The 13 Best Staycation Tech Tips
Enjoy new experiences, explore new cultures and spend unforgettable time without leaving your home.
Whether you're planning a lazy vacation or forced to cancel at the last minute, there are plenty of ways to use technology to enhance your experience.
While it makes sense to disconnect, it will help you break out of your routine, relax, enjoy new experiences, and make the most of your free time.
Here are some tech tips to help you make a difference on your next vacation.
Watch a movie in the garden
What we like
An interesting way to get out of the house.
Enjoy the sunshine while watching your favorite shows.
A wonderful family and friendship moment.
What we don't like
Vacations are the perfect opportunity to watch your favorite shows and movies, but why stay at home? Try placing a small smart TV outside and enjoy the sun while watching your favorite shows. Alternatively, you can always use your laptop, tablet or phone.
For added entertainment, consider buying a portable projector, an outdoor projection screen, and a good Bluetooth speaker if you don't already have one.
Place everything in your garden, add fairy lights and other props and you have everything you need for a fantastic movie night under the stars.
Travel the world in virtual reality
What we like
What we don't like
Just because you're close to home doesn't mean you can't explore the world too. Put on a virtual reality headset and you'll be instantly transported to the pyramids of Egypt, the dizzying heights of Machu Picchu in Peru, the bustling streets of New York, or just about any other place you can think of.
For the best experience, consider purchasing the Meta Quest VR headset. It's more expensive than a headset, but it's completely self-contained, requires no additional hardware, and offers a much more immersive experience. Of course, you can also use it to play immersive virtual reality games.
Tip:
As a cheaper alternative, you can simply look for a VR headset that works with your phone. VR phone apps aren't as popular as they once were, but you can still find VR apps for your phone in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Create the atmosphere of an exotic country with streaming music
What we like
What we don't like
A visit to an interesting foreign country may be excluded. So why not use a music streaming service like Spotify to set the mood?
Download your favorite music stream to your phone or tablet, find the playlist that matches your dream song, close your eyes and you're good to go. Pair your phone or tablet with a Bluetooth speaker and relax at your destination for even more outdoor fun.
Learn another language with the app
What we like
Help prepare for your next vacation in a foreign country.
It gives a sense of achievement.
There are several free options available.
What we don't like
Learning a language takes time, so you should stick with it even after your stay.
Some people have more difficulty learning languages than others.
While you use music and virtual reality to truly immerse yourself in world travel from the comfort of your own home, why not use an app to learn the language of your dream destination?
Programs like Duolingo and Rosetta won't instantly make you a native speaker, but you may be able to master the basics of visiting your dream destination.
Try the new streaming service
What we like
Discover content you've never seen before.
Learn something new or just enjoy the fun.
Free trials are usually available.
What we don't like
If you're hungry for content, consider a free trial of a streaming service you've never tried before.
Dive into rich Marvel and Star Wars content with Disney Plus, watch exciting documentaries, original series and reality shows with Max, or think outside the box with informative content from Curiosity Stream or UK broadcasts from AcornTV:
Get an affordable streaming device
What we like
Provides access to streaming services.
Works with your existing TV.
Overall easy to set up and use.
What we don't like
If you're new to streaming media, why not get an affordable streaming device like the Fire TV Stick or Roku? These devices connect directly to the TV and work with various streaming services, eliminating the need to constantly watch content on the phone.
Combine your streaming device with a portable projector and projection screen and you have virtually unlimited entertainment.
Learn about your Kindle reading
What we like
Bring the fresh air and sunshine outside with a good book.
The E Ink screen is less tiring on the eyes than other screens.
Lightweight and easy to hold.
What we don't like
Kindle e-readers are perfect for everyday use because they let you take your library of books with you wherever you go, but they work just as well at home as they do on the go.
The e-ink display of the Kindle is much better than any phone or tablet screen if you want to be entertained while lying in the sun. Most screens tend to fade in bright sunlight, and glossy screens suffer greatly from glare, but the E Ink Kindle's matte screen is just as readable in direct sunlight as any traditional paper book.
If you already have a Kindle, expand your horizons with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. When you buy a free trial version of Kindle Unlimited, you get access to a huge library of millions of books and thousands of audiobooks.
Check out free e-books in the library
What we like
Get new books from the comfort of your home.
Lots of variety so you can try new things.
Entry is free, so there are no extra costs.
What we don't like
Another great way to expand your literary horizons on your next trip is to borrow free e-books from your local library. A library card is required to operate. So, before you go on vacation, make sure you prepare so that you don't waste precious vacation time traveling to and from the library.
Most libraries support e-book lending through the Libby program. However, check with your local library to see what they use. If your library doesn't have e-books, there are other sites where you can download free books.
Listen to some audiobooks from Audible
What we like
You may already have a compatible device.
Listen anywhere, indoors or outdoors.
Perfect for day trips to explore the surrounding area.
What we don't like
If reading in the sun is too tiring or straining your eyes, why not keep the party going with Audible audiobooks?
In some cases, you can even buy a book on Kindle and switch freely between reading and listening at any time.
Plan fun local events with ChatGPT
What we like
A free way to find local destinations and activities.
Customize your itinerary with additional constraints such as budget and interests.
Available by phone for spontaneous search of interesting ideas.
What we don't like
You should check everything again because ChatGPT is not always accurate.
Maybe ChatGPT is working with old information, so the attractions have changed or no longer exist.
There are no rules requiring you to stay indoors during the holidays. So why not play tourist with ChatGPT?
You don't need to be a fast AI expert either. Just go to chat.openai.com, enter this request, replace (your city) with the name of your city or country and adjust the time based on the length of your stay.
“Plan an itinerary for a two-week stay (near your city) including unique and fun destinations and activities within driving distance so I can get home every night. »
ChatGPT offers an itinerary for each day, including a trip to a specific area with interesting things to do and see.
Use the app to explore your area
What we like
Explore unconventional destinations and activities.
Discover new things about your region.
Get out of your comfort zone.
What we don't like
Another way to get out and explore your area in the off-season is to use an app that points out hidden local gems you might want to know about, like Hidden Place, Atlas Obscura, or the trip planner app Trip.
These apps are also useful for vacations and everyday travel, but the idea is to use them to find things to see and do in your area that you might not have otherwise considered.
Whether it's a local spot you haven't been to since you were a kid or a fun new activity that's outside your usual comfort zone, your neighborhood is likely full of new and exciting experiences to enjoy during your stay. your You can make your home feel like home. base.
Recommended link: EXTERNAL. Get the hidden location
Recommended link: EXTERNAL. Get Atlas Obscura
Play outside on a portable game console
What we like
It frees you from the connection to the television.
Play outside or from the comfort of your couch.
Have fun in multiplayer mode too.
What we don't like
If you don't usually have a lot of free time to play, vacations can be a great opportunity to try out all those great games you've been missing. But why chain yourself to a desk or even a couch when you can get up and move?
Portable gaming systems like the Nintendo Switch and Valve's Steam Deck are perfect for this, allowing you to play your favorite games anywhere. The Switch even supports two-player multiplayer thanks to the included Joy-Cons, and you can connect an external controller to Steam Deck multiplayer on PC.
Install Mario Kart or Fire Emblem on your Switch and relax in the sun, catch up on your Steam savings with a coffee and take the fun with you wherever you go, even if you're just wandering from room to room in your house. . Then a change of scenery.
Use the printer to connect with children
What we like
Have fun and be creative.
An opportunity to spend quality family time.
A good alternative to spending time behind screens and devices.
What we don't like
Keeping kids entertained during the holidays can be a challenge, especially if you don't want them to spend the day in front of multiple screens. For some tactile fun, consider using your printer to create a variety of fun activities.
Tip:
If you don't already have a printer, consider purchasing a color printer to get cheaper prints than other types of printers.
Here are some fun activities that use the printer.
Coloring . Download and print the printable coloring pages.
Paper products . Download the printable paper for your kids to cut, assemble and glue.
games . If your kids are bored with the games you already have, you can download everything from printable crosswords to bingo sheets and more challenging board games.
blouse . Have your kids design t-shirts commemorating your trip and then print them on paper.
Magnets . Using printable magnetic sheets, your kids can create and print magnets.
Other DIY : There are no limits to your imagination. Search for printables and choose ones that are appropriate for your children's age and abilities.
Read the original article on Lifewire.
