Everybody needs a vacation, and there are many types that include travel, adventure, and experiences to add to your list of lifetime things-to-do. Often the destination involves sun and sand, and at those destinations you have probably noticed pergolas abound. If you are in the Mediterranean this can also be pergolas with retractable canopies, which are quite popular there.

Alas, the need to go to far off destinations, just to end up lounging under a pergola. It makes a great case for the Staycation, provided you have the essential ingredient, a pergola with a ShadeFX retractable canopy.

Staycations have a number of benefits that have made them popular of late. They save money without the need to travel, but more importantly they save time. They also save the stress of packing and unpacking, then packing again just to unpack again! They can be more relaxing as a result, but there are pitfalls to be aware of and to avoid if you want to get the most from your Staycation.

First of all, you need a pergola with a retractable canopy system. That provides the ambiance of the outdoor living spaces you see at only the finest resorts. Then you need to make some rules. For example, just like at a fine resort, no TV and no sneaking into work with the cell phone and email and texting. Toss the phones in the closet for the duration to get the most from you Staycation.

Another detail often overlooked is to do the grocery shopping in advance and fill the larder with all the food that would be enjoyed on a trip. Treat yourself to shrimp rings and veggie plates and whatever else would make you feel like you’re at a resort, like some fine wine. This way you won’t find yourself in the grocery aisle when you should be relaxing under your ShadeFX canopy.