May 22, 2025
Your Summer Staycation Starter Kit
Summer vacation time is here! —and whether you’re heading off on a big adventure or staying close to home, there’s something special about this time of year. Long days, warm evenings, and the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy life a little more.
If you’re not traveling just yet, no worries. I’ve put together a simple staycation starter kit to help you bring those vacation vibes home—no packing required.
🥥 Sip: The Pusser’s Rum Painkiller
This tropical cocktail became a fast favorite when I first had it in Tahiti back in 2019—and I’ve been making it ever since. It’s smooth, fruity, and instantly makes you feel like you’re somewhere far away (preferably with palm trees). In other words: it’s summer vacation in a glass.
Classic Painkiller Recipe:
- 2 oz Pusser’s Rum
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- Nutmeg for garnish
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into a glass (preferably something festive). Grate a little fresh nutmeg on top—or sprinkle from a jar if that’s what you’ve got.
🎶 Listen: Jazzy and Sandy Playlist
Lazy summer afternoons call for good music. I made this playlist with you in mind—think laid-back rhythms, a little jazz, and easy beachy energy.
🎧 Check out the playlist on Spotify
🧺 Snack: The Easiest French Picnic
If you can make it to a halfway-decent grocery store, you can create this picnic in 15 minutes flat. It’s the kind of meal you’d enjoy sitting on the grass by the Seine or in a quiet neighborhood square in Provence.
What to Grab:
- A baguette (the crustier, the better)
- Brie, Camembert, or Comté
- A handful of grapes or strawberries
- A small container of cornichons or olives
- Sparkling lemonade or a chilled bottle of rosé
- A paper towel for a tablecloth—and maybe a paperback novel
Pick a shady spot in your local park, spread everything out, and voilà. You’re in your own little corner of France.
Whether you’re traveling across the world or just across town this summer, it’s all about the mindset. Find a little joy. Slow things down. Make it memorable.
And if you try the cocktail or the playlist, let me know what you think—I’d love to hear how your staycation turns out. Ready to talk travel and summer vacations? Pick a time on my schedule right here.
