Hey there my fellow travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will have a look into the old vacation vs staycation debate. Now, this whole post has come about as the result of some comments on my FaceBook page where I was asking the question of where you would like to travel to this year.
The answers were vast and included the usual suspects such as Rome, London, Maldives etc. and then the not so usual such as home states or towns where family members have moved to. One strong answer amongst them however was to ‘”just stay at home”.
So, this got me thinking. If you could go anywhere in the world, would you want to go to some far off exotic place? Or would you simply prefer to stay at home?
Let’s check out the ins and outs of both below:
Defining Vacation and Staycation
When an individual seeks to leave their daily routine for rest, pleasure, or adventure, they often choose between two types of retreats: vacation and staycation. These two concepts, while similar in their objective to provide a break, have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and circumstances such as:
Vacation:
- Description: A vacation typically involves traveling to a destination away from one’s home. It can be as close as a neighboring city or as distant as another country.
- Purpose: The primary purpose is relaxation, exploration and experience of new environments.
- Duration: It often lasts several days to weeks, requiring more extensive planning and budgeting.
Staycation:
- Description: In contrast, a staycation refers to a vacation spent near home or within one’s own country. It can also mean staying in one’s home while engaging in local activities.
- Activities: This might include local sightseeing, day trips or simply enjoying leisure time at home.
- Budget: Staycations generally involve less expense, as they often eliminate the costs associated with long-distance travel and accommodation.
Check out my post: Best Things About a Staycation
Both vacations and staycations serve the purpose of providing a break from the norm. The individual’s budget, time constraints and personal preferences typically influence the choice between the two. At the end of the day, do you like to roam, or are you happy just simply sitting on the couch reading a book?
What Can you Do?
Ok, so we have outlined above the main aspects of each, but if finding something to do on each is key, then let’s break it all down first:
Vacation – What can you do?
This is probably stating the obvious, but vacations offer a wider range of activities and experiences, depending on your interests, destination, and the type of vacation you’re looking for. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion or a mix of all three, here are some ideas for what you can do on a vacation:
- Explore Nature: Hike in national parks, go on safari, visit natural wonders or spend time at the beach, lake or mountains. Nature vacations can be both relaxing and adventurous.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit museums, historical sites and cultural landmarks. Attend local festivals, performances, and art exhibitions to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Adventure Sports: Try activities like scuba diving, surfing, skiing, mountain biking or rock climbing. Many destinations offer unique adventure sports that cater to thrill-seekers.
- Culinary Tours: Explore local cuisines through food tours, cooking classes, wine tastings or visiting farmers’ markets. Culinary vacations are great for food enthusiasts looking to expand their palate.
- Relaxation: Spend your days lounging on the beach, visiting spas or staying in a resort where you can unwind and enjoy leisurely days without a schedule.
- City Breaks: Explore the urban environment with city tours, shopping, dining out and experiencing the nightlife. City vacations offer a mix of cultural, culinary, and leisure activities.
- Road Trips: Drive through scenic routes, visiting small towns, national parks and hidden gems along the way. Road trips offer flexibility and the joy of discovery.
- Cruises: Enjoy a hassle-free vacation where transportation, accommodation and entertainment are all included. Cruises offer a variety of destinations and on-board activities.
- Educational Trips: Join guided tours focused on history, architecture, science, or art. Educational vacations can be both informative and enjoyable.
- Wellness Retreats: Participate in wellness and health-focused retreats that offer yoga, meditation, fitness classes, and wellness workshops.
- Photography and Art: Take a trip focused on photography or art, visiting picturesque locations, attending workshops, or exploring art galleries and street art.
- Water Activities: Engage in water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or sailing. Water-based vacations are perfect for those who love the ocean or lakes.
- Winter Sports: Go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing in winter destinations. Many ski resorts also offer apres-ski activities and cozy lodge accommodations.
- Island Hopping: Explore multiple islands, enjoying diverse landscapes, beaches, and cultures. Island hopping is popular in regions like the Caribbean, Greece and Southeast Asia.
When planning a vacation, consider what experiences you want to have and what will make the trip memorable for you. Whether it’s relaxation, adventure, cultural immersion or a combination, there’s a vacation out there for every type of traveler.
Staycation – What can you do?
Alternatively, a staycation, where you take time off to relax and enjoy leisure activities within your home or nearby, offers a variety of enjoyable and restorative options. Here are some ideas for what you can do on a staycation:
- Explore Local Attractions: Visit museums, parks or new areas in your city that you haven’t explored yet. Often, we overlook the attractions closest to us.
- Have a Spa Day at Home: Treat yourself to a day of relaxation with a home spa experience. Take a long bath, do some skincare treatments and maybe even try meditation or yoga.
- Read a Book or Start a Book Club: Catch up on your reading list. You could even start a book club with friends or family to share the experience.
- Try New Recipes: Experiment with cooking or baking new recipes that you’ve been wanting to try. A staycation is a great time to explore culinary adventures without the rush.
- Garden: Whether it’s starting a vegetable garden, planting flowers or simply tending to houseplants, gardening can be a therapeutic activity.
- Have a Movie Marathon: Watch new films or binge-watch a series. You could even theme your movie nights around different genres or directors.
- Take Up a New Hobby: Use the time to start a new hobby or craft, such as painting, knitting, woodworking or learning a musical instrument.
- Go Camping in Your Backyard: Set up a tent and spend the night outside. You can make s’mores, stargaze and enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of your home.
- Host a Virtual Gathering: If you’re staying in, consider hosting a virtual dinner party, game night or happy hour with friends and family.
- Do a DIY Project: Tackle a home improvement project or a DIY decor project that you’ve been putting off.
- Take Day Trips: If possible, take short day trips to nearby natural parks, beaches or scenic spots to get away without going too far.
- Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: Dedicate time to mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to reduce stress and enhance your well-being.
- Create a Staycation Itinerary: Plan your staycation as you would a vacation. Schedule activities for each day to make the most of your time off.
- Digital Detox: Take a break from electronic devices and social media to disconnect and recharge.
- Learn Something New: Take an online course or workshop in something you’re interested in, whether it’s photography, writing, or a new language.
A staycation is a perfect opportunity to relax, recharge and enjoy activities that you may not have time for in your usual routine. It’s all about making the most of your immediate surroundings and treating yourself to a break without the need for travel.
Check out my post: 10 Best things to do on a Staycation
Costs
When assessing the costs of vacations versus staycations, it’s important to examine specific expenses such as travel and accommodation, as well as the costs for food and entertainment.
Travel Expenses
When it comes to vacations vs staycations, there is a distinct difference in travel costs as follows:
Vacation
Vacations typically involve travel to a destination away from home which can include airfare, car rental or other transportation costs. Accommodation expenses for hotels, resorts or vacation rentals are also significant aspects of the overall cost.
- Vacation travel costs:
- Airfare: Ranges widely based on distance, timing and airline.
- Car rental: Varies, with daily rates and insurance.
- Other transport: Trains, buses or shuttles.
- Accommodation costs:
- Hotels: Different price points depending on location and quality.
- Vacation rentals: May offer weekly rates.
- Resorts: Often pricier, all-inclusive options available.
Staycations
Staycations, by contrast, often eliminate these expenses since individuals stay in their own residence or local accommodations which could be less expensive options such as nearby campgrounds or budget-friendly hotels. Other costs are still evident however such as:
- Staycation travel costs:
- Fuel: Fuel costs can rise if more day trips are taken
- Car rental: Some prefer to rent a car for longer local vacation trips (RVs for example) – costs vary with daily rates and insurance.
- Other transport: Trains, buses, or shuttles.
- Accommodation costs:
- Electricity etc.: Can be higher if more time spent at home with electronics and Air Conditioning etc.
Regardless, I think if can safely be accepted here that in terms of transport and accommodation costs, a vacation is going to generally cost way more than a staycation. So if your budget is a sticking point, then maybe a good staycation is just the ticket!
Food and Entertainment
Surprisingly, when on a staycation, food costs definitely seem to rise as we do tend to eat out (or get Uber eats etc.) a lot more. Here is a breakdown of food and entertainment cots for each holiday option:
On vacation, individuals tend to dine out more frequently, experiencing new restaurants and local cuisines Entertainment costs can also differ; tourists often partake in paid activities and attractions, while those on staycation might explore inexpensive or free local events.
Vacation food costs:
- Dining out: Potentially three meals a day at various eateries
- Groceries: For those staying in accommodations with kitchen facilities
Vacation entertainment costs:
- Attractions: Entry fees for museums, parks, tours
- Activities: Costs for special experiences such as classes or adventure sports
Staycation food costs:
- Groceries: Likely similar to typical spending but may include special items
- Dining out: Choice to explore local restaurants sparingly
Staycation entertainment costs:
- Local attractions: Often reduced rates for residents
- Community events: Free or low-cost local activities
Again, food and entertainment costs for a vacation do tend to be more expensive unless your staycation includes trying every local restaurant you have always wanted to step into or seeing a lot of movies at the cinema etc.
Benefits
When considering a vacation or a staycation, the benefits to health and well-being, as well as cultural experiences, play a significant role in the decision-making process. Each offers unique advantages that cater to varying preferences and needs.
Health and Well-being
Now let’s look at things from a more spiritual side:
Vacation:
- Offers a change of scenery, which can reduce stress and improve mental health.
- Encourages physical activity and adventure, like hiking or swimming, benefiting physical health.
The downside here is that there are definitely times when travel can seem more stressful than it is worth. Delayed flights, lost luggage and travel scams can make it seem all too hard.
Staycation:
- Allows relaxation without the stress of travel, contributing to mental wellness.
- Provides an opportunity for restful activities, like reading or spa days, which can lead to rejuvenation.
Proponents on the travel side of the fence here will tell you however that with a staycation, you never really get away from it all completely and it is very easy to get stuck on interruptions such as work and other day to day issues.
Cultural Experiences
Obviously the further away from home, the more different local cultures can be, which is great if you are into that sort of thing but no so good if the culture shock is to much. Here are some positives however:
Vacation:
- Exposure to new cultures enriches understanding and broadens perspectives.
- Engaging with different traditions and languages enhances cognitive flexibility and social skills.
Staycation:
- Enables deeper exploration of local culture and history.
- Supports community by participating in local events and visiting nearby cultural landmarks.
Challenges
We have touched on some of this above, but when choosing between a vacation and a staycation, one may face various challenges that could impact the overall experience. Both options require attention to different sets of concerns.
Planning and Logistics
Vacations often involve complex planning and logistical arrangements. They typically require one to book transportation, accommodations and possibly visas or vaccinations depending on the destination. The challenge can be in the details, such as:
- Transport: Securing affordable flights or other travel methods.
- Accommodations: Finding suitable and available lodging.
- Packing: Deciding what items are necessary and adhering to airline baggage restrictions.
- Budget: Managing the overall costs of travel and activities.
On the other hand, staycations reduce travel-related logistics but still involve planning. Local activities may need reservations and again as above, there might be the temptation to engage with work or household chores, which can detract from the leisure experience.
Environmental Impact
Environmental considerations play a role in the decision between vacation and staycation. The environmental impacts of each include:
- Vacation: Entails a larger carbon footprint due to transportation, especially air travel.
- Staycation: Generally a more eco-friendly option with minimal travel.
One’s carbon footprint can be significantly higher with vacations involving long flights, while staycations tend to involve less traveling and resource use. However, the impact varies based on the specific activities and transport methods chosen for either.
Vacation vs Staycation: What Should You Choose?
Now, you know I am going to sit on the fence here although I will say that I do favor the Vacation side of things myself (hence the website I guess). That said, when it comes to deciding between the two, consider what you value most in your time off. Vacations offer a broad spectrum of activities from nature exploration and cultural experiences to adventure sports and culinary tours, catering to those seeking adventure and new experiences.
Staycations, however, provide a unique opportunity to relax and recharge, explore local attractions and indulge in hobbies or projects at home which is ideal for those preferring comfort and convenience or with budget constraints. And of course whether you can really ‘switch off’ when still at home.
Ultimately, the choice between a vacation and a staycation depends on personal preferences, time and financial considerations, with each offering distinct benefits to health, well-being and the ability to see new things.
Conclusion
There you have it, my take on the Vacation vs Staycation debate. As usual, let me know of your experiences here or if there are any spots (not your secret ones of course) you think I need to add.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
