Feeling in need of a weekend break but can't afford to get away? Can't be bothered packing up half your household items and braving the traffic out of town? Why not have a resort holiday at home?
Although it may sound a lame version of the luxury you had in mind, the secret is in capturing the essence of a great holiday, letting go of the usual chores and treating yourself, without leaving your front doorstep.
First set some ground rules so that you don't slip into the normal weekend grind. Tell friends and family that you're going away so you don't get tied up with functions. Turn down invitations to your children's friends' birthdays, turn off your computer and ban work calls and housework. As a general rule, if you wouldn't do it if you were away, then don't do it when you holiday at home.
Now the fun part. Start the holiday as soon as you arrive home from work on Friday night. Imagine you have just arrived at your destination and let the stresses slip away.
Grab a drink, put your feet up and have a chat to your partner, your kids, whoever you have chosen to come on holidays with you. Have a bath, if you like baths, light the candles and relax.
Cook up a storm, if you love cooking – if not, order a gourmet meal to be home-delivered or go out for dinner. Babysitters are okay, if you have kids. Party all night or drift off to sleep with a book, whatever takes your fancy.
Spend your days sleeping in, go out for breakfast, book a massage, check out the local landmark/ park/walk that you have never managed to visit, drive to the nearest beach, café strip or shops, sit down and relax. Swim at the local pool, kick a ball, fly a kite. Rest in the afternoon or power on through, it's up to you.
Do not - I repeat - do not, nip up to the hardware store to finish off that home reno.
By the end of the weekend, you'll be rested and relaxed. And the best part? You don't have to battle the highways with other holidaymakers or unpack your bags on Sunday night.
