What if you could achieve the same level of relaxation and fun that is so easily attained on vacation but nearly impossible in “real life?” And what if you could do it without having to board a plane or embark on a never-ending road trip?
That’s exactly what Short Hills resident and entrepreneur Debra Olshan Cooper had in mind when she started daycationtoday, a membership-based service that delivers the opportunity for a one-of-kind experience directly to your inbox. The best part: These excursions take place midweek (when you could use it most!) right in your own backyard.
On Wednesday evening, Cooper celebrated the launch of her new venture in adventure at The Box Car in Short Hills.
“Caroline Gosselin of Sotheby’s Prominent Properties and the Gosselin team underwrote and sponsored daycationtoday as they are dedicated to supporting entrepreneurial women in their efforts to help our communities grow and prosper,” Cooper explained.
The celebration included fellow business leaders from the Summit and Short Hills/Millburn chapters of Believe Inspire Grow (B.I.G.), a networking community for women.
Attendees, who agreed a midweek indulgence sounds fabulous but often hard to pencil in, applauded the idea and eagerly signed up to become “daycationers.”
A busy mom and publicist, Cooper knows first hand how difficult it is to carve out time for herself amidst kids and careers. Her belief that women need to make themselves a priority—even if it’s just once a month—inspired her to start her new business.
“The days turn into weeks, the weeks turn into months, months into years and you don’t want it to be all driving to ballet and dropping off at soccer. You want to be able to say, ‘One day a month, even if it’s just for an hour, I did something good for myself.’ We deserve it,” she says.
Members can test out daycationtoday by signing up for an introductory trial offer for $50, which entitles them to two outings. A 10-pack, with no expiration, is available for $250.
With tax and gratuity included, Cooper says all members need to do is pick their pleasure, show up and enjoy. Each month, beginning in October, subscribers will receive an email highlighting the latest offerings. Every option will have a complete description as well as the date and time available. Reservations can be made with the click of a button, right through daycationtoday’s website.
“We’ve scouted and scoured the area for the best places and the most unique experiences. We’re doing all the work for you,” says Cooper.
Vowing to have something for everyone, the soul-restoring adventures include cooking classes, bicycle tours, spa treatments, fitness classes, painting in a local art studio, high tea, and historic home tours.
Activities will be hosted by local businesses in Summit, Millburn, Short Hills, Madison, Montclair, Morristown, Livingston, South Orange, West Orange, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Westfield, and Garwood, with additional destinations joining the line-up almost daily.
Cooper, who moved from Florida to Short Hills two years ago, says one of the most delightful aspects to starting her new business has been discovering the amazing destinations located just beyond her doorstep.
“I ventured out and found the most wonderful hidden gems and treasures, and guess what, I’m back home again in 10 minutes,” the business owner says with a laugh.
A membership makes a great gift for a busy mom who could use a guilt-free break, she suggests. It’s also ideal for someone who is new to the area and looking for interesting things to do without straying too far from home.
“We’re bringing a New York sensibility to New Jersey,” Cooper adds.
Excited to share these amazing finds with women in need of a tempting time-out, Cooper says she couldn’t have brought her business to life without the encouragement of friends and fellow entrepreneurs. In addition to Gosselin, Cooper is grateful for the support of Mallika Malhotra, B.I.G. Short Hills/Millburn POD leader, and Nidhi Tomar, founder of Momagama, whom she says has been instrumental in “spreading the word.”
For more information, visit daycationtoday.com, call 973-573-2873, or email daycationtoday@gmail.com.
