Staycation: A Guide for Digital Nomads
Who loves taking vacations and traveling somewhere new? We, the members of The Blogler community certainly adore them. But even we, the proud digital nomads, sometimes find it difficult to travel…or simply don’t want to.
Are you one of those who are unable to travel abroad? Then, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’re going to introduce you to Staycation, an enjoyable and restful holiday option for those who can’t take a vacation. Everyone needs a break, and when a trip is out of the question financially, a staycation is the next best thing. All you need is a bit of preparation and using your imagination.
Let’s prepare you for a wonderful staycation!
What Is Staycation?
The word “staycation” itself is self-explanatory but let’s delve deeper. Staycation is a vacation that you take at your home, resting in your own bed and saving money, instead of splurging on luxury resorts and pricey flights. Additionally, it saves you from the stress of traveling, overspending, and the post-vacation reality check.
Travel expenses may quickly rise between dining out, hotels, and transportation, especially when multiplied by the number of people traveling. Even if you have the money, you sometimes can't leave your hometown due to work or health commitments. This is when staycation comes in.
Difference Between a Vacation and a Staycation
A staycation and a vacation have a few key distinctions. These include the fact that a vacation is a leisure excursion, such as a quick pleasure trip far from home, usually abroad. It involves packing and usually is very expensive. A staycation is a trip to local attractions for fun without having to make travel or lodging arrangements, without packing, and at a significantly lower cost.
Pros and Cons of Staycation
As more people discover methods to relax and refuel at home, staycations are growing in popularity. Going on a staycation has several advantages and disadvantages. Let’s look at the most obvious ones.
Benefits of Staycation
You Save Time
You probably don't want to spend additional time traveling for a brief vacation if you think about how much time you already spend traveling between your house and your work. When you're on staycation, you also avoid dealing with travel-related problems like sitting in traffic in addition to saving time.
Your Splurge on Yourself
The majority of people spend their money on flights and hotels on their vacations. While on a staycation, you can spare a smaller budget and spend that money on entertainment, a local pool, food, drinks, and other luxuries.
Staycation Is More Eco-Friendly
If you are already trying to minimize your carbon footprint, why not take a staycation? Avoiding planes is better for the environment because they produce a lot of carbon emissions.
You Experience Less Stress
While traveling, there are many potential sources of stress that a staycation minimizes. Plus, since you have the security of familiarity, staycations make it simpler to actually rest. Rest your mind, body, and soul during the time you would have to wait for boarding.
Disadvantages of Staycation
It May Not Feel Like a Real Vacation
Spending time at home may not provide you with the necessary space to disconnect if you have trouble removing yourself from daily stress.
You Don’t Discover a New Place
On a staycation, you stay in your home town and don’t have the chance of exploring new places. If you enjoy seeing new places, a staycation may not be right for you.
How To Have a Good Staycation Experience
A true staycation is more than just a week spent at home; it’s a planned period of enjoyment. It’s true that it requires some work, but the reward may be just as great as traveling abroad.
Think of a staycation as a typical vacation! When you travel abroad for a holiday, you don’t bring your work with you and get to spend time relaxing and creating memories. You must do the same when taking a staycation since otherwise, it would feel like a typical week.
It's crucial to make the most of your time off rather than working from home merely because you're at home. Avoid looking at emails. Don't worry about the tasks you have to complete when you return.
You must step away from life's realities if you want to completely unwind. This is your chance to concentrate on spending time with loved ones or on your own, so switch off all your devices. After all, you are vacationing at home!
15 Staycation Ideas
Everyone’s idea of how to transform their modest home into a paradise for a staycation will be different, but here are a few ideas to get you started.
1. Make a Budget
Yes, you’re not buying airline tickets or spending on a hotel every night but this doesn’t mean you’re not going to spend any money. On your staycation, you should still treat yourself a bit. Decide how much you can spend on your staycation just as you would when planning a vacation.
2. Look for Discounts
Many credit cards offer discounts for concerts, events, local attractions, and restaurants. Make sure you check out what they can provide for you. Maybe you’ll discover a new restaurant in your neighborhood or you’ll get a free massage in your local spa.
3. Explore Your City Like a Tourist
When was the last time you visited your own city on a tour? There’s certainly a tour out there that you haven’t tried. Your staycation is now a great opportunity to find side streets, stores, and restaurants that have gone unnoticed.
4. Join a DIY Project
Have you been putting off a do-it-yourself project? Make use of your staycation to work on it! Check to see if there are any pottery, painting, or woodworking workshops being offered at your neighborhood museum or art studio. Time to put those creative ideas into action.
5. Check Out Airbnb Experience
Are you a newbie in your city? Do you want to do something new but don’t know what? Check out Airbnb Experience where locals offer many activities from cooking classes to city tours. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other locals in your city.
6. Plan a Movie Night
To see a good movie, you don’t need to leave your house. Invite your friends, pick a movie that everyone enjoys, and the rest will follow. If you have a backyard, it’s even better. It’s a whole different experience to watch a movie outside in the comfort of your own home.
7. Stay Somewhere New
Yes, while you’re on staycation, you’re expected to stay home. But this doesn’t mean you have to. While staying home will save you a lot of money, it’s true that spending a night in a nice hotel or in an Airbnb will be very refreshing. You can even look for a tree house. If you have younger kids, they’ll adore this experience.
8. Have a Special Dinner
During your staycation, it’s crucial to take some time for a special meal that you don’t have to prepare yourself. Visit that downtown eatery you’ve always wanted to visit or order food from your favorite restaurant. Have a special dinner delivered or go out to eat.
9. How About Camping?
Camping doesn’t have to mean spending days in the woods. Plan a night or weekend stay by searching your area for campgrounds or scenic spots. Being with your friends or whole family around a campfire, telling stories, and gazing up at the night sky will be magical.
10. Watch a Sunset
You don’t have to be on a remote island to enjoy a multicolored sunset. Spare some time to watch the sunset while you’re on a staycation in your own town. The time the sun sets in your location can be found online. Go outside to your yard or take a trip to a more secluded location, such as a park or seaside.
11. Rent a Van
The popularity of “van life” is rising every day. But you don’t have to own a van to have a taste of van life. Rent a van for the weekend, plan a road trip, and let the road take you to new locations. It’s a fantastic staycation idea to discover new areas and national parks, particularly in the summer or for a cheap summer holiday.
12. Read Books
A lot of us don’t find the time to read as frequently because we all have such busy lives. A staycation is an ideal time to read a good book. Allocate a portion of your afternoon. Get comfortable on the couch. Grab that book you’ve been meaning to read for a while.
13. Discover Your Talents
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to sketch, make gourmet food, or launch your own online business. Make a list of a few skills you’d like to develop. Find several online courses, then start practicing during your free time.
14. Play Holiday Music
What kind of music reminds you of your traditional vacation and favorite holiday spot? Put that music on instead of your regular playlist. This will help you get in the holiday mood even if you’re spending time in your home town.
15. Take Virtual Tours
Have you always wanted to visit the Egyptian pyramids? Take a virtual tour that will take you wherever you like in the world. Pick from a variety of online virtual tours with friends or family and have hours of fun.
Staycation: The Bottom Line
There you have it…We’ve given you an introduction to staycation and how you can have a nice vacation even when you’re in your own town. Leisure activities and having a great time don’t have to be limited to a vacation.
Have you ever taken a staycation? How was it? Share your experience with us and our fellow digital nomads.
Workation for Beginners
Frequently Asked Questions About Staycation
What does the word staycation mean?
Staycation means staying at home but for holiday purposes. If you're on a staycation, you'll spend time in your home, do activities you want, and focus on yourself and your whole family. You can enjoy the great outdoors, try something new every day, visit an amusement park, do something in your backyard, and play board games.
Overall, a staycation is a great opportunity if you can't go on a vacation.
How can I spend my weekend if I'm on a staycation?
Taking a relaxing bath, planning a movie night in your backyard, having breakfast on your bed, and spending time with your kids are great staycation activities. You can get creative as much as you want.
What is the purpose of a staycation?
You can spend more time with the people who are truly important in your life by taking a staycation. It also helps you create a healthy work-life balance.
In the middle of stress from work and other commitments, it can be simple to take your most critical connections for granted. You may rekindle your relationships and rediscover yourself by taking a staycation.