Recently my wife and I decided to take a couple weeks off work and enjoy a staycation. You know, spending some extended time close to home? In hindsight this was a perfect way for us to spend part of our summer together. Here is why we did it and what we got out of it.
- We’ve been busy this year – it was nice to unwind and not be busy.
- We’ve already done some international travelling this year, with more travelling to come this year, so there was no big desire to travel.
- Further to the above, it was nice to save some money for future purchases and trips.
- We got some much needed work done around our home.
- We had quality time to entertain family.
- We had time to do some fun activities (like golfing), that we rarely do together.
- We took advantage of free events and local activities like the farmer’s market down the road.
- We had time to cook some new meals.
- We didn’t waste money driving around the countryside thanks to high gas prices.
- I rode my mountain bike a few times and found some cool new trails.
- We went swimming.
- We got to know our neighbours better.
- We had time to enjoy the weather.
- We had time to enjoy our favourite craft beers on the deck.
- Again, we didn’t feel rushed to do anything.
- And more and more and more…
In the end, we spent our vacation exactly how we wanted to. Isn’t that what vacations should be for?
What are your thoughts on staycations? Have you done one? Are you doing one this summer?
Mark
My name is Mark Seed - the founder, editor and owner of My Own Advisor. As my own DIY financial advisor, I've surpassed my goal and now investing beyond the 7-figure portfolio to start semi-retirement with. Find out how, what I did, and what you can learn to tailor your own financial independence path. Join the newsletter read by thousands each day, always FREE.
We just came back from a great vacation in Asia, and although it was a great experience, I told my wife that we are sticking to staycations for the next while.
Personally I like them because there is no travel time, it’s easier on the wallet, you have some extra time to spend with family/friends and that post-vacation depression feeling is not as difficult to get over 😉 …Believe me, all I am thinking about today are beaches!
Nice Paul, thanks for sharing, now I’m jealous. 🙂
I like staycations but I/we also love to travel. Hopefully we can afford to take a 1-2 week vacation next summer. That’s the plan.
This past winter we spent a week in Puerto Rico, that was nice. It’s all about balance for us and I’m sure you’re the same. Thanks for the comment and welcome home.
My favorite part about staycations is they happen the second you get off work (no traveling to a destination) and you don’t have to research for months in advanced to have fun.
Are you eager for retirement now that you’ve had a taste??
Absolutely Will. I can think of dozens of things to do when my debts are done. Hopefully another 15 years…we’ll see! Thanks for the comment.
I don’t mind sticking around home on my time off (it helps me get caught up with everything I can’t get done during the week and weekends) but I have never taken a proper staycation where I’ve made a point of seeing local attractions or anything like that.
I don’t think we have ever taken a proper staycation either, but the beauty of any staycation is, you can do what you want locally 🙂
Staycations can be very relaxing and much needed. Our vacations turn out to be so hectic that when we come back we always feel like we need a vacation from our vacation. We are planning on a staycation for a few days this fall.
Enjoy the rest of your week
That was our plan R2R, kick back a bit and just relax and not travel this vacation. It was good and I’m sure we’ll do it again. 🙂
Staycations are great. But a middle ground is to simply vacation locally. We’re in Ontario, and there’s a million things you can do without leaving the province. Your very own Ottawa Winterfest is a good example. We had a family weekend for little more than the cost of a hotel and some restaurants.
A middle ground is to save ahead. Our family wants to visit the Grand Canyon so we start saving and planning this year. Next year the cost of the trip will be in the bank – so no ding to savings or credit cards. And that’s certainly not something we’d do every year anyway – I’m stuck on the idea of why we need to leave Canada to vacation. There’s about a billion miles of cool stuff here I haven’t seen recently.
My point exactly Glenn, we did some local travel but that’s about it. There are some great things to do in our city throughout the seasons, you just have to make some effort to go out and find them.
A middle ground is saving ahead and we’re doing that right now for trips next year.
Sounds like a typical summer weekend. Get some chores done around the house, enjoy a craft beer or two, invite friends and family over for a barbecue, hit the farmers market, take the kids to a park or for a walk around the lake. But then it’s over too soon and I’m back to work. I like the sounds of a two week staycation.
Yes, an extended long, great summer weekend. I’d do it again this week if I could 🙂
Mark,
I’m a big fan of staycations. Sometimes staying home sounds boring, but I find that when you’re busy working all the time you don’t actually get to experience some local events, get to know the people around you, and even spend time with those closest to you. You don’t need to go off to some exotic locale to spend quality time with loved ones.
I took a two-week staycation earlier this year to try out writing full-time and see what that might look like. It was time very well spent, and it provided me the confidence that not only could I do it, but that I’d enjoy it.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your staycation. 🙂
Best wishes.
Staycations are great. We love travelling and we’ll be doing more later this year, but all in moderation. I like balance in my life. Thanks for the comment Jason.