Staycation: Holidays at home don’t have to be boring
Driven by factors such as increasing environmental awareness and financial challenges, the staycation, i.e. a holiday at home, is becoming increasingly popular. But what is the appeal of this type of holiday and how do you get the most out of your own staycation?
In the past, people said "holidays on the balcony". Today, a holiday at home is called a "staycation". The term, which is a combination of "stay" and "vacation", describes a holiday that is spent in your own four walls or in the immediate vicinity. So you stay in your own country, sometimes even at home, and only pepper your free time with day trips in the region.
The benefits of a staycation, or “Why staying at home can be damn cool”
The concept of a staycation breaks up the normality of traveling to faraway places during the five weeks of vacation that most of us have each year. For many people, however, a vacation at home sounds rather unexciting. But the opposite is the case: it offers numerous possibilities that are often overlooked in our hectic everyday lives or on a trip abroad. Here are some reasons why we think a staycation can be just as exciting and enriching as a trip to faraway countries:
- New perspectives on home: We often take our surroundings for granted and overlook the beauty and opportunities they offer. A staycation gives you the chance to rediscover local attractions.
- Spend time with friends: The best thing is unusual activities with friends: How about an open air cinema on the roof on lukewarm nights?
- A feel-good oasis at home: A staycation offers the perfect opportunity to transform your own home into an oasis of well-being. Whether it's a hearty breakfast in bed, a relaxing bath or a day on the balcony - these little pleasures can convey a feeling of luxury and relaxation.
- Time for hobbies: Everyday life often leaves little time for personal interests and hobbies. A staycation gives you the option to focus intensively on activities that you would otherwise neglect (even on vacation abroad), be it baking, painting or gardening.
- Stress-free relaxation: Traveling can often be stressful - from planning to getting there and adjusting to new surroundings. A staycation, on the other hand, minimizes this stress factor and allows for a truly relaxing break without the pressure of travel preparations and organization.
- Cost efficiency: A staycation can be significantly more cost-effective than a long-distance trip. The money you save can be invested in special experiences that you might not otherwise be able to afford, such as a spa day or an exclusive dinner.
- Sustainability: Less travel also means a smaller carbon footprint. A staycation is an environmentally friendly alternative that helps reduce carbon emissions while supporting the local economy.
With these activities, your staycation will be the perfect break at home
If you have decided on a staycation but are not yet sure what you want to do on your vacation at home, we have some tips for you.
Creative projects and hobbies
Use the time to focus entirely on a creative project or hobby. This could be painting, pottery, gardening or trying out new recipes. Or you could plan a picnic in your own garden, a home cinema experience or a DIY workshop - the possibilities are endless.
Tip: Set specific goals for your project or hobby to stay motivated. For example, plan to paint a certain picture, perfect a new dish, or plant a small vegetable garden.
Rediscover your city
Plan a day as a tourist in your own city. Visit sights, museums, parks and cultural events that you might otherwise miss.
Tip: Make a list of places and activities you've always wanted to try but never found the time to do. This could be a guided city tour, a visit to a new café or a bike tour through unfamiliar parts of town.
Wellness at home
Transform your home into a wellness retreat. Plan one or more days of relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation, facial masks and long bubble baths.
Tip: Get some wellness products and create a schedule for your wellness days. Turn off all electronic devices to create a truly relaxing atmosphere.
Culinary journey of discovery
Transform your kitchen into a foodie paradise. Plan a week with different culinary theme evenings where you try out recipes from different countries.
Tip: Research and select some recipes in advance, buy the necessary ingredients and decorate your dining area to match the theme. Invite friends or family to cook and enjoy together.
We hope you enjoy your staycation!
Another exciting article:
SATISFY YOUR WANDERLUST FROM HOME: 6 IDEAS FOR TRAVEL HUNGRY PEOPLE
Photos: Pexels / cottonbro, unsplash / Alex Jones, Chris Curry, Diana Light
Nadine Pinezits
Nadine is a freelance editor and copywriter. She lives in Austria and commutes between Salzburg and Vienna. This means she is either in the mountains or in the urban jungle, but at the same time tries to spend as much time as possible in her beloved country, Portugal.
Mallory
Great article! I didn't manage to go on holiday this year either, but I was able to use the free time at home, which was just as nice! I had a lot of time for friends and relaxation. On the warm summer days, the pool in the garden also contributed a lot to that 🙂