I love to travel, but vacations sure have changed after having a baby. The idea of packing up and jetting off for a week can sometimes be daunting with a child and can take a whole lot of planning. Therefore, a staycation was a concept that I embraced with open arms! Plus, there is just something magical about slowing down in your own city and appreciating it as a tourist.

Last weekend, we had the opportunity to experience our very first staycation at the beautiful Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto®. It was the most incredible experience and we made every single minute count – from our workout to spa treatment – it is a staycation that will not be forgotten.

Here are my Top 6 Tips to a Successful Mama & Mini Staycation:

1. Say Yes To Room Service

At the Trump Toronto Hotel there is a great menu for mommies and kiddies. My daughter loved the idea of having in-room dining. I also didn’t have to worry about busy restaurants or dirty dishes! Amazing! I was also able to make healthy choices during my stay; the Trump hotel was so accommodating and customized my chicken and cobb salad just the way I wanted it!

2. Pamper Yourself

Just because you’re in your own city, it doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to the local spa in the hotel. We did just that. Harper and I enjoyed a full manicure and pedicure at PureBeauty Salon & Spa on the top floor of the Trump Toronto hotel. It was our very first spa date and she was thrilled with painting her nails yellow! The staff at the spa were all so amazing and patient with Harper. This spa comes highly recommended from one mother to another!

3. Get Movin’, Mama

I mean this literally. Check out the hotel gym and get a little sweat on - trust me, you will have more energy to get you through the rest of your staycation. Plus, the Trump Toronto Hotel gym is no ordinary gym; you can choose from weights to treadmills and work out with a spectacular view of the city and the water. If you prefer to exercise in your room, here’s a quick snapshot of a simple hotel room workout:

Squats x 10
Step-Ups onto chair x 20
Dips off couch in room x 10
90-Degree Wall-Sits x 30s
Rest 60 seconds and repeat 4 times

Did I mention that the hotel also provides workout gear and sweat accessories if you happen to forget your exercise essentials. With all the things on my to-do list, I actually forgot my stuff and happened to learn about this incredible program that the hotel offers called Trump Wellness. Amazing, right?

4. Pool Party Please!

Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit because you will definitely want to take a dip in the hotel’s infinity salt water lap pool. My daughter put up a big fight because she wanted to stay in the pool all night. Literally. We ended our swim with chilling in the clean-steam whirlpool. Best. Pool. Party. Ever.

5. Kids Will Be Kids!

Don’t be afraid to ask about any special offers the hotel may have for your child/children. You might be very surprised. I was! The Trump Toronto Hotel caters to our little guys not just by offering a kids menu, but also having board games and books available! More details can be found here. My mini was in heaven in what we called our weekend home away from home.

6. Be a Tourist.

Even though you know the city, there is probably a lot you can still learn. Hop on the touristy red bus or catch a show. We often take our own city for granted, but pretending to be a tourist has its perks and you can experience your own stomping grounds in a whole new light. Grab a map of the city from the hotel concierge and check out some of the “must-see” places … you will fall in love all over again with the city you grew up in!

I never thought I would be one to do this kind of vacation, but I realized after this experience at the Trump Toronto Hotel that I would do it again no questions asked. I have encouraged all my mommy friends to jump on the staycation bandwagon this summer and enjoy Toronto like they never have before. Definitely go for it, mama – you won’t regret it!

A Mama’s Guide to a Successful Staycation