How To Staycation.

Sometimes you just need a little break from routine – even if that doesn’t necessarily mean skipping town. I’ve always found that (as indulgent as it is) even just spending one night away will give me a fresh perspective, a renewed focus, and and just the right amount of relaxation to get back on track.

This past fashion week, The Hotel Indigo invited me to spend a night with them at their new (ultra chic) Lower East Side location. It was the perfect little escape. As I work from home and had spent the week running from event to presentation to show (stopping at home in between to get work done and change clothing) my own apartment was a complete and utter disaster. A little staycation was just the thing, it was so nice to be able to unwind and relax… away from the chaos. I returned home the next day feeling renewed and inspired…  and ready to tackle the tail end of a busy week.

It got me thinking though, and today I thought it would be fun to share my top tips and tricks for the perfect little getaway… in your own city!

ONE: Book it on the cheap. // I really love the Hotel Tonight app when I’m traveling or booking a staycation… it lets you get a great deal on a hotel the day of or a few days before. When you’re staying in your own city you have the luxury of booking a few days out… and that’s often when the best deals can be found. I’ve seen some of my favorite hotels in Manhattan listed on there for under $150 per night.

TWO: Clean your home before you leave. // Yes, it’s a pain… but coming home to a tidy space makes all the difference. I didn’t check into my hotel room til later than I wanted because I was so immersed in getting my own space clean, but when I returned from my little getaway all refreshed, I wasn’t distracted by a dirty, cluttered apartment.

THREE : Pack a bottle of vino. // Okay, I worry about how this will make me come across, but if you read here regularly you know that I love my wine. I always order a glass or two of red when I’m traveling (is there anything better than soaking in a big hotel bathtub with a glass of wine) or I’ll drink the wine from the minibar. That said, it’s so expensive! You aren’t checking a bag or going very far, so why not pack a nice bottle of red in your suitcase?

FOUR: Change into your robe and don’t take it off! // This rule is a very strict one. 😉 You are here for relaxation… why would you wear anything else? It’s probably purely psychological, but no matter how nice my bathrobe is at home, a hotel robe just feels so much nicer. For me, there is nothing better than a hot bath, putting on my hotel robe, ordering in room service, and putting on a movie! I’m an animal, I know…

FIVE: Bring the spa with you! I always pack a few face masks when I travel, but the same should be true if you’re staycationing. This past time around I started with Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask (a tried and true fave)… left it on for 30 minutes, and then spritzed my face with Origins’ new Maskimizer Primer and applied a thick coat of their Intensive Overnight Mask (the best for dry winter skin)!!! I love this combination as it exfoliates and then intensively hydrates!

Along those lines, it might sound high-maintenance, but call ahead and make sure that your room has a bathtub. This is such a small detail but makes a big difference… especially if relaxation is the goal of your trip.

This post was not sponsored in any way, but as mentioned above, the Hotel Indigo did provide me with a complimentary one night stay.

photography by Trent Bailey.