A staycation is exactly what it sounds like: a vacation where you stay at home. And if you think that doesn’t sound too exciting, read on for some ideas to make your next staycation unforgettable.

1. Check out the local attractions

We’re used to doing all the touristy things when we travel—visiting the zoo, checking out cool downtown areas, going to museums—but we often don’t take the time to get to know our own communities. Act like a tourist in your hometown and see what new places you can discover!

To take this idea to the next level, recruit your friends to join you on a round-the-town tournament—play all the local miniature golf courses or bowling alleys, with a prize for each day’s winner and a grand prize overall. Have fun with it!

2. Get your zen on

Consider unplugging from all technology and going media-free for your staycation—and maybe double down by signing up for yoga classes or spiritual meditation sessions. A pure zen retreat doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, it just takes time and focus…and a willingness to separate yourself from your cell phone for longer than five minutes. (You can do it!)

3. Become a Geocacher!

Imagine yourself on a treasure hunt requiring only your cell phone (or other GPS-enabled device), some gas in your tank, and a mind for adventure. Google “geocaching” and check out the apps and sites to get started. You’ll be directed to “buried treasure” located in your own area, and can set out by yourself or with friends to find where X marks the spot!

4. Restaurant Hop, Pub Crawl, or Breakfast Bounce

It seems like new restaurants open up every week in some cities, and who has time to try them all? You do, on your staycation! Celebrate how much money you’re saving by staying home by taking yourself out to several new restaurants, brewpubs, cafes, diners or dives to get to know all the fresh tastes in your own backyard.

5. Take up a new hobby

Sometimes getting started on a new hobby can seem incredibly daunting, but there’s no better time than a staycation to dedicate yourself to your craft—literally. Use the precious days of your staycation as an incubator to get a jump start on your newest business idea, project, hobby or goal…or maybe take one of those classes you’ve been meaning to start for the past several months. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish in a short time.

Vacations are all about relaxing, and your staycation should definitely include lots and lots of naps…but once you get up and are ready to embrace your staycation fully, there are lots of options for you to make it one of the best breaks ever from work. So relax and enjoy your custom-tailored staycation…we’ll leave a light on for you!

The post The art of the staycation appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.

Make it a priority—and start right away!

It’s easy to get into the habit of heading straight up to your apartment when you get home after work—or dashing to your car when you’re ready to leave, even if there are other people around. But if you set a goal to meet one new person a day, you’ll find you’ll have more opportunities than you expect! However, make it a priority to reach out the first time you come into contact with someone, vs. letting a few weeks go by without saying a word to them. If you’ve already been in your community for awhile, no problem! The next tip is tailor made for you.

Take advantage of pre-planned social events

Many communities have weekly or monthly social events that take place in their clubhouses, specifically created to help residents get to know each other. Even better, you know that, like you, anyone else attending actually such an event wants to make new connections. This way, you don’t have to worry about seeming too forward when you introduce yourself. In addition to events arranged by apartment management, communities also sometimes have a general bulletin board or Facebook page where residents can post information about upcoming parties, or athletic/social events. Make it a point to check with your community’s office staff to see what options your community provides!  

Make the most of your community’s amenities

Does your community have a pool, fitness facility, walking path, or sports courts? If so, you’ve got another avenue to meet like-minded residents. Hit the gym or the walking path and introduce yourself with residents who appear to be interested in the same sports you do. If you’re just getting started with a particular sport, such as tennis, ask if they know of any “beginner-level” players who might want to meet for a game…or, if you’re more advanced, see if they might want to drill or play a quick pickup game sometime. In addition, some communities have organized leagues in various sports. If so, you’ll definitely want to check those out! 

Start your own group

Interested in books? Love painting watercolors or doing crafts? Know everything it takes to create a killer fantasy football league? Don’t wait to find your people, get them to come to you! If your community has opportunities for meet-ups that residents organize (you can find out by contacting your office staff), follow their guidelines and start a community book club or crafting circle, or recruit for a fantasy football league. Don’t despair if it takes awhile to get started—good friendships are worth taking some time to cultivate.

Above all, congratulations on following up on your interest in getting out and meeting new people! Making connections with people your neighbors can help you become part of a robust and vital apartment community.

The post Get Connected! How to meet people in your community! appeared first on BRG Apartments Blog.