Simple, joyful ways to bring the holiday vibe to you

Something about summer stirs up the longing for a getaway—the kind where your biggest decision is beach or book, and the days stretch out with ease and possibility. But let’s be honest: not everyone’s packing a suitcase this season. Whether it’s timing, budget, family commitments or simply not feeling the need to escape, staying home doesn't mean missing out.

You can feel like you're on holiday without ever leaving your town. It just takes a little creativity—and a sprinkling of fun.

Here’s how to bring that “away from it all” feeling right into your own home (or garden, or local park).

Shift the energy: start your day differently

On holiday, our routines tend to change for the better. Slower mornings, more sunshine, less screen time. Why not recreate a little of that energy at home?

• Skip the scroll and sip your morning tea or coffee outside, even if it’s just for five minutes.
  

• Put on a feel-good playlist you’d normally reserve for driving to the coast.
  

• Swap your usual breakfast for something fresh and new.
  

It's not about doing more, it's about doing things with a little more intention. Let the day start differently, and it might just feel different, too.

Host a fun evening

You don’t have to fly somewhere warm to feel the joy of long, laughter-filled evenings. Make your own magic with people you love. 

• Games night: dust off the board games, pour a glass of something lovely, and make a night of it.
  

• Themed dinner: pick a country and cook a meal inspired by it.
  

• Outdoor cinema: if you’ve got a garden or balcony, hang a sheet, grab a projector (or just your laptop), and watch something nostalgic under the stars.
  

It’s less about what you do and more about breaking the routine and creating that little sparkle.

 Become a tourist in your own town

You don’t need plane tickets to explore. There’s a good chance you’ve got hidden gems close by—you just haven’t had time to look.

• Visit a museum or art gallery you’ve never stepped foot in.
  

• Try that little café you always drive past but never stop at.
  

• Head to a local market and pick out something you wouldn’t usually buy.
  

• Take a different walking route and notice what’s new.
  
  

Sometimes all it takes to shift your mindset is a change of scenery—even if it’s only five miles from your front door.

Make one meal a “holiday meal” each week

Food is one of the quickest ways to transport yourself. You know that feeling when you sit down to a simple, delicious meal on holiday and think, Why don’t I eat like this all the time?

Here’s your permission to make it a ritual:

• Buy yourself fresh herbs, crusty bread, or seasonal fruit.
  

• Dine alfresco—even if it’s just on the doorstep.
  

• Change for dinner, light candles - anything you would if you were on holiday.
  

• Eat slowly. Let it feel special.
  

Make space for joy and spontaneity
On holiday, there’s often more space—mentally and emotionally—to say “yes” to the moment. Try building in some of that spaciousness at home.

• Leave a few evenings or weekend afternoons unplanned.
  

• Say yes to a spontaneous walk, trip, or coffee with a friend.
  

• Try something a bit silly just because—like dancing in the kitchen or painting with your kids.
  

It’s these unplanned, joy-filled moments that make summer feel like summer.

Connect with nature in small ways

You don’t need a beach or mountain to get the benefits of being outdoors. Try these easy ways to bring nature closer:

• Spend a few minutes each morning or evening breathing fresh air outside.
  

• Create a small herb garden or bring fresh flowers inside.
  

• Take a barefoot walk on grass, sand, or a patch of earth.
  

• Watch the sunset or sunrise when you can, even if just from your window.
  

These small acts help you feel connected and refreshed, bringing a natural calm and ease to your days.

So, whether you do this ritual once at the start of the season or return to it when you need a reset, trust that these small moments have power. They help you reconnect with your centre — and from there, anything is possible.

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.