Book a new reservation for traveling between now and February 9, 2018. (Rates not retroactive and some restrictions may apply). Promotional specials can be discontinued at any time. These specials are only available by calling us directly at 707-256-2130
(BPT) – No stringent schedule. Eating new, exotic foods. Getting lost in a page-turning novel. Trying a new activity that takes you outside your comfort zone.
These are the types of things that make for a memorable vacation. The problem is, you’re not traveling this year and instead are opting for the increasingly popular staycation.
Yes, you’re taking PTO and staying put, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an incredible time. In fact, many of the activities that make a traditional vacation so wonderful can be emulated while at home.
To help make your staycation feel like a real getaway, follow these five steps. You’ll have just as much fun as leaving town, but you’ll save tons of money, plus get to sleep in your own bed.
Limit technology: When you travel to a faraway location, you probably have limited-to-no access to your cell phone and email. That disconnection helps you unwind. Mimic that feeling by limiting your technology use during your staycation.
Leave your phone upstairs, turn the computer off and resist grabbing the tablet. You should consider changing your email and phone message to say you’ll have limited access over the time you’re off, so people who contact you know it might be awhile until you get back to them.
Escape with a destination-specific book: Want to feel like you’re leaving town without leaving the house? Historical fiction can transport you to a different time and place, no matter how short or long your time off. For example, New York Times best-selling author Anita Shreve’s newest novel, “The Stars Are Fire,” vividly brings 1947 New England to life. Based on a real event — “the year Maine burned,” when more than 200 fires raged across the state — the book introduces us to Grace Holland, five months pregnant and the mother to two toddlers. As flames rip through the town, Grace must flee into the ocean to survive, spending the night in the frigid sea as the fire sends debris and smoke onto the beach. In the morning, she discovers her husband missing and her home completely destroyed. Amid devastating loss, Grace must rebuild her family’s life, and find strength she didn’t know she had. The novel asks her, and its readers: What would you do if you could begin again?
People Magazine called the book “original and gripping,” the perfect recipe for a staycation. And USA Today gave the book three and a half out of four stars: “Shreve is masterful at creating compelling characters whose inner conversations about love and intimacy are both heartfelt and heartrending … [this] quiet novel about marriage, duty and passion lingers long after the last page is turned, like the smoke from a wildfire.”
Eat exotic and amazing fare: Every corner of the world offers cuisine that represents the culture of the people who live there. When you travel, eating these types of foods enhances the vacation experience. During your staycation, skip standard weekly meals and try new destination-inspired recipes and make a few at home.
Feed your taste buds at Napa’s sushi house, Morimoto’s, Yountville’s world famous chef, Thomas Keller’s French Bistro, Bouchon, or one of the locals’ favorites Gott’s Roadside in Napa and St. Helena. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have fun eating the unique dishes.
Drink and be merry: While you’re expanding your staycation experience with new cuisine, why not drink that way too? Complement your meals with some of Napa Valley’s best wines, whether it is a boutique winery off Stag’s Leap at Robinson Family Vineyard, cave tours and tasting at Del Dotto Vineyards and Hall Wines Rutherford or stunning views at Chappellet and Diamond Creek Vineyards. Just plan ahead with Diamond Creek, they are booked 3 months in advance.
Of course there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to wet your whistle, too. Experience the Napa Valley hospitality while reading your book and having a classic cup of joe at downtown Napa’s Napa Valley Roasting Company or a local favorite Model Bakery.
Break routine with a daily adventure: You may be home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t explore areas of your city that you rarely venture to. By doing new things, you’ll feel like you’re really on vacation!
Visit that museum. Go to that quiet park. Take a hike down by the river. Go to a movie in the middle of the afternoon. Try something new, such as paddle boarding or rock climbing. Just because you’re “home” doesn’t mean you can’t have unique adventures that make for unforgettable memories.
Staycations continue to grow in popularity, and with these tips, it will truly feel like a getaway rather than just bland days off at home.
(BPT) – Do you dream of getting away from the stress of your everyday life? Are you looking for a way to reconnect with loved ones? Do the winter blues have you dreaming of warm sunny days?
Sounds like you’re in need of a vacation.
Planning a vacation gives you something to look forward to in the new year. What’s more, studies show planning a vacation is one the best parts of the travel experience. It can boost your mood for weeks leading up to the big trip.
From researching exciting destinations, booking accommodations and counting down the days until you leave, travel can get your 2017 off to the right start, or be the perfect gift for the holidays. Here are four tips to make the trip perfect:
Get away to disconnect: When planning a vacation, select a location where you can truly disconnect from your job and home responsibilities. For example, visiting Napa Valley California is a wonderful location to enjoy food, wine and scenery. It’s an easy drive or flight from virtually anywhere in the United States. Once you arrive, make sure your out-of-office email is set and resist the urge to check social media. Now’s the time to focus on you and your loved ones.
Get away to reconnect: AAA reports two out of three people say quality time with loved ones is the most important part of a vacation. In addition to selecting a great location, strive to find comfortable and convenient accommodations. Crown Vacation Rentals provides guest suites, studios, 1 bedrooms, 2 bedrooms and vacation homes which are wonderful options to bring your family and friends closer together. Plus, the extra amenities in some accommodations, such as kitchens, private patios or balconies and swimming pools are sure to make your stay that more relaxing.
Get away to build memories: A whopping 91 percent of people say their favorite memory is a vacation, according to Expedia.com research. To set the stage for massive memory-making, select a location with something for everyone. There’s more than just wineries in Napa Valley. Drive over to nearby Muir Woods to hike or go to San Francisco Pier to explore the city.
Get away to try something new: Trying an activity you’ve never done before is guaranteed to give you and your family memories to last a lifetime. Do some research about the destination you’ve selected and sign up for activities in advance to ensure you get the most convenient times. Whether it’s a private wine tasting, taking a hot air balloon ride or seeing the Redwoods for the first time, doing a unique activity is something you’ll always remember (plus you’ll get a story that is sure to make everyone jealous back home).
Stop dreaming and start planning — that unused PTO is full of possibilities. Whether a gift or a family trip next year, let these ideas guide you to the vacation of a lifetime.
Photo credit: Melinda Norris-Munro MelindaNorrisPhotography.com
For your Napa Valley vacation accommodations visit NapaVacationCondos.com website.
Crown Vacation Rentals | 780 Trancas Street, Napa, CA | NapaVacationCondos.com | VacationRentals@CrownPM.com | 707-256-2130