a nice large bed. The hotel will make your bed every day, and you’ll feel pampered sleeping in a freshly made bed during your stay.
2. A room with a view. Staying in is part and parcel of the staycation so try to have a room with a view. The higher the floor of the hotel, the more you will enjoy the view. Some hotels limit guests at the pool, gym, restaurants, and most public spaces in the hotel. While I understood this safety measure, it can restrict your hotel’s enjoyment, so having a nice view can make a big difference.
3. In-room service. Dining out can be a big part of your travel plans, and dining in during a staycation was a guilt-free pleasure. Even if it’s one meal a day, it can make your stay feel more like a travel experience and a way to pamper yourself.
4. A bathtub. A bubble bath can be another indulging experience. You will want to soak in the tub as long as you desire, so first, make sure the tub is clean. Since you’re on a staycation, taking liquids such as bathtub cleaner with you only makes sense. Take your favorite bath oils, scents, or even floral petals like roses. The best part is you don’t have to clean the tub!
5. A night out. Even though all restaurants are not open, some will be. Make a reservation well in advance at a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try. I was pleasantly surprised to get a reservation at a Michelin star restaurant that previously had a six-month waiting list. There was plenty of social distancing at the restaurant. I just told the chef my preference, let him do the cooking and deciding. It was indeed a dining-by-design experience.
Have you taken a staycation? It is well worth the splurge and can maybe relieve your travel angst. Not to mention no airline tickets! I’d love to hear your thoughts.