Reasons To Plan a Staycation in 2023

As with many other things right now, costs associated with travel can cause some sticker shock. At of the time that I’m writing this, overall travel prices have increased 17% from pre-pandemic levels, and 9% when compared to the same time last year. Whether spurred by the lockdown or some other reason, there seems to be a demand. Prices aren’t likely to trend down any time soon. 

While it’s always nice to get away, sometimes that isn’t the best financial decision. Instead of spending money on a vacation, you can still take time off work by taking a staycation at home. This will allow you the opportunity to put that money towards more important expenses and experience a little rest and relaxation at the same time. A staycation can be done in different ways, from being a tourist in your own backyard to getting things accomplished around the house. Staycations provide opportunities for family bonding without the added expenses of transportation, hotels and meals associated with a traditional vacation. 

We decided to give this staycation a try, and we were very happy with the results. We spent time with each other, which is the most important part, and we planned to get chores, and other tasks done that had been on our “to do” list for a while. Now, I’m not saying you have to do work on your staycation like we did, but it sure feels good to have all that work done.

Plus, many times when you leave and go on a vacation, you need a vacation from your vacation when you return home. The following is a list of potential advantages to taking a staycation.

Staycations Offer Savings

1. Save time – You can use your time exactly how you want instead of spending 1-2 days to trave. This translates to more quality time. Or, you can stretch your money further no having to pay for transportation, or surprise fees.
2. Save money – By eliminating transportation and lodging, you’ve provided an opportunity to reallocate those funds. This money can be placed elsewhere such as updating your house, doing an activity locally you have always wanted to do, or creating an emergency fund. 

Staycations Offer Local Benefits

3. Visit and support local businesses – If you always tend to splurge on vacations and spend your money in other communities, why not spend that money in your own community? Staycation purchases of food, activities and souvenirs support people who are essentially your neighbors.
4. New Favorites – When you travel, you try new places previously unfamiliar to you. Take that idea and turn it inward. You just might find your new favorite activity or restaurant that might become part of your regular routine.

Staycations Support Emotional Well-Being

5. Less stress – No packing or finding out you forgot your toothbrush or phone charger. Everything is set up just how you liked it.
6. Less planning – Sometimes the hardest part is putting the puzzle together of when, where, how to do what you want to do. Why not just make it easier and do what you want, putting that puzzle together with ease.
7. Take time to focus on you – Plan and do whatever it is you need at that time. Is this a time for a digital detox? Is it a time to get back into a hobby? Or do you need to catch up on your “to do” list?
8. You will feel refreshed and recharged – You won’t feel like you need a vacation from your vacation, as you will feel like you used your time, money and used the time off to do exactly what you planned to do.

Unexpected Perks of a Staycation

9. Perfect for short breaks – Just a single day off can be very helpful. You could sleep in, catch up with your favorite tv show, or hit the local golf course.
10. Do the things you keep saying you will do – This might be cooking a special meal, finishing an important project, or take your kids to that activity they have been bugging you to go do.

We recognize the benefits the staycation provided us and have decided to take random days off of work implement every once in a while. I was able to complete my entire to do list, spend extra time with my family, and save money that we have allocated elsewhere. We are more of the stay-at-home type people, and we now prioritize staycations above vacations. 

What other benefits do you see from staycations?