Staycation Strategy: Tip-of-the-Day #353

For the first time in years I have a full month to myself between jobs. I exited my last role in June and when I accepted the offer with my new company, they were very generous with their suggested start date. While the "do-er" in me balked at so much "free time", after a little consideration, I realized having a month off is not likely going to happen again in the foreseeable future and so I leaned into it. Note: assuming you have the savings to do this, it may provide a much-needed mental break from the proverbial rat race.

I immediately brainstormed all the trips I could take and places I could explore, but given that we're still facing pandemic restrictions and my cat sitter isn't yet ready to resume her housesitting services, I began thinking of ways to enjoy myself from the comfort of home—a "staycation" as it's more broadly known.

I remembered that on my past two trips (Spain and Ireland, respectively) I leveraged Airbnb 'experiences' to really enhance my exploration. I would find relatively inexpensive guided tours and events as a way to both see the city and meet new people. Why not apply this same logic to my own city and get to know areas and activities that I haven't had the opportunity to visit? Brilliant!

By sidestepping the cost of a flight, accommodations, and meals in a foreign location, I am effectively saving SO MUCH MONEY and can logically rationalize using some of those savings to enjoy my own backyard! Here's what I've done to date and I have every intention to keep exploring!

1. I toured Tomales Bay. A mere hour away from San Francisco, this incredible destination offers everything from kayaking and wine tasting to oyster shucking. I met up with a girlfriend and we rented kayaks for the morning (excellent exercise and friendship-building activity) and then hit up a highly rated seafood restaurant right on the water for fresh clam chowder. The double kayak ran us $90 ($45/pp) and the clam chowder was $15 a bowl. 
   
   
2. I've been renting Lyft bikes. If you have the Lyft app on your phone, it's simple to find a classic or an e-bike to jump on and explore the city. I've done this a few times and found myself at Ocean Beach, the Ferry Building, and the Dogpatch—all in under an hour. It won't run you more than $10-$15 depending on where you go. Exercise and exploration two-fer!
   
   
3. I'm getting active again. I decided to rejoin ClassPass now that gyms are reopening and I checked out Rumble, a gym that offers 45-min high-energy boxing classes in the Marina. I happen to have my own gloves but couldn't find my wraps. No prob! They have it all, including a beautiful, clean locker room with anything you could possibly need pre- and post-workout. The Rumble website offers an introductory 2-class pack for $35 and one class will run you 11 points on ClassPass. I am tapping into muscles I haven't used in a while and it's F-U-N.
   
   
4. I'm discovering new restaurants. A lot of restaurants have closed over the past year and a half, but many are now reopening and some new places have popped up as well! There's never been a better time to explore what's out there and help rebuild small businesses. Jump on OpenTable or Yelp for suggestions. If you're solo, sit at the bar or grab a two-top. Don't let that stop you!

I now have my sights set on water-biking (woah!) and vegan picnicking at an animal sanctuary in Sonoma. The fun doesn't have to stop. Ever, really.

Leave me a comment and let me know what you've found in your own city!