Bringing Vacation Home - Because Life’s Too Short to Wait for the Weekend
Do you ever come back from a trip feeling like you’ve unlocked the secret to happiness, only to have reality slap you in the face with laundry, emails, and an empty fridge? One minute, you’re sipping fancy coffee on your balcony, the next you’re chugging lukewarm coffee while trying to help the kids look in the couch for their lost mini toy.
Inspired by Orange Sky by The Movement (because, honestly, we shouldn’t just live for the weekend), let’s talk about bringing the parts of vacation we love back home with us—without stuffing your suitcase full of souvenirs that just seem to clutter your kid’s rooms.
Step One: Capture the Essence, Not Just the Instagram Pics
Every place has a vibe, a rhythm, a flavor so to speak, that makes it special. What if you could take that essence and sprinkle it into your daily life?
Jamaica – That ‘no worries’ mindset? Let’s bottle that up. Play reggae while making dinner, take things a little slower, and remind yourself that most of life’s stress isn’t worth the gray hair. Adding a sign in the house might also be helpful!
Mexico – Vibrant colors, music, and flavors make Mexico unforgettable. Try incorporating a few words (agua is easier for babies to say than water), celebrate taco night with fresh ingredients, or dance to mariachi while cooking dinner.
Germany – Whether it’s the efficiency, the beer gardens, or the Christmas markets, find a way to add a touch of German charm. Maybe that means getting more organized, hosting a casual outdoor get-together, or fully embracing a cozy, festive season.
Coaching Question: What’s one cultural habit you loved from your last trip? How can you incorporate a tiny piece of it into your routine?
We found a local brewery that imports their hops directly from Germany with a nice beer garden
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Step Two: Build Mini Getaways into Everyday Life
If the vacation version of you is more adventurous, relaxed, or spontaneous, why does that version of you only come out twice a year? Instead of treating your everyday life like a waiting room for your next trip, start scheduling mini “vacations” into your week.
Morning in Rome: Pretend your local coffee shop is a Roman café. Sit outside, people-watch, and enjoy your drink without rushing.
Afternoon in Spain: Take a page from Spanish culture and incorporate a midday break. Kids down for a nap? Take one too! Even 10 minutes of resting, stepping outside, or stretching can make a difference.
Weekend in Canada: Love the outdoors and time outside? Hit up your local trails or park. Visit one place each day, and make it feel more adventurous.
Coaching Challenge: Pick one day this week to intentionally create a mini getaway at home. What will you do differently?
The kids reading about the trail while we enjoy a forest trail in Austin
Step Three: Redefine Adventure—It’s Closer Than You Think
Part of what makes travel magical is the sense of discovery. But who says adventure has to involve a passport?
Be a Tourist in Your Own Town – Take a different route to work, check out a new swim spot, or visit that museum you keep meaning to go to.
Try Something Unfamiliar – Whether it’s a new cuisine, a dance class, or a random local festival, step outside your usual routine and embrace the unknown—just like you do when you travel.
Bring Home the Unexpected – Loved the street food in Vietnam? Try recreating it. Obsessed with Icelandic hot springs? Turn your bathroom into a DIY spa night.
Sculpture at the park of the Laguna Gloria Museum in Austin
Coaching Questions:
What’s one way you can invite more spontaneity into your daily life?
If your vacation self could give your everyday self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Final Thought: Don’t Wait for Vacation to Enjoy Life
You don’t have to quit your job and move halfway around the world (unless you want to, in which case, send me a postcard!). The goal is to stop treating joy, relaxation, and adventure like they’re only available in other zip codes. Life is happening now—so why not bring some of that vacation magic home?
Until next time, enjoy the journey!
Copyright Me Time 4 Mom, LLC
