This year has come with unimaginable challenges and, for many, an annual holiday is simply not an option. Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, believes that making lasting, magical memories should still be top of your priority list regardless of whether you are home or away this festive season.
“Memories happen regardless of what we do. Negative experiences have the same lasting power that positive experiences do. And, since this year has been particularly tough, there is no better time to counteract that power than through the creation of positive memories,” Shaun explains.
This leader in hospitality adds that setting your staycation up to feel like a ‘real’ vacation takes a little planning, creativity and a few industry secrets, but the rewards will be well worth it!
He shares his 5 secrets to lasting, magical staycation memories:
1. Room service experience: Creating a hotel room service experience is a really fun way to get the kids involved and engaged. You could alternate days, taking turns to serve each other meals in bed. Remember to be creative — help the kids create a menu, use a bell or cellphone to summon room service and don’t forget to dress up as a ‘bell hop’ for the occasion.
2. Make housekeeping fun: Create a hotel-style bedroom by folding the bedding, rolling the towels and putting chocolates on the bed. You can also transform your bathroom with travel-size shampoos and conditioners. Oh, and don’t forget to fold the toilet paper in a triangle every morning and pop a cute sticker on it. This will not only make chores fun, you will also give your home a ‘hotel’ feel.
3. Visit a local resorts for the day: No matter where you find yourself in the country, a hotel or resort is seldom more than an hour or two away. Phone the resort ahead of time and ask if they accept day visitors (almost all of First Group’s Resorts do!) and enjoy the day soaking up the sun alongside the pool whilst the kids enjoy the array of activities available.
4. Host bingo night: Most hotels and resorts have group game activities that make for a great time, and Bingo is always being top of the list! Host a Bingo night with your friends, download Bingo cards off the internet (it’s free!), have a couple of cheap and cheesy prizes ready for the winners! It doesn’t have to stop there – you can also organize a Quiz night, a volleyball tournament, the list goes on…
5. Be a tourist in your town: When last did you visit your local library, museum, or aquarium? How about the small town you’ve driven past before but never had the time to stop? Exploring your city is a great way to get to learn about its history, and you will discover interesting places and, of course, make magical memories!
“Tough times don’t last, but great memories do so be deliberate about making this your best staycation yet, and we look forward to hosting you at one of our resorts next year!” Lamont concludes.
