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4 Virtual Vacations for Mom

By Kelly Bevan McIlquham, Publisher, Berkshires Macaroni Kid May 13, 2020

We may have been homebound for Mother's Day this year, but that doesn't mean a belated Mother's Day gift of travel is completely out of the question. Whether you crave relaxation, adventure or just a night with your girlfriends, I've created 4 Virtual Vacations Just for Mom that will send you on the vacation of your dreams. So gather your supplies, maybe a few friends, and a partner or a babysitter to watch the kids (if neither of those are an option this vacation may have to take place after the kids are in bed) and get ready to be transported to destinations unknown, even if it's just for a few hours.


1. The Beach Vacation

I have to admit the first two vacations are right up my alley, and when the anticipated Macaroni Kid Boondoggle trip to Punta Cana was canceled I got to thinking. How could I re-create a classic beach vacation at home. Well, come to find out, it's pretty easy. It may not be the Carribean or South Pacific, but with few items and a little help from the Internet, it can be. First what you need:

Suggested Attire: Bathing suit, sarong or beach coverup, hat and sunglasses (don't forget your towel)

Themed Cocktail: The Original Pina Colada recipe by Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Find a Mocktail Version by Miss in the Kitchen Here.

Soundtrack: Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville

Now there are two separate beach vacations you can take — a solo trip or a trip with a few friends. 

Solo Trip: To start put on your suggested vacation attire and mix of up that cocktail of choice from above. If the weather permits, grab your computer, your lounge chair, cell phone (for the music), towel and favorite sunscreen or coconut-scented body cream and head to the backyard. Throw it all in a beach bag to make the experience more authentic. You can also set up a similar setting in a quiet room in the house and crank up the heat and the music. I chose Jimmy Buffet's ultimate beach-vibe classic "Margaritaville" to set the mood. Before you sit back relax and listen to (or watch) the waves on the beach ... slather on that sunscreen or cream to stimulate the olfactory nerve and grab that refreshment. Ahhh. Now CLICK HERE and get ready to be transported to a gorgeous beach in Thailand.

With the Girls: Recently, my friend and fellow publisher Shannon showed up to a Zoom cocktail hour complete in a beach hat, sunglasses, coverup, and cocktail in hand. But that wasn't all, she had changed her Zoom background to a relaxing beach theme. Scroll to the middle of THIS POST to find out how to change your Zoom Background (there's a beach image there for you to use), or visit uncommoncaribbean.com/caribbean/caribbean-zoom-virtual-backgrounds to find your ideal beach spot. Now crank up the Jimmy Buffet and join your friends on the beach.


The Spa Vacation

Suggested Attire: Bathrobe, slippers, comfy blanket (bath salts or bubble bath, too)

Themed Cocktail: Cucumber Cooler Cocktail by the Minimalist Baker. For a non-alcoholic treat try this Clean Cucumber Collins Recipe.

Soundtrack: Zen Sounds Playlist on Apple Music

Now this day at the spa may require a little help from a family member, but if you don't have one around, don't worry. You'll still leave this spa relaxed and refreshed. First, draw a bath or have someone do it for you with your favorite bath salts or bubble bath, light a scented candle (my favorite is vanilla) and soak your cares away while transporting yourself to a place of Zen. The suggested soundtrack will help. 

Once you've had enough, lather yourself up with your favorite cream or ask that same family member for a comforting shoulder, back or foot massage. My niece Kylee and nephew Luke are masters at this, and I don't even have to tip them. Don't have a Kylee or Luke handy? Maybe you could treat yourself to one of these Shiatsu massage units. They come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges and they're our family's favorites. 

Now you're ready for a relaxing mediation. I love the Oprah and Deepak Chopra meditations and if you time it right, you can take advantage of one of their free 21-day mediation classes. If not there are plenty of apps or meditation videos to choose from (here are a few from Youtube just for moms). If you start to fall asleep during your mediation, just go with it. You deserve this!

Feeling well-rested? Now pour yourself that cocktail or mocktail, grab a fruit or vegetable platter, and sneak in a few more minutes of "mama time."



The Adventure-Seeker Vacation

Suggested Attire: Pull out those comfy clothes — shorts or workout pants, T-shirt, sweatshirt, and sneakers or hiking boots (if your adventure is leading you to the water feel free to replace these items with a swimsuit, flippers, and a mask). 

Additional Gear: Also, you might want to bring along a backpack for essential snacks for the adventurer — granola bars, nuts, fruit and water

Themed Cocktail: At the end of an adventure nothing tastes better than an ice-cold beer (right Kayt?) or water, it's your choice. Looking for a more adventurous cocktail here are 6 Unusual Cocktails for the Adventurous Drinker.

Soundtrack: Everyone needs some tunes to psyche them up before any great adventure. Try the Wild and Free Playlist on YouTube (find the Wild and Free Playlist on Spotify, too). If that doesn't suit your fancy, nothing says adventure like the Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

If adventure's what you're looking for you're going to be in for a treat. So when your "psyche me up" playlist is over. Head out on the adventure of a lifetime. Need a little motivation? Remember that cocktail/mocktail is waiting for you at the end. I've gathered a few 360-degree (just move the cursor around your screen) virtual adventures that'll leave you exhilarated, fascinated and maybe a bit queasy afterward, but nonetheless energized after your excursion. 

  • The Great Hammerhead Adventure — Get your scuba gear on and swim with the sharks
  • Skydiving — Never quite worked up the courage to jump out of a plane? Well, you will now.
  • Elephant Encounter — This adventure will take you to Botswana with a private guide to view these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
  • Jurassic Park — Yup, you heard me correctly. You can even visit Jurrasic Park but take all necessary precautions as you'll find yourself right in the middle of the T-Rex Fighting Oculus Quest.
  • Japan's Surf Coaster — This one's for the amusement park fans.
  • Rock Climbing at Yosemite Park — Take in the panoramic views 3000 feet up on at The Nose.


The Girls Trip

Suggested Attire: Get your party on with your best Night Club attire. Is your wardrobe limited? Some jeans, heels and a sparkly shirt will work just fine.

Themed Cocktail: Blood Orange Martini recipe courtesy of Rachel Hollis (this is one of my favorite cocktails minus the black cherry juice). For a virgin option just leave out the vodka and add some sparkling seltzer.

Soundtrack: Of course we need some dance music. Try this 2010 Dance Hits playlist that is bound to get you up and dancing.

Again, this little trip calls for Zoom and a variety of backgrounds. Let's start with a nice dinner ordered from your favorite restaurant (don't forget your Restaurant Zoom Background). The best thing about this meal? Everyone will get exactly what they want, because, well, it's from their favorite restaurant. Now hop on that Zoom Chat and catch up with your girlfriends over a great meal. Once dinner is over, desserts are optional, it's time to hit the club, but not before changing your background first (a few on Pixabay will do the trick). Now it's time to dance the night away Who cares if it's in your living room. Your girlfriends are there and I can guarantee, it will definitely be a night you'll never forget.