It’s summer vacation for many schools right now, or maybe you have some unused vacation leaves. Unfortunately, your finances might be tight, or you may have a lot on your plate, making a week-or-two-long vacation out of the question.
Thankfully, you have many options for relaxing, one of which is the staycation. A staycation simply means spending a vacation close to where you currently live.
Though it might not seem like much of a vacation if you stay in the same city or house, there are many upsides to doing so, especially if the circumstances are right for you.
1. Do a staycation if you’re on a budget
Of course, the main reason someone should consider a staycation is the cost. Regular vacations are expensive, with plane tickets, hotel bookings, food, and day tours all adding up by the end of the trip. You might even add more stress to your life instead of relieving it, as your trip intended.
Naturally, a staycation can easily solve many of these problems, especially regarding transportation (plane tickets are expensive, duh). Even if you choose to book a stay in a swanky hotel in your hometown, it’s going to be less of a financial burden overall than doing the same thing in a completely different country that you know nothing about.
2. Do a staycation if you have to stay put in the city
Maybe, for some reason, you have to stay home. Perhaps you have important documents waiting to be picked up, a task from your company that requires you to remain on-call, or personal commitments that are keeping you tethered to home.
Whatever the case, a staycation may be appropriate for you. It’s not going to be the full immersive experience of a regular vacation, but it is something just as worthwhile. You don’t need to rot all day waiting for that important errand when you can bring the vacation to you.
3. Do a staycation if you don’t want to plan
A normal vacation is expensive, as stated, but it’s also difficult to plan, especially when you have friends’ and family members’ schedules, opening and closing times, budget ranges, and personal likes and dislikes to consider. Planning is arguably the most difficult part of a vacation, but having your vacation in the same city where you all live and work will make that task just a little bit easier. Remember, it’s not about the novelty but about the memories with your friends.
4. Do a staycation if you want to see your hometown in a different light
You may know the place where you live and work like the back of your hand, but will that same city look the same to you when you’re a tourist? Take a moment to enjoy your city on different terms: maybe there are some parts of the skyline that you have taken for granted, or you might even find some new hole-in-the-wall attraction that you never noticed before. At the end of the staycation, you might even gain a better appreciation of your hometown.
5. Do a staycation if you’re not really in the mood for new experiences
It might be surprising to some, but a sizable number of people aren’t always itching to try out the newest delicacies or indulge in interesting cultural experiences. A staycation reduces many random anxieties of being in a foreign place, like language barriers or finding money exchanges. Sometimes, a person on vacation just wants to relax and use the break as an actual break and nothing else new.
6. Do a staycation if you only need (or can only do) a quick recharge
At the end of the day, the important thing about a staycation is that you’re able to relax and take a break. We are humans, not robots built for maximum productivity. Even if you’re in the middle of some important events in life, having just a little bit of a break will help you tremendously in finishing strong. If you only have a little bit of time to relax, then maybe a staycation is right for you.
There are many benefits to staycations compared to regular vacations, and there are many reasons why you should consider doing one. Ultimately, the decision is up to you to determine which vacation style is most appropriate for your situation and circumstances. The important thing is to ensure that you’re having fun.
