10 Winter Staycation Ideas for Your Holiday Break

If you’ve been to Big Sur, you know there really are no bad trails to hike. It’s one of the most picturesque spots on the planet, and by hiking this area, you’ll get to take in plenty of outstanding vistas for little effort. Under a mile long, Overlook is a great hike to go on while enjoying views of the cliffs as well as the 80-foot McWay Falls.

At just over two miles, Middle Emerald Pools is a remarkably refreshing hike to take during Utah's sunniest days. Along with the unpaved climb to a sandstone ledge, you'll connect to the other Emerald Pools trails and the Kayenta trail on your way to the pool and waterfall.

Northeasterners, you may want to drop want you're doing and make a beeline to the Adirondacks for some time in nature by way of the Cascade Mountain Trail. A little over five miles there and back, this scenic trail is fairly popular in the summer months with a few steep areas and plenty of wildflowers. It's an excellent hike to do solo, your social bubble, or even alongside your family.

Located within the Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, this 1.5-mile roundtrip hike will take you through dune forests, salt marsh, and live oaks until you reach the coast. Gorgeous flowers and an array of vibrant birdlife occupy the area. There are several other trails in the areaas well if you feel this one isn’t challenging enough.

Who wouldn’t want the chance to hike around a volcano? It’s only five miles out and back, so it’s definitely doable even for a less experienced hiker. NorCal summer weather stays fairly cool with highs just in the 70s, so a hike up this active volcano won’t leave you too hot. Plus it’s clearly an out-of-this-world experience.

Looking for an all-day, challenging hike with a huge payoff for your fitness *and* Instagram feed? Look no further than the Reed Lakes Trail, an nine-mile roundtrip hike where you'll gain thousands of feet in elevation through meadows, boulder fields, and up into the mountain. You'll finish with some jaw-dropping panoramic views.

In our opinions, these are some of the best hikes in the US, and even if they can be done in a day, that doesn't mean your explorations have to stop there — there's usually a town nearby with some local cuisine. So figure out which of these hiking trails you'd like to conquer and go for it!

1. Plan out your weekends.

Explore the magic of your community on the weekends (because it’s your best free time, after all) by immersing yourself in local events and farmer's markets, where the air is infused with creativity – and the tantalizing aromas of fresh produce.

You could also embark on day trips to hidden gems, whether it's a scenic hike or a seaside escape. If you’d like to be closer to home, indulge in a staycation, where you can bask in the comfort of home while treating yourself to relaxation and self-care.

Dive into pool days, or fire up the grill to light up sizzling BBQ parties that bring friends together.

Going out is always a good option for fun – sip on chilled drinks at rooftop bars or pubs while you embrace a go-with-the-flow mentality. Finally, you can also let your culinary prowess shine as you experiment with new recipes.

2. Take advantage of your 5-9.

Seize your pre-9-5 (AM or PM) free time like a boss: lace up your sneakers for a morning (or evening) walk and hit the pavement to conquer the world one exhilarating stride at a time.

You can also sweat it out like a real superhero after work at the gym, where muscles flex and endorphins dance to an invigorating beat.

If morning movement is just *not* your thing, unleash the power of friendship at happy hour with plenty of laughter, cocktails, and unforgettable moments that make the workday a distant memory.

3. Use vacation days.

If you’re not using your workplace’s vacation days, you’re 1000% missing out. Taking time off when you need it is the key to unlocking a world of sun-soaked adventures and blissful relaxation.

Embrace your freedom from work to wander places near or far to rejuvenate your summer spirit. You can also take this time to recharge, reset, and reconnect with yourself and loved ones!

4. Maximize your lunch break.

The summer lunch breakis a delightful oasis in the midst of woeful workday business. When lunchtime hits, step out into the radiant sunshine and let its warm rays re-energize you.

While you’re out, you can treat yourself to a delicious feast with a quick pickup order from a nearby restaurant, and quench your thirst with a refreshing bev. As you savor each bite and sip, take a moment to stretch and move around for your working body and mind. Summer is in the air, and your lunch break is the best excuse to hone in on those bits of joy.

5. Tick boxes off your summer bucket list.

A summer bucket list serves as a beacon of excitement and inspiration for 9-5-ers, plus provides ample structure so that you *never* run out of things to do. Use your summer bucket list to break free from the monotony of your work routine and embrace adventure.

Paul Feig offers a very promising update on 'A Simple Favor 2'

When a viral tweet claimed that Amazon had indefinitely delayed A Simple Favor 2 because of a feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, director Paul Feig stepped in to clear up the rumors.

"Despite glowing test screenings, Blake Lively’s refusal to promote—amid her messy legal battle with Justin Baldoni—and growing tensions with Anna Kendrick have derailed the sequel," X user Eric B tweeted on January 10. "Anna is furious. Paul Feig is disappointed. Hollywood is in shock. This isn’t just a movie—it’s an implosion."

"This is total BS. Sorry," Feig said in his retweet that same day. "The movie is finished and coming out soon. Don’t believe anything you read on social media these days."

And Anna Kendrick says reuniting with Blake Lively was "lovely."

Anna Kendrick also spilled on reuniting with Blake Lively, claiming that working together felt "a little bit like riding a bike."

"She lives on the East Coast, I live on the West Coast, so we don't get to see each other often," she told PEOPLE. "But it was lovely, and I think that those characters have such weird chemistry that it's so fun to just get the gang back together."

We don't know many details about the plot just yet but we do know it involves a destination wedding — and Blake Lively's Emily in a very fancy wedding dress. Stephanie and Emily "head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."

Sign me up!