Whether you crave relaxation, adventure, or just a night with your girlfriends, check out these four virtual vacations that will make you feel as if you're on the vacation of your dreams ... if just for a few hours.
So gather your supplies, maybe a few friends, and a partner or a babysitter to watch the kids (if neither of those are an option this vacation may have to take place after the kids are in bed!) and get ready to be transported!
1. The beach vacation
I have to admit these first two vacations are right up my alley, and when the anticipated Macaroni Kid Boondoggle trip to Punta Cana was canceled, I got to thinking... How could I re-create a classic beach vacation at home? Well, come to find out, it's pretty easy. It may not be the Caribbean or South Pacific, but with few items and a little help from the internet, it can be. First what you need:
Suggested Attire: Bathing suit, sarong or beach cover-up, hat, and sunglasses (don't forget your beach towel!)
Themed Cocktail: The Original Piña Colada recipe by Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Find a Mocktail Version by Miss in the Kitchen.
Soundtrack: Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville
Solo Trip: To start, put on your suggested vacation attire and mix up that cocktail of choice. If the weather permits, grab your computer, your lounge chair, cell phone (for the music), towel, and favorite sunscreen or coconut-scented body cream and head to the backyard. Throw it all in a beach bag to make the experience more authentic. You can also set up a similar setting in a quiet room in the house and crank up the heat and the music. Before you sit back, relax and listen to (or watch) the waves on the beach... slather on that sunscreen or cream to stimulate the olfactory nerve and grab that refreshment. Ahhh. Now get ready to be transported to a gorgeous beach in Thailand.
With the girls: Recently, my friend and fellow publisher Shannon showed up to a Zoom cocktail hour complete in a beach hat, sunglasses, coverup, and cocktail in hand. But that wasn't all, she had changed her Zoom background to a relaxing beach theme. (Check out our free Zoom travel backgrounds here!) Now crank up the Jimmy Buffet and join your friends on the beach.
2. The spa vacation
Suggested Attire: Bathrobe, slippers, comfy blanket (bath salts or bubble bath, too!)
Themed Cocktail: Cucumber Cooler Cocktail by the Minimalist Baker. For a non-alcoholic treat try this Clean Cucumber Collins Recipe.
Soundtrack: Zen Sounds Playlist on Apple Music
This day at the spa may require a little help from a family member, but don't worry if you don't have one around. You'll still leave this spa relaxed and refreshed. First, draw a bath with your favorite bath salts or bubble bath, light a scented candle (my favorite is vanilla) and soak your cares away while transporting yourself to a place of Zen.
Once you've had enough, lather yourself up with your favorite cream and ask a family member for a comforting shoulder, back, or foot massage. My niece Kylee and nephew Luke are masters at this, and I don't even have to tip them! Don't have a Kylee or Luke handy? Maybe you could treat yourself to one of these Shiatsu massage units. They come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges and they're our family's favorites.
Ready for a relaxing mediation? I love the Oprah and Deepak Chopra meditations and if you time it right, you can take advantage of one of their free 21-day mediation classes. If you start to fall asleep during your mediation, just go with it. You deserve this!
Feeling well-rested? Now pour yourself that cocktail or mocktail, grab a fruit or vegetable platter, and sneak in a few more minutes of "mama time."
3. The adventure-seeker vacation
Suggested attire: Pull out those comfy clothes — shorts or workout pants, T-shirt, sweatshirt, and sneakers or hiking boots (or if your adventure is leading you to the water pull out a swimsuit, flippers, and a mask).
Additional gear: Also, you might want to bring along a backpack for essential snacks for the adventurer — granola bars, nuts, fruit, and water
Themed cocktail: At the end of an adventure, nothing tastes better than a water or ice-cold beer -- your choice! Looking for a more adventurous cocktail? Here are 6 Unusual Cocktails for the Adventurous Drinker.
Soundtrack: Everyone needs some tunes to psych them up before any great adventure. Try the Wild and Free Playlist on YouTube. If that doesn't suit your fancy, nothing says adventure like the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Original Motion Picture Soundtrack!
Time to head out on the adventure of a lifetime -- as long as you're socially distancing, of course. Need a little motivation? Remember that cocktail/mocktail is waiting for you at the end. Here are six 360-degree virtual adventures that will leave you exhilarated, fascinated, and maybe a bit queasy afterward, but nonetheless energized after your excursion.
- The Great Hammerhead Adventure: Get your scuba gear on and swim with the sharks.
- Skydiving: Never quite worked up the courage to jump out of a plane? Well, you will now.
- Elephant Encounter: This adventure will take you to Botswana with a private guide to view these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
- Jurassic Park: Yup, you heard me correctly. You can even visit Jurassic Park and find yourself right in the middle of the T-Rex Fighting Oculus Quest.
- Japan's Surf Coaster: This one's for the amusement park fans.
- Rock Climbing at Yosemite Park: Take in the panoramic views 3000 feet up on at The Nose.
4. Girls' night out
Suggested attire: Get your party on with your best night club attire.
Themed Cocktail: Blood Orange Martini recipe courtesy of Rachel Hollis (this is one of my favorite cocktails, though I leave out the black cherry juice). For a virgin option just leave out the vodka and add some sparkling seltzer.
Soundtrack: Of course we need some dance music. Try this 2010 Dance Hits playlist that is bound to get you up and dancing.
Go out to dinner with your besties! Set up a time to meet on Zoom and have everyone order a special dinner from a favorite restaurant beforehand. Let the gossip and drinks flow! Once dinner is over it's time to hit the club! Who cares if it's in your living room? Your girlfriends are there and I can guarantee it will definitely be a night you'll never forget.
