11 ways to pretend you're on holidays at home

You’re tired and overworked and totally ready for your next holiday, BUT your bank account is looking dire and your annual leave count is in the red. Never fear, fellow travel lover—tide yourself over to your next trip by unwinding in your own ‘resort’ at home for the weekend*.

*Disclaimer: It might not be as good as the real thing but we promise with these tips, it will be fun.

Here’s how to make it a reality:

Disconnect
Find yourself checking emails out-of-hours all the time? Not on this weekend you don’t! Set up an out-of-office, switch off the inbox on your phone and feel the freedom immediately.
Tanned and ready
While preparing for your getaway to your own lounge room, you may want to consider applying fake tan. Ensure you wear sunglasses throughout the process to give it that really authentic look.
Climate control
Craving a winter escape to somewhere warm? Blast the heating in your living room and swan around in your bathers and sarong from morning until evening. Because you can.
DIY sand
Now is the time to show commitment to your cause. Have several tonnes of fine, white sand delivered and carefully wheelbarrow it to your backyard or balcony. Then set up a paddling pool and string up a hammock.
Fan it
Nothing says tropical holiday like the sound of a slowly whirling overhead fan. Position pedestal fans near heaters to enjoy those warm tropical-like breezes. Extra points if you can find someone willing to stand over you and fan you with a giant palm frond.
Bring your own sound effects
It doesn’t get much more relaxing than listening to the sounds of waves gently lapping at the shore. Just because you live in the middle of the city doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Download soundtracks of waves and play loudly and continuously. Word to the wise: skip the tracks with the whale sounds, or you’ll wind up having nightmares at night.
Holiday reads
Ditch the dry autobiography and pull out your tackiest novel. You know, the ones you’re stashing in your bookcase behind your more tasteful titles. Sit back, relax and enjoy them guilt-free.
Happy hour, all hours
Head to the supermarket and liquor store to stock up on all the cocktail ingredients the world could possibly offer you (or in this case, your local BWS and Woolies). Concoct your special creations, taste testing along the way of course. And top off with a paper umbrella for an added touch of class.
Do things you enjoy
It goes without saying normal household tasks – laundry, cleaning etc – are off limits. Consider splurging a little for a cleaner to come in and do it for you to really add to the ‘home hotel’ experience.
Get worldly in the kitchen
Envision your ideal holiday destination and turn it into a reality by cooking up a storm. If you’re not a MasterChef in the kitchen, opt for international cuisines from your local takeaway store. Mexican feast anyone?
Siesta
After indulging in your mega meal without any ounce of shame or guilt, there’s only one thing left to do: siesta! This is the time for you to pass out gracefully somewhere other than your bed.