Are you itching to go on a vacation but apprehensive about the long drive ahead? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to go to a tropical paradise but don’t have the money for it? Consider getting a staycation instead. It’s generally the same as going on a vacation, only you stay at home or a hotel near your place. It can be a real vacation if you do it right—and that means no checking of your work e-mails.
Why staycations are better than vacations
Staycations are cheaper.
Vacations are seldom free; you have to think of the cost of petrol, airfare, hotels, and other amusements. If going on a vacation is out of your budget, cross it off your list and do something “different” for a change. A staycation may not take you far, but it can be relaxing and enjoyable without burning a hole in your pocket. You can treat yourself to a nice dinner without worrying about having enough cash to get you back home. A staycation is also a good way to save up for a dream destination in the future.
You will still have new experiences.
For many people, going on a vacation is a way to experience new things and learn something new about the world. Can you honestly say that you have learned everything you can about your city or done everything imaginable in your hometown and its surrounding areas? For instance, have you explored your city’s nooks and crannies, and spent a leisurely time in its parks and museums? You may discover a small bookstore or café you previously didn’t know about; you may even meet a new friend who’s also having a staycation like you. The general setting may be the same, but going around the city at your own pace can give you a completely new perspective.
Staycations are hardly stressful.
Going away for a vacation requires you to pack a lot of things, book flights, make hotel reservations, and perhaps even make a timetable so you don’t miss anything, especially your flight back home. With a staycation, you only need to do minimal packing if you’ll be staying at a nearby inn or hotel, and you definitely won’t have to waste precious time sitting at the airport or getting stressed out because your flight has been delayed, messing up your entire itinerary. If you’re staying at home, you don’t have to worry about packing at all.
Planning a staycation is definitely easier than an all-out vacation; at the most all you’ll have to do is call in a reservation at a hotel, pack an overnight bag, and hail a cab. Staycationing at home gets even better: just call your favourite take-away food place, pop in an old romantic comedy flick in your DVD player or pick up that book you’ve always wanted to read, and lounge the day away.
A staycation is all you need to relax.
Vacations may pressure you into having to see all of the tourist attractions during your stay; if your goal is to be in a stress-free environment away from work, running around to and from tourist spots is somewhat counterproductive. If you really want to relax, stay at home or in a hotel nearby. Turn off your mobile, your laptop, anything that can remind you of work. Do what you want to do, whether it’s catching up on your favourite television series, having a massage, or simply sleeping on the sofa. Remember, you’re not bound by a schedule and there are no deadlines. Your time is yours alone, and you’re more than welcome to spend it in whichever way you want. Happy staycation!