Has COVID-19 put a crimp on your summer travel plans? Summer 2020 is a bummer. You may have to postpone your dream trip, but that doesn't mean your summer can't be as romantic your honeymoon. While you can't travel to find romance, you can bring it to you. Here are all the ways to upgrade your honeymoon staycation.
Head to the mountains.
Get back to nature during your staycation. The outdoors is always refreshing, but during a pandemic, it is extra indulgent. Mother Nature is begging to be explored. We all need a break from the unrelenting bad news, weekend escape in a mountain cabin is just what the doctor ordered. You can reignite your sense of adventure in a hot tub for two.
Improve your surroundings.
You probably didn't envision Spring cleaning during your honeymoon, but you can deepen your bond while you tackle your 'Honey Do List.' Coronovirus is sparking a DIY revolution across the country, and I am all for it. Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's remain ready willing and able to help you with all your DIY needs. Painting makes for a great starting point. Picking colors, comparing techniques, and achieving something as a couple is easy, affordable, and fun.
Get some sun and sand.
A change of scenery might be what you both need to beat the quarantine doldrums. A quick trip for the weekend to the Bahamas, Mexico, or Jamaica to soak in the Vitamin D will get you in the right mind space to face that last half of 2020. If you can't take that much time off, head to a lake near you.
Cook together.
Who doesn't love coming home to a home-cooked meal? For your honeymoon staycation, challenge your partner to nightly Food Network style competitions. It's a fun way to spend time at the same time you can clean out your pantries. I'm not a chef, so I have turned to Blue Apron to help me up to my culinary game. Turn up the music and the oven, and keep your home stocked with delicious meals and tasty pastries.
Now is the time to rediscover the beauty that surrounds you every day. Spend a day at local hiking trails. Rent a camper to give you the freedom to hit the open road. without the need to find an open hotel. If you are planning a road trip, make sure to check nearby states that don't have travel restrictions! Does the thought of hitting the roads make you nervous? Pitch a tent in your backyard and gaze at the night sky together.
Plan for the future.
Now that the European Union has banned US citizens from entering, your dream honeymoon in Italy not an option. But eventually, the ban will end, and you will be able to stroll the banks of the Arno in Florence hand in hand. You can use this time to get ready for your future. Now is a great time to learn Italian so that when you get there, you will be able to order gelato! Tackling a new language will challenge you and help you keep you looking forward. Online classes from Duolingo or Rosetta Stone make the process simple. It's also the time to design your perfect time to design the perfect trip for you—research your dream destination. Then when you can book your next trip, you will know what you want to do.
Turn your bedroom into a luxury resort.
Just because you can't go to the 5-star resort you have been dreaming about, doesn't mean you can't indulge yourselves to some pampering. Turn your bedroom into a luxury oasis. Invest in high thread count sheets and warm fuzzy bathrobes. You can place rose petals towel animals and chocolates on the pillows. Do you want to increase the romantic atmosphere? You should turn down the lights, play soft music, and burn scented candles that remind you of your destination. Breakfast in bed is the perfect topper to your home honeymoon. Don't forget the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door!
Don't cancel your vacation days.
With travel on hold, it's tempting to cancel your pre-planned honeymoon vacation days and go to work. Resist this urge to head back work; it's the best time to prioritize your relationship. You might not need to take off as many days as you were planning for your trip, but taking off a couple of days will allow you to recharge. Skip the Zoom calls in favor of romantic candlelit dinners, bubble baths, and massages. Unplugging and indulging in some much needed R&R will go a long way in making your staycation honeymoon memorable, so think twice before sacrificing those vacation days.
Take a quick minimoon.
Out of town travel might not be possible, but that shouldn't stop you from taking a quick minimoon. My husband and I are heading to Blackberry Farms for a long weekend in August. It's only a couple of hours away, but I am looking forward to a few days away from home. If you don't have a luxury resort within driving distance, you can always choose to spend a couple of nights at a hotel or B&B in town. Sometimes a few days away is all you need to recharge.
While it is devastating to have to cancel a trip, especially when you don't know when or if you will be able to go, you can make the most of this unprecedented time. Spend time making your relationship a priority and carving out time for the person you love the most. Upgrading your honeymoon staycation will ensure you don't miss your trip quite so much.