Staycation essentials: What you need to know before your relaxing retreat in Goa

What is a staycation?

A staycation is a vacation within one's city, where you get to relax, have fun, and explore avenues that you hadn't before. A staycation is ideal if you appreciate the little things that make a community special. My staycation allowed me to explore Goa on an intimate level.

The perfect staycation

The key to my plan was getting together a group of like-minded remote working professionals. We chose a quaint villa near Colva Beach to rent between six people. Goa, being a hot tourist destination, can be pricey, depending on the season. However, our monthly rental came up to Rs. 55,000, including three scooters, owing to the long period of stay.

Here are some essential tips to help you with your staycation plans:

By choosing a staycation, you save on two big costs that travel entails, i.e., transportation and accommodation. Always set a budget and stick to it. Splurge on what gives you joy. By pooling resources between six people, we spent much less than what a general holiday ends up costing, despite staying considerably longer.

Use your staycation to explore new hobbies or activities. While living near a beach or lake, a sunny day can often translate to a day of sand and water. Since none of my friends were interested in joining me, I took off, over the weekend, to get surfing lessons at Surf Wala—a surfing school in North Goa. Their three-day Basic Course set me back by Rs. 8,000, while the double AC Room was another Rs. 3,000 per day.

Address: Surf Wala, Bag Dando Road, near Surf Club, Arambol, Goa 403527
GeoTag: 15.67854071621717, 73.70652553767583

Social media platforms are good starting points for finding people with similar hobbies around you. Learn to paint, cook a new recipe, start a mini-garden, or try your hand at photography. It's a chance to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

Museum marvels and more!

A staycation is perfect to enjoy what interests you. For instance, I made it a point to visit at least one cultural establishment a week. Be it the Museum of Goa (MOG) or the many Portuguese forts, a glance at the weather was all it took to choose the spots. MOG is a private art gallery, and I visited its inaugural show by Subodh Kerkar and Peter Mueller. The show, Gopakapattanam spoke about Goa, its history and the artists' and state’s relationship to the sea. I extensively used 'Airbnb Experiences' to stay updated on local events. Address: Museum of Goa, 79, Industrial Estate, Pilerne, Goa 403511 GeoTag: 15.5258900120858, 73.79521603067658

Unplug and relax

Take a break and spend quality time with your family and friends. Stress can make even the most pristine of locations seem drab and mundane. Remember, all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Periodically, put your devices away and admire your surroundings. Go out and meet people, have meaningful conversations, and enjoy the moments of connection.

Parks, picnics and hikes

I love exploring nature trails. One such off-beat find in Goa was the hidden Cola Beach—imagine a single shack, a serene white-sand beach accessible only on foot, after a short hike from Agonda Beach Road. The beach has cottages available too. Double occupancies (including breakfast) at Soneca Cola Beach Resort start at Rs. 4,500 per night. Address: Panchayat, Cola Beach Road, Canacona, Goa 403702 GeoTag: 15.06194308646902, 73.96999523862172 There were also times when hiking was not on the cards. Then, I just packed a blanket, some snacks and spent a peaceful afternoon in nature. Just like most cities in India, Goa too has parks and nature reserves within reach. Remember, plan your day as per the weather forecast. See what you've been missing out on? Your home is your oyster when planning a staycation. Remember to try new things and explore the hidden gems in your city. Indulge in relaxation and fun, and create an unforgettable vacation right where you stay.