Coronavirus Staycation

Originally this post was intended to talk about the joys of bringing goodies home to extend your vacation but in lieu of recent events, this had to be changed to the joys of a Coronavirus Staycation. A month before a pandemic was released on the world we were in London, blissfully picking up tea from Fortnum & Mason and chocolates from Melt in Notting Hill. We’ll collect absolutely anything to help conjure up those warm feelings of being in foreign lands.

When you’re home and settled again you can use those tools to shove those work worries away and transport yourself into the weekend where you can joyously escape your everyday stress for two days of bliss. Staycations let you escape without the hassle of mass amounts of planning and spending time in stuffy airports filled with germs. Even if you can’t spare two days unplugged, one is enough to enter into a state of zen with a few helpful tips.

On a 2-week trip to London, we came back with an enormous lot of goodies. Everything from luxurious creams to beautiful chocolates to some truly fantastic teas. We even created a special date night out of our English finds.

*Fair warning, when traveling back into the U.S. no meat products are allowed as well as soft cheese.

If you haven’t been anywhere lately don’t let that stop you from enjoying a coronavirus staycation. Pick your favorite destination and let that guide your weekend through the wine you purchase or the movies you watch!

Enjoying a Staycation

Turn Off 

Step away from the distractions, turn off your cell and work for one whole weekend. I know it might sound impossible but I swear you can do it!

Set the Mood

Charcuterie Board with cheeses and fruits, nothing feels more luxerious then a truly decadent board filled with the highest quality meats and cheeses. This is especially perfect if your night is focused around Italy.

Wine head to your local wine shop after picking a destination and ask if they carry any wines from that region.

Epsom Salt, nothing is better than an epsom salt bath. I’ve been obssesed with them for about 10 years when they cured some back pain I had been having. Dr. Teals carries a line that features different essential oils, elevating your bath time just a bit more.

Homesick Candles, I stumbled upon this company at the freebie table while working at Rachael Ray magazine. These are the perfect way to incorporate the smell of foreign lands into your home. They have a candle for each state or 10 countries!

Favorite Mask, I’m in love with Farmacy’s Honey Potion mask for my dry acne prone skin but head to a facialst to find exactly what your skin needs then choose from there!

Silk pajamas, there’s nothing more luxurious than lounging around in a great pajama set and feeling great. Find what makes you feel great and soak it up, even if it’s an old ratty t-shirt.

Clean, there’s nothing more relaxing then a clean slate and fresh surroundings so you can truly enjoy a coronavirus staycation. Don’t forget you could be stuck inside for months so make sure you love what you’re looking at.

Drift off to another place

Movies let you escape from the comfort of your couch, find a list of movies centered around travel here or find a few listed below,

Midnight in Paris

About Time

Under The Tuscan Sun

Leap Year

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Hundred Foot Journey

Roman Holiday

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Example Staycation Combo For India

Meal: Chicken curry and Patch House Golden Milk! You can find tons of recipes for curry online or explore this one and my take on a famous indian drink, golden milk here!

Scent: India Homesick Candle

Movie: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Slumdog Millionaire or explore some of the top bollywood films here.

Spend the day learning a bit about India and the culture, find some documentaries on Netflix. Try traveling from your couch and see what you can explore!

To find more recipes to enjoy a night in, head over to My NYC Kitchen