Let’s face it: sometimes we just don’t want to travel. Funds are tight. Bosses are restrictive. Airport germs freak you out. Physically sitting for hours in the car is painful. But you want to do something different. Have an adventure. That little voice inside your head keeps nagging you to get out and go, until you finally wonder, is a staycation worth it?
And I get it.
Traveling to different places is exhilarating and rejuvenating.
Getting away for even a night or 2 can do wonders for the body and soul.
But I’m also a realist and fully understand the time, money, and physical limitations that most people share. Sometimes it’s just not feasible to get away for a weekend, or you’re uncomfortable doing so alone.
Americans are notorious for not taking their allotted vacation days, leaving so many missed opportunities on the table. I had a boss that would lose vacation days at the end of every year because she never took a day off of work.
Check out more adventure resources here!
If you fit any of the above description, a staycation is totally up your alley! If you want to (re)discover your hometown, why not plan it out the way you would a weekend away?
What is a Staycation?
A staycation is a vacation you take at home. Whether you choose to sleep at your own dwelling, rent an apartment, or stay at a local hotel, your “home base” is within your home town/county. Instead of traveling across the country or world, you choose to explore your hometown. Visit the museums you never gave a second thought.
Maybe schedule a tour or book a show.
Make a dinner reservation at the new, hip restaurant.
Actually planning it out will help enhance your experience and make your staycation worth it!
Not convinced yet?
Check out my 5 reasons why a staycation is worth it!
#1: Your Staycation Starts Immediately
As soon as you clock out from work, drop the kids off at grandma’s house, or just state that you’re taking a staycation, it has begun. No need to rush home to pack a bag, grab a ride to the airport, and spend extra money on airport food. Kick off your shoes and start to relax.
Don’t you always wish for an extra day at the end of your vacations? Or have to spend a whole day traveling back home, essentially wasting a day of your trip? By taking a staycation, you “gain” that time back!
#2: You’ll Save Money
Think about the last trip you took. How much did you spend on transportation? Lodging? Food? Excursions? Visas? Random fees? It adds up, no matter where you travel. By taking a staycation, you have the great option to save money by staying at home. Or if you choose to book a hotel for the night downtown, you should be able to score some epic discounts.
#3: Staycations Support Your Local Economy
Just because you’re staying close to home doesn’t mean that everything has to be done on the cheap. News flash – you’re allowed to spend money, however you want. But instead of visiting all of the “touristy” sites in your hometown, take this as an opportunity to check out the locally-owned clothing store. Find a you-pick farm to get your own apples. Visit that kitchy off-the-beaten-path gallery. Stop by the local farmers market. Stay in a boutique hotel. The possibilities are endless to stimulate your local economy and support small businesses.
#4: Less Stressful
Even though planning a staycation can require some energy and juggling, being on familiar ground will help ease the stress of planning a vacation.
You already know the local language.
You have a bank account with the appropriate currency.
You don’t have to worry about tummy issues since you’re already familiar with the local cuisine (unless visiting a new ethnic restaurant is on your to-do list!).
And above all else, if you get burned out during your staycation, you’re already close to home.
Travel can be stressful, no matter how well thought-out it was planned. Things go wrong. How many times have we heard of people that have taken an extra day off of work after their vacation to recover? Or say something along the lines of “I need a vacation from my vacation!”
#5: Pack More Experiences Into Your Days
Like I mentioned before, how many times have you had to use a day or two during your vacation to simply reach your destination? 14-hour flights, 6-hour train rides, expensive taxis, etc. all add up and take time away from your precious vacation. Taking a staycation means that you won’t have to travel as far, therefore leaving more time to actually enjoy your staycation.
Think about it: during your 14-hour flight, how many adventures could you have? How many museums, restaurants, local highlights could you experience? Taking a staycation gives you the gift of time. And the gift of not having to deal with jet lag.
So…IS a Staycation Worth It?
Yes. A staycation is worth it.
The whole point of this website is to stress the notion that adventure is never far away.
Adventure can be found in your hometown. Down the block. Across the street.
A staycation is NOT a cop-out excuse for a lame vacation. It’s a chance to utilize your precious time to appreciate your hometown and enjoy the place where you live!
What do you think? Have you ever been on a staycation before? Was your staycation worth it? What other tips do you have?
Sharing is caring! Please show some love by sharing on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Thank you!
PIN ME
Disclaimer: Adventure is Never Far Away is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you. Please note I only link to products and services I personally use or trust.
