There’s a travel trend that is continuing to gain in popularity. What is it? The staycation. This type of vacation is when people go and visit attractions that are within driving distance – and sleep in their own beds at night. Why is this so popular? It is a great way to save money and still experience all the fun and enjoyment of taking a trip. With a tough job market and a struggling economy, it’s no wonder that staycations are such a great solution.
If you choose a staycation, what can you do? There are actually many different things you can experience. You may want to head to an amusement park, go to a water park, take a hike, or visit local attractions like museums or the zoo. Essentially, this type of vacation lets you act like a tourist in your own area. It can be a surprisingly fun way to experience familiar things in a brand new way. If you’re searching for some other ideas, you may want to head to a concert or free event or even go play paint ball. You can get as creative as you like! You can tailor your staycation to your interests and your budget.
Speaking of budget, that is perhaps the biggest perk of the staycation. Since the average vacation costs over a thousand dollars, staying close to home can seriously cut down on your spending. Without paying for a hotel and limiting your transportation costs, you’ll be able to experience all of the fun – without paying the hefty price. Plus, you won’t have to deal with all of the stress that goes along with traveling. Yes, that means no packing, no long lines at airport security, and no checking into a hotel. This premise takes the very best aspects of a vacation and ditches all of the rest.
Staycations can be great. There are a few drawbacks, though. One of the biggest issues? You’re close to home and work. That can make it difficult to detach and let go of the stresses and responsibilities of every day life. You may even find that you’re tempted to do a bit of work or pick up calls on your cell phone. In order for this mini-getaway to really be successful, you need to remind yourself beforehand that this is a vacation! Put your phone on mute and avoid answering emails or messages until after your trip is over. This will ensure that you actually do get away from it all.
So, now that you know what a staycation is, it’s time to think about whether it’s right for you. Take some time to ask yourself a few questions: Is budget a concern? Are you unable to get a lot of time off of work for a trip? Are there lots of nearby attractions where you live? Do you need some time to relax and get away from it all? Your answers to these questions will help you determine whether or not you’re ready to have your own staycation.
It’s okay if you can’t afford to take a week long cruise to the Caribbean. Make the most of what you’ve got, instead! A staycation will let you check out some local hot spots and get away from it all…at least for a little while.
