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San Juan Puerto Rico
It's difficult to encapsulate the feel of Puerto Rico with just one image (or a paragraph for that matter). This is why our Puerto Rico travel guide is extensive – there is so much to express. Once you land on the island you are swept up in the magic of the Caribbean.
Puerto Rico and its people are more than rum, the tropics, and food. They are a group of happy energetic people that are proud of their heritage and culture and for good reason. They love to share everything whether it's hand-crafted cocktails or a meal. They are all to eager to share the history of their island and show you all the things that they love in the hopes that you too will fall in love with it. We know we did when we visited.
When you discover Puerto Rico on your own, you will never stop thinking about it and you will always find a way to return to it. You will need to take a bus or rent a car to visit outside of Old San Juan but it is well worth the effort to get away from the tourist traps and catch a glimpse of the real Puerto Rico.
Where is Puerto Rico Located?
Puerto Rico is located Southeast of Miami between the Caribbean sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It is east of Cuba and the Dominican Republic but west of the Virgin Islands and is in the Atlantic Zone (GMT-4).
When Is the Best Time To Go to Puerto Rico?
You can visit Puerto Rico year round and the best time of year to visit is a personal preference. Puerto Rico is a warm tropical location so be aware it will be the hottest during the summer months. If you are looking for great travel deals, then look for travel from June through August.
If you would like to visit during the colder months of the year, expect to pay a little more for travel and accommodations since this is their peak tourist season.
Things to Know When Visiting Puerto Rico
- U.S. citizens don't need a passport to visit
- U.S. citizens can use their regular cell service without roaming fees
- Puerto Rico just celebrated their 500 year anniversary
- You can visit by air or cruise ship
Where to Stay
Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino
Photo courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino
Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino
Stay just a short drive outside of downtown San Juan at the skirts of Puerto Rico's central mountain range. Guests of Four Points by Sheraton Caguas Real Hotel & Casino can enjoy beautiful mountain views and easy access to local area attractions. Explore Puerto Rico during the day and the casino at night. If you are looking for a pool day, grab a chair and lounge by the tropical pool.
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Purple Queen Room at Coqui del Mar
Photo courtesy of Coqui del Mar
Coqui del Mar
LGBTQ+ owned guesthouse, which has earned recognition for its vibrant and wild times. It is a fully clothing optional, adult-only location that is well-liked amongst the gay community of Puerto Rico, especially for their weekly Saturday evening gay pool parties. The guesthouse different options for their guests, from gay hostel-style shared rooms with twin beds, to more spacious, private apartment-style units with private kitchens. They also offer “gay tours” that traverse the local rainforest or off-the-beaten path beaches.
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Casa Flamboyant Bed & Breakfast
Photo courtesy of Casa Flamboyant Bed & Breakfast
Casa Flamboyant Bed and Breakfast
LGBTQ+ owned boutique guesthouse secluded within the El Yunque National Forest. Embraced by the natural surroundings of the beautiful rainforest, the intimate guesthouse offers a special romantic getaway with relaxing yoga and outdoor massage services available on-site. There are 3 room options available to guests: the large rainbow room (325 sq ft), the ginger terrace (143 sq ft), and the Taino room (100 sq ft).
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Tryst Beachfront Hotel
Photo courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico
The Tryst Beachfront Hotel
Formerly known as the Atlantic Beach Hotel, The Tryst Hotel continues the LGBTQ tradition of its predecessor. It offers top-notch amenities that can meet the needs of all types of travelers. The main attraction is the property’s penthouse suite, which offers a sweeping view of Condado beach – popularly known as the “gay beach of Puerto Rico”-, plus two bedrooms and all basic technology-related amenities such as Wi-Fi and a flatscreen TV to ensure a wholesome stay. The boutique hotel also features the Tryst Petite, a small room for single travelers who are looking for a comfortable and intimate stay right in front of the beach. The Tryst Hotel is the only beachfront hotel in Condado beach.
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Hotel Miramar San Juan
Photo courtesy of Hotel Miramar San Juan
Hotel Miramar San Juan
Hotel Miramar is a smaller, 48-room hotel, but boasts the same standard amenities of traditionally larger hotels. Among the standout resources offered at Hotel Miramar, its front desk concierge service goes above and beyond by offering to arrange car rentals, tours and other special services, making it the ideal option for LGBTQ travelers looking for a breezy vacation. The hotel also features an open-air fitness zone and gymnasium for the active travelers, while those looking to relax can visit the roof top pavilion, ocean view terrace and a cozy café all on the hotel’s premise. Near the hotel’s vicinity is La Placita de Santurce, a must-visit entertainment destination for all food, drinks and dance enthusiasts. Everyone is welcomed at La Placita’s street party, making it an easy choice for LGBTQ travelers to visit.
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The Wave Hotel Condado
Photo courtesy of The Wave Hotel Condado
The Wave Hotel Condado
The Wave Hotel is another boutique hotel located just steps away from the LGBTQ-friendly Condado beach. Travelers that stay at this hotel can do so with confidence knowing that it offers incredible amenities and three different types of rooms ranging from double twin beds to the “Comfort King” room. The rooftop at the Wave Hotel also offers a stunning view of the beach, mountains and nearby lagoon. After a sunny day at the beach, guests can spend their evening on the opposite end of the property where the LGBTQ scene comes to life. There are multiple bars where guests can try an island staple, the Piña Colada and dance to their heart’s content.
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Palacio Provincial
Photo courtesy of Palacio Provincial
Palacio Provincial
Located in Old San Juan, the impressive 19th-century hotel is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern. It offers a rooftop pool deck with ocean views, as well as an outdoor restaurant and bar. The location is LGBTQ+ friendly and welcomes all guests regardless of gender identity or orientation.
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Dreamcatcher by DW
Photo courtesy of Dreamcatcher by DW
Dreamcatcher by DW
Located in San Juan, Dreamcatcher is a unique stay for the eco-consciousness traveler as it is the Island’s only “vegetarian gay owned hotel.” Everything on site is organic centered around locally sourced produce and community focus. Guests can pick from a variety of rooms and suites, each with their unique flair to promote wellness and a restful stay.
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Where to Eat
La Casita de Rones
Photo Courtesy of La Casita de Rones
La Casita de Rones
It's a tough call but at La Casita de Rones, you can eat AND drink. This rum bar has it all including the Rums of Puerto Rico, which are the 5 primary brands found in Puerto Rico. The full-service restaurant offers up flavorful local cuisine in a lively atmosphere. Ask to sit on the patio so you can enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere and get the full effect of paradise as you sip on your rum flight.
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Salted Caramel Cheesecake from El Grifo
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
El Grifo
One of the best vegan restaurants you can find. It's worth the trip to Caguas if you're in Puerto Rico. The focus is on local, sustainable plant-based culture. They have a vegan beer, vegan salmon and lox, and even vegan cheesecake all made fresh and in-house. (except the beer). Food is prepared when ordered whether it is dine-in, take-out, or through their online store. El Grifo also offers in-person Vegan Cooking Classes; if you can't make a class while visiting the island, you can always pick up their digital cookbook!
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Funche Restaurant
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
Funche Restaurant
What do you get when you cross Creole with the Caribbean flavors of Puerto Rico? You get Funche (pronounced Foon-chey) of course. Funche is tucked away into a little corner shop that resembles a strip mall parking lot. This unassuming location packs them in and offers up some of the freshest cuisines around. Available for lunch, dinner, and groups, you can order from the menu or get a tasting course, which we recommend. This is a restaurant that is Michelin quality in food and presentation and it is a must-visit without a doubt.
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El Nido Puerto Rico
Photo courtesy of El Nido Puerto Rico
El Nido
El Nido is located at one of the mass transit train station stops and is a combination fashion-art-bar. Imagine, hopping off the train, stopping for a quick bite and a cocktail all the while shopping local brands and artists. El Nico has two locations and offers music from local artists as well. Seriously, it's like an everyday street fest with food, drink, vendors, and sometimes, music.
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La Central by Mario Pagán
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
La Central by Mario Pagán
Dine at La Central as Chef Mario Pagán takes you on a journey of bold flavors as you get immersed in Puerto Rico's roots and traditions through food. La Central pays homage to Puerto Rico's history of "la caña de azúcar" by using sugar cane and rum in its dishes. After watching the mixologists at the bar create spectacular cocktails, take a trip to the VIP room lounge that is available for cigars and more cocktails.
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Where to Drink
Fok Brewing Company, Caguas Puerto Rico
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
Fok Brewing
This brewing company started its beer business with just 3 flavors and soon expanded to 21 full-flavored beers. They brew locally and distribute throughout the island. You can watch some of the brewing processes by the large vats they have on-premises. As far as food goes, there are 3 chefs that focus on local and sustainable food from surrounding farmers and local brands. They have a large outdoor space with tables and a stage where they host local musicians. During the pandemic they were even hosting a drive-in theater at no cost to the customers so everyone didn't feel so confined to their homes.
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The Sangria Factory
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
The Sangria Factory
If you love sangria, then you'll love Los Hermanos Sangria. They use locally produced rums and fruit to make their sangria. They carry flavors such as tamarind, passion fruit, mango, and many more. They have a tasting room if you can't quite make up your mind which flavor you want. Unfortunately, they don't ship products out, they are only available for pick up only.
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Arena Medalla
Photo courtesy of Arena Medalla
Arena Medalla
This is the bar to go to when you want to have a beer, watch sports or listen to music. It all happens on the 30-foot panoramic LED screen. After the game, stick around and listen to the band or see what the live DJ is playing. You can head upstairs and play some pool, sit at one of the several large-group-sized lounge areas, and just enjoy the people and the sound. It's the ultimate sports viewing experience for a reason.
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Things to Do
The Spoon Experience
Photo courtesy of The Spoon Experience Instagram
The Spoon Experience
Take in a Sip & Savor Cocktail Tour with The Spoon Experience. This is a fun walking tour of Old San Juan where you visit local drinking establishments and enjoy cocktails that represent the spirit (no pun intended) and traditions of the island of Puerto Rico.
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The William Miranda Marín Botanical and Cultural Garden
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
The William Miranda Marín Botanical and Cultural Garden
Visit this living museum and explore the flora that is native to Puerto Rico. You can explore the botanical gardens and see how they cultivate tropical trees and plants. Learn about the history of the Old San Juan Sugar Mill and about the local sugar industry. You can take a tour through the gardens to see the different flowers and plants found on the island; you may even find some local wildlife such as iguanas.
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Museo del Tabaco Herminio Torres Grillo
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
Museo del Tabaco Herminio Torres Grillo
Take a tour of this Tobacco Museum located in the town of Caguas which is the ONLY tobacco museum on the entire island. Housed in an old colonial building that used to be a blacksmith shop, you can learn about the variety of tobacco leaves used, how they dry them, and how they are still handmade by expert cigar makers who roll and cut each cigar in a separate air-conditioned room.
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Visit a Rum Distillery
Photo courtesy of Joe Eats World
Visit a Rum Distillery
There is definitely no shortage of rum distilleries to visit in Puerto Rico. These are some of the best of the best rum distilleries you can visit and we definitely recommend doing at least one...ok, all of them.
San Juan Artisan Distillers
Makers of Ron Pepón and Tresclavos, you can tour this distillery that has its own sugar cane crops behind the building. See how they process the rum from harvest to bottle then head to the tasting area and have a sip. San Juan Artisan Distillers was the first distillery in Puerto Rico to produce artisan rum and their Ron Pepón is made from sugar cane juice instead of molasses.
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La Destileria Craft Spirits
This craft micro-distillery is located in the mountains of the Jayuya rainforest. Drawing from the purity and craftsmanship of this old town that has ancestral roots to the Taíno Indians. La Destileria uses non-traditional distilling and aging methods to produce its spirits and is the only certified craft distillery in Puerto Rico. They even produce Pitorico which is their version of traditional Puerto Rican pitorro, also known as Caneshine.
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Ron del Barrilito
You won't find any older rum than Ron del Barrilito in Puerto Rico. They are the oldest Puerto Rican rum distillery on the island and the rum has been produced the same way in the same place since 1880. Take a tour of the facilities, see how they store the barrels, then move on to the bottling and distribution area. Once you're finished with the tour, you can take a tasting course and learn all about the famous rum. Then head over to the cocktail bar and pick out your favorite rum cocktail but it's not complete until you visit the gift shop and take home a treasured souvenir.
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Distrito T-Mobile
Photo courtesy of Distrito T-Mobile
Distrito T-Mobile
Distrito T-Mobile is a five-acre experiential complex and arena that combines technology with shopping, dining, art, and entertainment. It is the embodiment of the Puerto Rico people and culture by way of its happy, vibrant, and energetic atmosphere. Truly a place to enjoy yourself and eat, drink, play; and quite possibly, dance.
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Macaroons made by Gallery Pastry Shop, Indianapolis
We like things big in Indy. The city is home to the largest children’s museum in the world as well as the largest sports venue in the world, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the annual Indy 500 is run.
The Circle City boasts some wonderful LGBTQ bars and restaurants including English Ivy’s, Greg’s Our Place, Downtown Olly’s, FortyFive Degrees, Metro, Tini, and the newest drag bar, Almost Famous.
Animal lovers should head to the Indianapolis Zoo, home to the Indianapolis Prize, the most prestigious preservation and conservation award in the world. This May, the new Kangaroo Crossing exhibit will open in the current MISTery Park area, which has been home to the Zoo’s sloths since 2019. Construction is now under way to completely transform the space with beautiful new plantings, creating a backdrop for red kangaroos that will offer a feeling of Australia in Indianapolis. Kangaroo Crossing will offer visitors a chance to walk into a large open area to mingle with the roos without barriers.
One of the many gems of Indy is the Eiteljorg Museum which will present a thought-provoking exhibition of Andy Warhol’s late-career artwork that explores his interest in Western icons and his merging of the mythic West with contemporary art and popular culture. The exhibition will be on display from March 12 to Aug. 7, 2022. The traveling exhibition, Warhol's West, presents a range of his Western imagery, including prints of Geronimo, General Custer, Annie Oakley, and John Wayne. Also in 2022, the Eiteljorg Museum will celebrate its 30th annual Indian Market and Festival on June 25-26, where more than 100 Native American artists will display and sell their beautiful art.
Speaking of museums, the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is not just for children. In fact, they host numerous adult-only events throughout the year. This March, they will be debuting Dinosphere, an immersive experience where guest will experience the sights, sounds, and smells of dinosaurs who roamed the Earth during the Cretaceous Period 65-75 million years ago. Visitors will be transported back in time under the cover of a former Cinedome that vibrantly changes from dawn to dusk and features thunderstorms to overnight meteor showers.
Significant dinosaur specimens will occupy the space, include Bucky the teenage T. rex which became the first dinosaur discovered to have a wish bone linking its relationship to birds.
Also located at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is a tribute to Ryan White, the young man who died of AIDS in 1990. Ryan garnered international fame for his heartwarming story and was befriended by everyone from Michael Jackson to Elton John. A replica of his room is located in the museum and his mother Jeanne White-Ginder visits the museum numerous times per year to tell Ryan’s story.
After a long day of sightseeing, head to the Conrad Indianapolis, perfectly situated in the heart of downtown. Everything you need is about a 5–10-minute walk from the property, including dozens of restaurants, boutiques, museums, and entertainment options, as well as Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the Indiana Pacers and Lucas Oil Stadium where you can watch the Colts take the field.
Ryan White: The Power of Children - Live Actors at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis youtu.be
Conrad Indianapolis youtu.be
One of my favorite features of the Conrad is the lobby. The elegant, yet inviting space is welcoming and functional. A grand Dale Chihuly chandelier hangs from the center of the lobby, with other art prominently displayed throughout. Guests can also access the hotel’s two dining options: The Capital Grille and Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro, as well as Long-Sharp Gallery which specializes in works on paper, multiples, and drawings by modern and contemporary masters including Picasso, Miró, Haring and Lichtenstein.
I stayed in the Pop Suite, a magnificent room paying homage to some of the greatest pop artists of all time including Andy Warhol, William John Kennedy and of course, Robert Indiana. Located on a private floor, the Pop Suite features a dining room table, fireplace, wet bar, soaking tub, and spacious living area complete with remote controlled lighting. The furnishings in the room are modern yet comfortable, and the shower is spacious enough to have a party in.
Spend the next day strolling along popular Massachusetts Avenue (or Mass Ave as we call it), where you can visit dozens of locally owned boutiques and restaurants. Towards the north end of the street is the new Bottleworks district which features The Garage Food Hall, Living Room Theatre and Pins Mechanical in addition to a beautiful art deco hotel.
Pan-seared Scallops at Harry & Izzy'sJoey Amato
For dinner, head to Harry & Izzy’s, one of Indy’s most popular restaurants. The establishment is related to St. Elmo’s. Begin your meal with their famous shrimp cocktail. But be careful when using the cocktail sauce. It packs quite the kick. It’s fun to watch people try it for the first time. Also highly recommended are the Crab Beignets made with lump crab meat, mascarpone, chives and accompanied by a remoulade for dipping. Harry & Izzy’s as well as St. Elmo’s are known for their steaks, however I chose to order the Pan-Seared Scallops served on a bed of edamame, roasted corn, rainbow carrots and pancetta. The scallops were cooked to perfection and the vegetables were equally as delicious.
If you are looking for a fun and relatively inexpensive city to visit this year, give Indy a chance, and drop me a message while you’re in town. I’d be happy to show you around.
To book your Indianapolis gaycation, visit www.Orbitz.com/pride
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Every year, many people put aside their work, daily stresses and responsibilities and escape on a vacation, somewhere far away from reality. It may be a secluded retreat in the mountains, or days relaxing at an exotic beach or resort. However, with the pandemic including social distancing, travel restrictions, and financial constraints, those plans may have to be shelved. But the desire to escape reality is very much alive. So, with many people remaining in their homes, how can that off-work journey happen? We have some tips for making the best of the situation and creating vacation memories without leaving home. It’s called a staycation.
What’s a staycation?
A staycation is, quite simply, a vacation at home. How realistic, how exciting, or how relaxing you make it is up to you. Theme it up for a more authentic “away-from-home” experience.
What makes a great staycation? Well, that depends on what you consider a vacation. Some people want adventure, while others like relaxing with a drink in their hand. Still others use vacation time to unwind by tackling DIY projects such as renovations. So, what would you enjoy doing if you could craft your own staycation? (Which, by the way, you can.)
Commit to it
Once you’ve decided to schedule a staycation – whatever it ends up being – commit to it. Mark it on your calendar. Plan for it. Make concrete plans. Research for the top tips for your staycation. If you’re working, ask for those days off of work. Don’t just say you’re going to have a vacation and spend the weekend lounging on the sofa, noshing on Cheetos and surfing the internet, unless a week of rest is the staycation you’ve planned.
Whenever you’re going for vacation in your home – especially in these times when so many of us are working from home – try to unplug so your mind’s not on work and responsibilities. It’s especially important to take time off from work when you are working from home. Set your work email to the “out of office” setting and write an auto-reply message. Then, don’t check your work emails unless absolutely necessary. Consider NOT telling your boss that you’re vacationing at home. Turn your cell phone off or on silent, and set a small window of time each day to check for email messages.
Skip the news. The idea is to get away from stress, away from reality. Just concentrate on your vacation experience. The news cycle can wait for a week. Really, it can. This is the time to be good to yourself.
Prepare
Prepare for your staycation much like you’d prep for any other vacation. Create your itinerary. Decide what kind of activities you would like to do each day of your vacation. What kind of staycation would you like? Cultural learning, straight-up fun, pampering, relaxing? Write your vacation goals down, and then make a game plan. Don’t want to cook while on vacation? Gather menus from local restaurants that deliver, and have them on hand. You could even incorporate different restaurants into the theme of your vacation.
Before your official vacation start time, do all the necessary prep work. Complete all chores in advance. Wash the dishes, dust, pay the bills, scrub the toilets, empty the trash. Do the laundry BEFORE your staycation begins. You don’t really want to be sorting and folding while on vacation, do you?
Set the Mood for your Staycation
Many people have saved money in anticipation of an annual vacation to pay for things like hotel rooms, meals, plane tickets and a rental car. Why not channel some of those funds into your at-home vacation paradise?
Create your staycation space – really, truly, set up a space that exudes the theme of your vacation. Move the furniture, change the lighting, order pillows, fairy lights or scented candles – whatever your theme is, run with it. Look at magazines or online trip websites for inspiration. Think about the destination you want. Paradise under the palms? Set up a piña colada or margarita station at home. Roll up the rugs and go barefoot like you’re on the beach. Set up a hammock between backyard trees or on your back porch.
Dreaming of a mountain retreat? Set out pine-scented candles and decorate the room with cottage home decor. Plan for any purchases you’ll need for your staycation. Does your week require some relaxing pillows, aromatherapy candles, a tent or hammock? Dreaming of an overseas vacation? Hit the international foods section of your grocery and stock up on items from that region to set the mood. Planning a spa retreat week? Buy a set of high-thread-count sheets, a couple of luxurious pillows, scented bath salts, essential oils, and a super-soft robe.
To make your staycation ambiance even more realistic, you can make a vacation soundtrack with music that reminds you of that particular place, or perhaps a past favorite vacation that you’d like to recreate. Going to the beach in your mind? Ramp up some Jimmy Buffet music. Missing that trip to Brazil this summer? Make your own compilation of Brazilian favorites including the likes of Roberto Carlos or Anitta. Or, queue up some internet music mixes.
Think about your favorite luxury hotel amenities and try to replicate some of those special touches at your own staycation. Love peppermints or chocolates on your pillows? Do it. How about a fruit basket, or a water pitcher of cold spring water infused with the subtle flavor and inviting look of cut fruit? Make it happen. This is all about helping you feel like you’re somewhere else.
Self-Care Weekend
How about a pampering week, helping you release all the stress that’s built up this year? Consider a self-care “getaway” with a spa day, a YouTube yoga session, or a self-manicure. Start a journal of self-discovery. Draw a warm bubble bath, adding some calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile. Slip into the welcoming suds as you relax your mind and body. Soft music and candles invite you to soak away the stress. Then, wrap yourself up in the soft hug of a luxurious robe. This vacation is all about being good to yourself.
Retail Therapy Weekend
If you have money saved up that you won’t spend on a vacation this summer and miss shopping, you may want to arrange a retail therapy staycation. Curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine and start online shopping. You could budget what you had already set aside for your anticipated actual vacation, and spend some of that money, or just “window-shop” and dream from the comfort of your favorite recliner.
Plan Future Vacations
You can’t travel much right now, but the future is wide open. You’ve been staring at your walls for quite a while now, longing to escape. Why not start that escape, at least in your mind? Begin planning your post-pandemic dream holiday or road trip (or plane trip). There’s no time like the present to ponder where you’d like to visit – start with the continent or country, and narrow it down from there. Search online for destinations, hotels and fun activities. Jot them down and start planning for next year.
Look online for interesting destinations and then start searching for places you can stay, like at hotels or bed and breakfast inns. What kind of activities can you participate in while there? Plan who will take care of your home, pets, how you will get to the airport, and even whether you will need airport parking when you get there. The things that usually stress you will be all figured out. There are plenty of online resources online, like travelbinger, that will make this task easier. Take notes, plan your budget, and work out the details so when it’s time to fly the pandemic coop, you’ll have all your ducks in a row for your next adventure.
Cook a fancy dinner
The internet is filled with how-to-cook videos. Zero in on one and cook that meal and impress your spouse or family. See if you can find fanciful foods that fit into the theme of your staycation. Or, ask your family to pamper you and cook (including doing the dishes.). You can also sign up for delivered meal preparation kits. These kits arrive at your doorstep with all of the ingredients, already prepped, along with step-by-step directions. You’ll feel like a professional chef in no time.
Chill
You may be someone who just needs to chill for a vacation. Vacations don’t always have to be about excitement and activity. Sometimes, you just need peace and quiet to de-stress from life. Create your zen vacation in a quiet place of your home – make it off limits to children (if you have them). Then, unplug your clocks or put them in the closet so you can’t see them. Turn off your phone, put on earphones (if there’s house noise you can’t block out) and just…chill.
Camping out
Go camping for your staycation – for a night, a week, or somewhere in between – you choose. Set up a tent in the backyard, complete with sleeping bags and camp lights. Don’t forget the mosquito repellent or citronella candles. Pack up snacks in bags for a more authentic experience, and string lights in the trees or at the top of the tent for some extra ambiance.
Snag a couple of bags of ice from the store and fill a cooler with food and drinks to keep with the campout theme. Cook your meals on a grill, or have a fire pit if regulations allow. Roast marshmallows or craft s’mores. Tell stories around the fire. Stay up too late and laugh too much.
If your idea of camping is closer to glamping, or you don’t have a backyard, then move things indoors. Set up a tent or have your kids create a tent by hanging sheets and other fabrics in clever ways. Unleash your children’s creativity with tent-making – they know how to make the best tents and forts. Set up your indoor camping ambiance with flashlights and flameless candles for light sources. Eat from paper plates and make s’mores in the microwave. Search for a campfire video to play on your TV.
Have a family costume night or a themed party during your staycation. Challenge your kids to dress up as their favorite movie character, singer, or superhero, using clothes, props and supplies already in your home.
Love watching movies? Build a staycation around that. Have a themed movie marathon. Each family member picks a movie that you all watch, or you could categorize movies, like comedies, animation, action or another genre. Don’t forget the popcorn. Plan ahead and surprise your “movie audience” with their favorite movie theater candy and sodas.
Romantic Night in
Try to set up a cozy, romantic room or patio area to enjoy a night in with your loved one. Group candles around your backyard. Flameless candles are great and there’s no fire hazard. Set up a hammock or pillows or some other way to relax. Chill a bottle of wine, soda or whatever happens to be your favorite beverage. Make up a cheese tray. It can be fancy, or it can be laid-back. Pour a bag of chips into a bowl if that’s your style. Set the perfect mood for a romantic staycation. Play some music, relax, and kickback.
Learning Vacation
Many people love to travel to new locations and learn about culture, architecture, art, languages, food, and more. The opportunity to learn something new during your staycation is limited only by your imagination.
Because of the pandemic, many museums now offer free virtual tours. Spend days in the Louvre, or take an interactive tour of Mark Twain’s house. Visit zoos virtually, or set up Zoom meetings with friends or relatives in different countries so you can practice conversing in a foreign language.
Travel the world for free using your local library card. Libraries have a wealth of e-books available to download from the library’s website onto your own device. Just pick them out and download, prop your feet up and escape into a mystery, thriller, romance, fantasy, or whatever genre you enjoy. Have your favorite beverage and snacks near your reading haven.
Take an online class on cooking, digital art, sewing, or something that intrigues you. This is your staycation. If your goal is to spend more time outdoors, consider starting a new flower or vegetable garden or a compost pile. Set up a rain barrel water collection system, making use of the rainwater rolling off your roof.
You can even make it a learning vacation for your pet. Learn how to teach your pet tricks or a new skill, like sniffing out smells. Or, just chill with your cuddly cat on your lap. For some, that’s a heavenly vacation.
For those who would rather “do” than chill, spend your staycation time learning a new craft. Clear out your schedule and spend that time really digging into whatever it is you want to learn. Use budgeted summer vacation money to order acrylic or oil paints, modeling clay, mosaics or stained glass supplies, whatever strikes your fancy, and learn a new skill you’ll maintain long after your staycation is over.
Renovate a Space in your Home
For those who need to be active during vacations, think about a renovation vacation. Since you’ve been home so much the last two months, no doubt you’ve zeroed in on a corner or a room of your house that’s begging for an update or a redo. Your construction project can make the whole family feel involved and useful. Repaint the kitchen and add a backsplash or replace the flooring. Update your bedroom, adding new curtains or blinds. Turn that depressing basement into a new game room, guest room or home office. Browse among the DIY articles from professionals for inspiration and guidance.
Whatever your stay-at-home vacation fantasy is, try to make it happen. This pandemic won’t last forever, and the vacation you take this summer, at your own home, may just spark some of the best memories ever. Don’t forget to take photos!
For more ideas visit porch.com
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empty road
Photo by Cody Board on Unsplash
I was visiting with my friend and fellow journalist Josh Rimer, who was named Mr. Gay Canada 2019. He and I met on a media trip in Arizona, and we have traveled to Columbus, Ohio, together as well. Visiting a destination like Palm Springs is more fun if you travel with someone, unless you are an extreme extrovert, and neither of us fits that description. We’ve traveled together in the past, which helped make this visit fun.
After checking in at the Alcazar Palm Springs hotel, we headed straight for the Opening Night Pride Party at Trina Turk clothing boutique, which was hosted by celebrity hairstylist Brandon Liberati and his husband, fitness trainer Craig Ramsay. The party drew a who’s who of Palm Springs glitterati. Every year, Trina Turk donates a portion of proceeds from items sold during the event back to the Pride organization.
Before heading out on the town, we grabbed dinner at Trio, a staple in Palm Springs since 2009. (In fact, the first time I visited the city almost a decade ago, I dined at Trio.) Josh and I decided to share a few starters, including the Coachella Valley Dates and Ahi Tuna Tower. We were both hesitant to order the dates because they are filled with blue cheese and neither one of us is a big fan, but they turned out to be delicious. The blue cheese complemented the sweetness of the dates, which simply melt in your mouth. Trio also hosts one of the best parade-viewing parties in town, so if you come to Pride in 2020, be sure to make a reservation.
Palm Springs nightlife is truly one of the best experiences in the country. There’s a bar or club for every type of person. Whether you are L, G, B, T or Q, you will fit in. Arenas Road has emerged as the epicenter of nightlife in the city, with venues including Hunters, Chill Bar, Quadz, Stacy’s, The Eagle and BlackBook within a two-block radius. Other nightlife venues are scattered throughout the city and in neighboring Cathedral City.
Photo by Elizabeth Pishal on Unsplash
After a night of partying, head back to the Alcazar for a restful night’s sleep before heading out to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to get a bird’s eye view of the city. I’ll admit that I don’t like heights or roller coasters, so the tram made me nervous. The 10-minute journey to the top aboard a slowly rotating car is quite the experience. There are five towers along the way, and as the car passes each tower, it swings back and forth – sometimes slightly and other times, it’s enough to make you a bit queasy. A little side note: the temperature is at least 20 degrees cooler on top of the mountain, so dress accordingly. Josh and I wore our traditional tank tops and were a bit chilly, to say the least.
Located adjacent to Arenas Road is Johannes, a lovely restaurant with modern décor that is owned by chef Johannes Bacher. The menu includes an assortment of house specialty schnitzel. Bacher, who hails from Austria, brought his favorite dish to Palm Springs, and it quickly became a favorite among the locals. We had to try some, and I can tell you, it does live up to the hype. I don’t remember the last time I saw schnitzel of any kind on a menu, outside of a German restaurant, which I learned uses a different type of preparation. Another one of my favorites at Johannes was the Grilled Marinated Peaches & Burrata. If you are looking for a lighter option, give that a try.
Coachella: 20 Years in the Desert | YouTube Originals youtu.be
Music lovers should take note that Palm Springs is the gateway to Coachella and Stagecoach Festival, two of the largest outdoor music festivals in the country. Stagecoach has grown into the premier country music festival in the United States since its inception in 2007.
Palm Springs is a destination that always lives up to my expectations. Whether you are looking to party until dawn, relax by one of the dozens of pools around town, or go hiking in nearby Joshua Tree National Park, the destination really does offer something for everyone.
Enjoy the Journey!
About the Author
Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, a website dedicated to LGBTQ travel. He has spent over a decade in LGBTQ media and public relations and currently resides in Indianapolis. He can be reached at joey@pridejourneys.com.