Should I staycation or travel? This is a question many people ask themselves when booking time off from work. Both options have perks and drawbacks worth considering before deciding how you’ll spend your next escape from the daily grind.
Travelling is expensive. Flights and accommodations alone can run into the thousands of dollars and that’s not even including what you’ll do when you arrive. Staying at home (or close to it) is a great alternative to travelling because you can still have fun while spending less for it.
The thing is, though, you have to commit to a staycation. Do you do laundry and run errands while travelling? Probably not, so don’t let chores take over your staycation.
Staying at home for a vacation is a great opportunity to explore your local community; to be a tourist in your own hometown. Go to the popular points of interest where tourists would hit up when visiting: take in a play, museum, or art gallery; go to the zoo, spa, or mall to take in some shopping; check out local landmarks, festivals, and fairs; and don’t forget to treat yourself to some evenings out for dinner.
Staying at home can also be less stressful than travelling. You don’t need a passport, there’s no scrutiny at the airport or border, and perhaps best of all, there are no wasted travel days!
Most importantly, plan your activities. Don’t just wing it, otherwise, your days will fly by and you’ll wonder where they went when it’s time to return to work.
Stay at home vacations simply do not work for some people. It may not feel like a vacation unless you travel and are physically away from home to escape the routines of your everyday life. Travelling shakes it up.
Whether holidaying within Canada or abroad, travelling is also a fun way to try new things that you may not do while home. Even if your most strenuous activity is reading a book poolside or in a hammock, a travelling vacation encourages you to do what you want when you want to do it. You’re also more likely to unplug as being away gives you the perfect excuse to ignore emails, texts, and calls.
You’ll also learn a thing or two about your destination that no textbook or television program could do justice. There’s nothing better than first-hand experience when taking in a region’s local culture, history, and food.
A travelling vacation can also be tailored to any budget. If flights are too expensive, consider a road trip by car or train. Book accommodations where you’re able to fix a few meals rather than eating out all the time. And, pack a good pair of walking shoes because the best way to learn about an area is to walk it. Also, when getting travel insurance (and yes, you really do need it when travelling), compare travel insurance quotes for the best price.
Choosing between a staycation or travelling is a personal decision that depends on your circumstances. Whether your time away from work is spent locally or abroad, no matter how you look at it, both are worthwhile endeavours.