The Ultimate Guide To Vacay Vibes

It’s easy to think vacation “vacay” vibes are only achievable on an actual getaway, but what if I told you that those moments of bliss didn’t have to be confined to just a few days a year…

Because let’s be honest, we want bliss EVERY day of the year.

Close your eyes and recall those truly magical moments on vacation when your skin soaks up the warm sun rays, how your mouth waters for the sugary pineapple drink that’s cold in your hand, the sweet smells of your favorite coconut-scented sunscreen on your skin, and the deep sigh of relaxation as you unwind to the sounds of the ocean waves crashing on the shore. 

I just described the “vibes” from my perfect beach vacation.

The keyword here is “my”.
That’s because how you envision your perfect vacation could look a lot different than mine. Our goals and desires for a vacation, or a staycation, are completely customized to each one of our individual preferences, and the options are endless.

So, if you could bottle up those vacation vibes and enjoy them every single day, why would you not? 

If you’re thinking I’m full of it, and that it’s completely unrealistic to the average human experience… well, I believe you’re wrong.
After all, I am a busy, full-time working mom of four kids, with two side hustles, and… a budget.
A realistic and relatable budget at that. 

So I truly know how beneficial “vacay vibes” are to not just our mental health, but also for making lifelong memories every single day.

Carpe Diem, right?

In this ultimate guide, I will show you how to create vacation magic, or “moments of bliss”, all year long. With the tips you’ll discover in this post, along with the right mindset, you will know everything it takes to achieve “The Everyday Vacay”. 

And it’s easier (and more budget-friendly) than you think!

What does “Vacay Vibes” Mean?

For starters, vacay is just a shortened and informal word for vacation. In this blog, I talk about three forms of “vacay”. I define a staycation as an at-home experience. A local getaway is either in your hometown or a short drive to a nearby city or park. And when I talk about a true vacation, I am implying that you’re hitting the road on a long road trip, or possibly flying to a faraway destination.

At its core, vacay vibes are the feeling of relaxation, excitement, peace, awe, and the hunger for experience that comes with being on vacation.

We are able to experience this by using our five senses: Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch.

Whether you’re lounging by the beach or sipping a Piña colada (mocktail or not) in your backyard or at the local pool, it’s that mental shift from everyday stress to pure bliss.

The secret is that it’s not just about where you are, but how you feel.
I don’t want you to feel the need to escape or get away. I want you to create an ideal atmosphere to embrace that laid-back and peaceful attitude, right where you are. 

Why Vacay Vibes Matter

We live in a fast-paced world, so taking time to unwind, recharge, and have fun with loved ones isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s essential for mental health, stress relief, and fostering deep connections. 

But the reality is, even if vacations are necessary for our well-being, not everyone has the time or resources to take off for weeks at a time. I grew up in a low-income family, so I really resonate with this situation, as I saw the toll life took on my mom when I was young. I never went on a “true” vacation as a kid, but the little things my mom did to make our mundane life more meaningful and magical have lasted with me through the years.

That’s where the inspiration for this blog came from.

Creating vacation vibes in your everyday life helps with:

• Mental Health Boost – Constant work or home life pressures, responsibilities, and stress can take a toll on your mental health. Creating vacation vibes at home or in your local area gives you a chance to reset without burning out.

• Quality Time – It’s easy to fall into the routine of everyday life, and often we lose ourselves in it. Creating mini-vacations with your family, partner, or friends builds cherished memories that last a lifetime.

• Recharging for Productivity – Taking “vacation breaks” when you can will help prevent burnout, and help you feel refreshed both personally and professionally. The simple act of stepping away from the grind, even if it’s just for a day, can help you recharge, get creative, and be more productive in the long run.

High level flowchart of Staycation Planning

Before we dive deeper into how you achieve vacay vibes, it is helpful for you to have an “at a glance” or big picture look at the steps to planning your very own staycation.

Two Key Ingredients for Perfect Vacay Vibes: Mindset & Environment

Before you read on to my tips on creating the perfect everyday vacation, start with believing that you’re worth it. 

Your mental health, happiness, and quality time with loved ones, it’s absolutely worth prioritizing. 

1. Mindset Matters

This sounds “cheesy” but just stick with me…. It starts in your mind.
Adopting a vacation mindset is key to unlocking positive and carefree vibes.

To make every day feel like a mini vacation, you have to mentally unplug (and physically unplug… but we’ll get to that later) from your usual routine and switch into “vacation mode.” Here’s how:

• Be Present: Make a point to slow down and savor each moment. I previously said you should mentally unplug, but when you are planning your staycation/vacation, I urge you to unplug and not worry about work emails, to-do lists, or the next errand to run. Focus on being present. (Pro Tip: Even if you’re having a solo staycation spa action, with just you and yourself, this tip still applies. Remember, your mental health is worth it.)

• Embrace Relaxation: A vacation mindset is about letting go of stress. If you’re not comfortable or used to unplugging, it may take some practice. But you can learn to enjoy the process of unwinding, whether it’s with a book, a long walk, attempting the recipe you pinned a month ago, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in front fireplace (Pro Tip: YouTube has free fireplace videos with different themes and musical preferences). 

• Get Playful: Be spontaneous and enjoy the freedom to try new things. You’ve already (temporarily) let go of your responsibilities, so focus your energy on being creative and fun. (Pro Tip: You can channel this playful spirit into your everyday life.) 

2. Set the Scene

The second key ingredient is setting up your environment. The right ambiance can transform your space, or any space, into a vacation paradise. 

Oh and hey, guess what!?  I have already created truly unique experiences that you can choose and customize to fit your desires. I have developed and planned out this themed staycation and local getaways in an easy-to-follow “checklist” format so you can skip the planning, and focus on the doing. 

Here are the basic top tips on transforming your home, backyard, local hotel room, etc., into your next vacay: 

• Lighting: Soft lighting is a game-changer when it comes to setting the mood. Think string/fairy lights, candles, or a fireplace. Dim lights let your space glow with a warm, cozy ambiance. But don’t dock the stage lights. You could set up an in-home Paris Fashion Week runway with bright beam lights. Or how about a disco ball for some funky nights? There are so many creative ways to use lighting to set the right scene. It’s just about what you want to achieve.

• Scent: Scientists say smell can help with memory, and that odors, whether good or bad, can create an emotional response. I’m sure you’ve experienced a scent that takes you back to a time in your life that you had forgotten about. Scents are powerful, and the right fragrance can transport you to another place entirely. Whether it’s the fresh scent of pine for a winter retreat or the tropical smell of coconut and lime, candles, essential oils, or diffusers can set the tone for your next staycation. 

• Sound: Music is one of the easiest ways to shift your mood. There are many (free) ways you can create a playlist that matches the type of vacation or experience you’re going for. For example, calming ocean sounds for a beach day, upbeat reggae tunes for a tropical escape, or crackling popping noises of a fireplace for a cozy winter cabin.

• Decor: The extent to which you transform your physical space can depend on how much money and time you want to spend on the little details. That’s entirely up to you, your budget, and your preferences. But don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune on decor. Adding a few touches can really enhance the experience. 

In fact there are 12 specific shopping categories I like to incorporate into every (or almost every) staycation theme I create.
These 12 categories are:

1. Comfort & Relaxation
2. Fragrances & Aromatherapy
3. Decor & Ambiance
4. Food & Beverage
5. Wellness & Self-Care
6. Entertainment
7. Outdoor Equipment & Decor
8. Technology & Gadgets
9. Fitness & Physical Activity
10. Personal Care & Grooming
11. Crafts & Activities
12. Bonus Items

Three Ways to Achieve Vacay Vibes

So now that you understand how to set the scene, let me break down how you can create the ultimate vacay vibes in three different ways: staycations, local getaways, and vacations. 

1. Staycation’s (At Home)

Who says a vacation needs to involve travel? Staycations are a perfect way to create a vacation experience without leaving your home. Remember, the goal isn’t about escaping life, but taking full advantage of your time, and making those mundane moments more meaningful and magical. 

• Plan for success: Take a few hours to define the boundaries and rules for your staycation. If you have major distractions that will hinder your experience, then take a few hours to take care of these distractions. Set a time and a place, schedule it on your calendar, and separate yourself from the things that are going to ruin the mood.
  
• Gather the goods: Like I previously said, everyone’s budget is different, but if you can afford to buy themed products, foods, activities, etc then you should gather them ahead of time.
  
• Unplug: One of the best parts of a vacation is disconnecting from the daily grind. You have already set your boundaries, so stick to it. Don’t let that to-do list, phone, or computer call to you like a siren.

2. Local Getaway (Be a Tourist In Your Own City)

Even if you don’t have time to leave town, you can be a tourist in your own city. It’s a fun way to experience new things without the hassle of travel. Here’s how to make the most of your local area:

• Explore Hidden Gems: Even if you’ve lived in your town or state for a while now, I am sure there are local attractions you’ve always wanted to check out but kept putting off. Maybe you can try a walking tour of a part of town you’ve never explored. Or maybe a restaurant or specific dish you’ve always wanted to try. Even if you have been to some of these locations, with the right mindset shift, you can make the adventures new and exciting all over again.
  
• Stay in a Local Hotel: This is exactly what my single, hard-working mom of two did when we were little. We would rent a hotel room, splash in the indoor or outdoor pool depending on the season, and we would order a pizza and watch movies. You may discover there are truly luxurious, or uniquely themed hotels or AirBnBs in your area that you never knew. For example, did you know there are many towns across America where you can stay in a treehouse for a night? Or how about a teepee? These experiences are closer to home than you think.
  
• Local Events: Many of us are so busy and focused on the day-to-day that we forget that there are hundreds of events happening within a few hours of home. Such as festivals, concerts, farmers’ markets, and outdoor activities. Just this past weekend my husband took our kids to a model train show, and in a few weeks there will be a Friends TV Show trivia night at a local brewery. I can assure you even small towns have exciting events to check out.

3. Vacations (Traveling a Distance)

While the majority of us cannot hit the road or the skies on any frequent basis, I truly believe getting to experience the wonders of this big wide world is so important. There are many reasons why I recommend a big vacation, including expanding your cultural awareness. I plan to write more blog posts showing you how even a big vacation can be budget-friendly with the right planning. But for now, here’s the basics on how you can plan a getaway that suits your style:

• Road Trips: Hitting the road, especially long distances, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But this experience isn’t just about being budget-friendly, it can help you explore new places and really embark on an adventure. Planning a road trip for success is important, but if you’re living on the wild side and want to see where the wind takes you, it’s as simple as packing up the car and hitting the road. Just don’t speed! No need to rush. 

• Destinations: Consider national parks, small towns with big charm, beaches, mountains, deserts, big cities, amusement parks, etc.

• Exotic Excursions: If you have the time and the money, the world is big and the world is beautiful. There are so many foreign destinations just waiting to be discovered. Honestly, not only does the world have a lot to offer you, but you might have a lot to offer the world. Don’t forget about humanitarian opportunities. I highly doubt you’ll ever regret spending your time or money on making the world a better place.

Conclusion: Bringing Vacay Vibes to Your Every Day

The best part about vacay vibes is that they’re always within reach. Whether you’re staying at home, exploring local areas, or planning a getaway, creating a vacation-line experience doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. All it takes is a simple mindset shift, creativity, and some help from our planning guides to bring laughter, peace, relaxation, excitement, and adventure  into your everyday life.

The best part about vacay vibes is that they are fully customizable.

Whether it’s a luxurious escape or a budget-friendly staycation, my uniquely themed planning guides provide you with theme suggestions, recipe ideas, entertainment options, activities and games, attire and decor ideas, and so much more.

Create your ultimate vacay today by clicking this link above and get inspired for your next staycation, local getaway, or vacation.