Stay-Home Vacations Inspired by Global Getaways

Though most travel plans for summer 2020 have had to be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, you can still experience a little bit of life abroad right in your own home! We’ve compiled a few ideas for how you can recreate some famous global getaways and enjoy a fantastic stay-home vacation.

Inspiration: Riviera Beach, Tulum, Mexico
There’s nothing better on a hot summer day than laying by the beach, reading a good book and enjoying a cool beverage. While the sands of Riviera Beach may be many miles away, you can bring a bit of beach-style ambience into your own backyard with the help of a beach chair, your favorite shades, and of course a good book. Want to take it up a notch? Hook up the sprinkler system or even bring home a sandbox for the kids to play in.

Inspiration: The Louvre Museum, Paris, France
Your dream vacation to Paris may be postponed, but you can still enjoy many of the artistic wonders the famous Louvre Museum has to offer via their online tours. For more art-immersion at home, consider setting up a virtual paint night with friends. Follow along to an online painting tutorial, or freehand paintings of the Eiffel tower and have a contest to see who can paint the most realistic, most creative, and funniest paintings! Be sure to follow Springfield Regional Arts Council on Facebook as well to see what the art community here in Springfield is up to, and visit our online gallery for a selection from the current installation of local artists’ work at the ArtPort.

Inspiration: Caffé Florian, Venice, Italy
Many travelers enjoy taking time during their trips to visit local coffeeshops and restaurants, enjoy the ambiance and get some work done. One of the most famous cafes in the world is the gorgeous Caffé Florian, one of the oldest cafes of Italy, historically frequented by writers, poets, and even Casanova. Recreate the ambience of this café at home with your favorite luxurious beverage, an espresso-inspired candle or two, and Spotify’s “Your Favorite Coffeehouse” playlist and get to work on your next piece of art.

Inspiration: Euphoria Retreat, Mystras, Greece
Vacations are a time for relaxation and rejuvenation and there’s no better way to reach that kind of tranquility than with a spa day! Take your inspiration from globally top-ranking Euphoria Retreat and treat yourself to an at-home spa day. Be sure to include a long soak in an Epsom salt bath, a healthy and well-balanced brunch, and gentle yoga or meditation. Get the kids involved by experimenting with homemade facemasks or bath bombs!

Inspiration: Mount John Observatory, South Island, New Zealand
On a clear night, you can see the whole universe from New Zealand's ultimate mountaintop stargazing experience at the world-renowned astronomical center: UC Mt John Observatory. Though the summit isn’t currently accessible due to the pandemic, you can recreate this experience in your own backyard or deck. Spread out a blanket, pull up a map of the stars, point out constellations and learn their stories. And don’t forget your telescope!

While restrictions are lifting and more options are available for travelers, it’s still a different world out there than it was before the pandemic, and the safest choice for now is continuing to stay home. However, when world travelers find themselves ready to go global again, we’ll be here and ready to serve as your connection to the world.