HOLIDAY at home
We’ ve got all the ingredients for a truly memorable staycation this spring. BY CASEY LEE
A s the weather starts to warm, our thoughts invariably turn to planning spring and summer holidays. Suddenly our algorithms are dishing up the latest travel deals and we’ re pining to get away from the daily stresses of life.
But what if we could bring that holiday feeling into our everyday lives? Not only would it be great for the household budget and save any jetlag or driving fatigue, but it might also mean we could tap into a vacation mindset more often.
Home benefits
When it comes to making wonderful family memories, it’ s easy to get sucked into the idea that bigger is better as we book tickets for theme parks and days at the zoo in a bid to help our kids live their best lives.
But Hester Duffin, psychologist from Gidget Foundation Australia *, says sometimes the most impactful moments in a child’ s life happen spontaneously at home.“ Just hang out with your kids, spend time together, delight in them,” she suggests.“ Share experiences, even in the backyard. That’ s priceless.”
In fact, she suggests taking the pressure off having a‘ perfect’ family holiday this year, and turning your focus towards relishing the day-to-day joys at home, which is often where kids are their happiest.“ Remember, holidays are often just the same level of chaos without the comfort of routine and familiarity,” she says.“ Children thrive off predictability, and so do their caregivers.”
Bring in the adventure
One of the great benefits of holidays is the fact that novelty is excellent for our mental health. When we experience something new, the brain releases the feel-good chemical dopamine, which helps boost our mood, while also firing more neurons to improve neuroplasticity. The challenge for a staycation is to keep enthusiasm levels high with fun activities in your own home, while also trying not to get caught up in mundane tasks or chores.
But with Costco warehouses recently receiving a loot of water-play items, it’ s never been easier for members to bring holiday vibes to the home. With everything from inflatable water-play centres to sprinkler pads, as well as pool floats, pool salt, goggles and safety vests, your place will quickly develop a reputation as the‘ fun house’ this summer.
And it’ s not just for kids. Costco Sporting Goods buyer Arvin Montaos says his team has tapped into emerging global trends for this latest drop, including inflatable pools and spas, as well as accessories that promote that holiday feeling for family members of all ages.“ The range we’ ve come up with includes some exciting items in the pool and spa categories, plus water-play toys, boards and floats,” he says.“ With everything at Costco, you know you’ ll be wowed. But if I had to pick, you can’ t go past a hammock for a tropical staycation.”
Ultimately, when you take a breather in your own backyard the benefits are endless.“ Unstructured outdoor play creates rich opportunities for interactive, reciprocal play,” Hester says.“ Exploring and working together really builds relationships and a sense of truly being understood.”
* GIDGET FOUNDATION AUSTRALIA IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATION THAT SUPPORTS THE MENTAL HEALTH OF EXPECTANT, NEW AND POTENTIAL PARENTS. IMAGE: NAPAK / STOCK. ADOBE. COM
16 | SEP / OCT 2025 COSTCO CONNECTION