This year I organized a leisurely summer staycation itinerary. I desperately needed time off but the thought of taking my toddler on a long drive, or through an airport for the first time, seemed daunting. Honestly, I just didn’t have the energy. Instead, I planned the most relaxing week off.

How did I do this with a baby? Well, I kept my nanny for the week and it was glorious. I can’t remember the last time I had time to truly recharge vacation style. In order to make the most of it, I committed to doing something fun and/or restorative each day. Here are the highlights from my 5-day summer staycation:

5 Day Summer Staycation Itinerary

Day 1: My mom and I spent the day shopping at The Short Hills Mall followed by lunch at Legal Seafood. Dug into my new book, It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover.

Day 2: I went to the Woodhouse Day Spa in Red Bank for a Swedish massage and pedicure followed by an iced coffee from Rook. Watched new episodes of Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.

Day 3: My husband took off a few days and we went to the Colts Neck Brewery before our dinner at Gabriella’s Steakhouse.

Day 4: We went to Avon beach in the morning followed by lunch, then smoothies from the Good Life Organic Kitchen. We ended the night watching the first half of Death on the Nile (HBO) with Sweet Loren’s Cookies.

Day 5: Enjoyed the beautiful weather at home. Finished, Death on the Nile (which was okay) and my book, It Ends with Us (highly recommend).

As always, I ended each night with a bath using all of my favorite products. I avoided doing any excessive chores, went to bed early, and felt the most refreshed I have in a very long time.

Moral of the story: you don’t need travel plans to give yourself permission to take time off. Book a few reservations at your favorite restaurants, spend the day at the beach, and go to places you always wanted to try but never have time to do. With a little planning, a staycation can be just as rejuvenating. Plus, no travel stress.