Staycation Definition – “a vacation spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.” ~ Oxford Languages
1_ You don’t have to travel far to feel like you have had a break. There are plenty of local bed and breakfasts, Airbnb’s, hotels and campsites to stay at just to give yourself a change of scenery and a break from your regular household routines. Here is where to stay in Langley https://www.tourism-langley.ca/business_type/stay/ Abbotsford https://tourismabbotsford.ca/stay/ and Surrey https://discoversurreybc.com/stay/
2_ Go for a hike or walk. The Fraser Valley has an abundance of wonderful places to go for a walk or hike. Here’s a list of places you can walk or hike in Surrey https://www.alltrails.com/canada/british-columbia/surrey Abbotsford https://tourismabbotsford.ca/hikes-and-walks-around-abbotsford/ and Langley https://www.tourism-langley.ca/
3_ We mentioned this for Father’s Day, but here it is again: Go Fishing You will have to do some research to find out where you can fish in the Fraser Valley because finding a place to fish that is open is a challenge right now. One place to start is the Fishing the Fraser Valley brought to you by BritishColumbia.com. Check out the guide and then contact the location that you think might suit you. It will ruin the surprise, but if the man in your life likes to fish, he will know if his favorite location is open, so you can always check with him first.
4_ Play Tourist in the Fraser Valley. When was the last time you visited historic Fort Langley or went for a walk down Marine Drive in White Rock? It hasn’t opened yet due to COVID-19, but when it does you could always go for a ride with Surrey’s Heritage Rail https://fvhrs.org/. Nearly every community in the Fraser Valley has a Museum. We also expect these to be opening soon and when they do, why not do a museum tour?
Here are some random ideas we collected from around the internet that can be done at home…
5_ Spa Day – Having spa days and pampering days was a favorite around our place when our girls still lived at home. You can do a DIY at-home spa day with a friend, go to a spa, or have the spa come to you. See https://tonjourspa.com/ to book a spa day with an esthetician who will come to you.
6_ Get moving! Vacations are a great time to start an exercise routine or to ramp it up a bit. Plus, there are plenty of new apps and videos to work out too. One of our favorite apps these days is the Nike Training Club app or NTC which is free. It has a whole range of workouts including yoga. See https://www.nike.com/ca/ntc-app
7_ Go camping… in your own yard. Break out the camping gear and pitch a tent in your own yard.
8_ Host your own film festival. Pick a theme like romcoms, action films, dramas, documentaries, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more! Make some popcorn, grab your favorite beverage, and have some fun!
9_ Hold a house concert. Do you know a local artist or two that wouldn’t mind playing in your home by donation or for a certain ticket price? Book an artist, and invite some friends and family over. House concerts can be amazing. Do you want to hold a house concert and you’re not sure who to book? Check out side door for a list of artists who are willing to do house concerts and a list of “how to’s”
10_ Volunteer. What organization in your community could use some help? Do you have a friend or a family member who could use some help with yard work or some other chores? Volunteering can be invigorating, so be open to what can be done in your community.
Photo: Derby Reach Campground in Langley, BC by My North Langley Youtube
