Your friends mean a lot you and a fun weekend with the girls happens all too rarely. If you and your best friends can't get away, you can still plan a special girls' weekend "staycation." Don't just invite everyone over to hang out. Carefully plan your activities so the weekend feels like a real vacation. Take short day trips around your own hometown. Indulge in beauty treatments and pretend you are vacationing at a faraway spa. The possibilities are endless.
Make a guest list of your best girlfriends for your staycation weekend and carefully consider their personalities and interests. Plan activities that will please everyone but, at the same time, try and think outside the box. A staycation is more than just a weekend at the beach or brunch and shopping as usual. Think of some activity that you have all talked about but never had time for. Go someplace in your hometown that you have always been meaning to visit. Make sure to tell your spouse, significant other and/or children that even though it might not look like it, you and your friends are actually on "vacation" -- a staycation, that is.
Plan a spa weekend in your own home or at a nearby spa. Take over a spacious room in your house and give orders that you and your girls are not to be disturbed. Hire a masseuse and have her come over and give massages to you and your guests. Arrange for a private yoga class at your home. Book a local spa or salon for a day just for you and friends and get manicures, pedicures, facials and more. Hiring professionals and taking over a salon for a day can actually cost less than booking flights and hotels for a regular vacation.
Choose a destination spot or an activity in your town such as cultural institution, festival or farmers' market and make a day of it with your friends. Visit a museum or take a weekend workshop or tour and learn about art and local history. Enroll in one of the many wonderful cooking and wine appreciation classes that are offered through continuing education by local culinary schools, restaurants and specialty markets.
Host a special girls' night in by scheduling unique activities or picking a special theme for your get-together. Arrange for a fashion and makeup party where you and your friends can share makeup samples or swap clothes and accessories. Plan a wine-tasting party with the help of your local wine merchant. Have a cooking and recipe swap night where you and your friends cook for each other, watch videos of your favorite chefs and swap recipes. Don't let the label "girls' night in" fool you. These activities can take place day or night and can fill an entire weekend with "staycation" fun.
