My last holiday was a staycation – exploring London – the city I live in. Photo credit: Marianna
A staycation is where you take a vacation at home or nearby. It can be a refreshing alternative holiday to a traditional trip. The question is, is it for you?
According to a recent poll of 2,000 holidaymakers, it was found that 29 per cent rated trips in the UK less stressful than travelling abroad. And post-COVID it’s a trend that doesn’t seem to want to go away.
I had a staycation last year where I explored my own city – London. You would be surprised how many great places there are to visit on your doorstep – yet people from all over the world come to visit your town or city.
Exploring The Gangster World Of The East End Of London
One of my areas of interest was to learn more about the Kray Twins, who were a bunch of gangsters that lived and worked in the East End in the 1960s. I visited a pub in Whitechapel called The Blind Beggar, where one of the twins shot a fellow gangster. They still had the bullet holes in the wall, and the publican gave us a short history before we enjoyed our pint and packet of crisps.
Years back when Princess Diana died, I was at home watching how people were laying flowers outside Buckingham Palace. Although I was not an ardent royalist, I said to my wife – people from all over the world would love to be here, to see the flowers at Buckingham Palace, read the tributes. We were at home, by train we are less than an hour away from Buckingham Palace, there was nothing good on TV to watch, so we went out.
Historic Event On Our Doorstep We Could Have Missed
It was a beautiful summer evening. We got to Buckingham Palace, saw the tributes, and chatted to tourists from all over the world, who just happened to be there. It felt amazing that we had witnessed and been somewhere that would have cost us a lot of money had we been tourists, but there it was on our doorstep. We took advantage of it. But here below are the pros and cons of a staycation. You decide what you want to do.
Pros:
- Cost-effective: You ditch the expenses of travel, lodging, and foreign exchange, freeing up budget for activities and splurges at home.
- Stress-free: No packing, long journeys, or jet lag. You can relax in your own familiar environment and set your own schedule.
- Locally minded: Explore your own city or region like a tourist, rediscovering hidden gems and supporting local businesses.
- Flexibility: Plan activities on the fly, sleep in, or change your mind without penalty. No rigid itineraries or sightseeing obligations.
- Family-friendly: Perfect for young children or those who prefer familiar comforts. Spend quality time together without the hassles of travel.
- Environmentally friendly: Skip the carbon footprint of air travel and enjoy eco-friendly activities like biking or local markets.
- Time for hobbies: Catch up on neglected passions, indulge in DIY projects, or simply read a book in peace.
- Elderly travel problems: Many prefer to be close to home. They don’t need to fork out on expensive travel insurance.
Cons:
- Lack of novelty: It can be hard to switch off work mode and truly escape if you stay at home. Consider a nearby hotel stay for a change of scenery. Or even a short weekend break.
- Boredom trap: Without planned activities, days can blur into routines. Create a schedule of interesting outings, workshops, or day trips.
- Work creep: If you work from home, boundaries can blur. Set clear “off” times and designate work-free zones in your home.
- Cabin fever: Staying in your usual environment can feel stale after a while. Plan outdoor activities, visit parks, or take day trips to break the routine.
- Missing out: You might feel FOMO (fear of missing out) on exotic adventures your friends are sharing. Focus on the unique experiences your staycation offers.
- Hidden costs: Activities and restaurant splurges can add up. Set a budget and prioritize free or low-cost activities like picnics and museum visits.
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Ultimately, the success of a staycation depends on your personality and needs. If you crave novelty and escape, a traditional trip might be better. There are plenty of websites offering good deals on short and long-haul destinations if you really want to get away. But if you value relaxation, cost-saving, and local exploration, a staycation can be a rejuvenating and rewarding experience.
Remember, a staycation can be customized to your liking. Be creative, plan exciting activities, and embrace the chance to rediscover your own backyard.