A staycation is a combination of the words ‘stay’ and ‘vacation’, and is used to describe holidays which are taken in one’s own country. This can include anything from a city break to a seaside or countryside holiday.
A staycation doesn’t have to be for one specific purpose. It can be about relaxing and taking things slow, but it can also be about exploring your own backyard and experiencing new things. And although it doesn’t give you the same excitement as going abroad and finding yourself in a totally new setting, it’s a more sustainable way of travelling.
The concept of a staycation was first created in the aftermath of the 2008 market crisis in the US. Many people had to limit their expenses, including their budget for holidays. People started turning towards holidays in their home country, as these worked out much more affordably.
Another factor which is making staycations increasingly popular is a growing awareness of the environmental impacts of tourism. More and more destinations are becoming conscious of the negative impacts of overtourism, with plans to introduce tourist caps in places such as Barcelona, Venice or the Seychelles. Staycations are a great way of reducing your carbon footprint, as much less transport and travel is required.
Why should I go on a staycation?
As well as being more environmentally friendly, here are some more reasons that you should take a staycation.
- It can be much cheaper than travelling abroad
If you don’t have a large budget, staycations are a great option. They can be much cheaper than travelling abroad, as you don’t have to shell out money for flights.
- It supports the local economy
Staycations are a fantastic way of supporting the local economy. Local restaurants, shops, hotels and other businesses all benefit from local tourism.
- You can take one anytime you want
Unlike holidays abroad, you don’t have to book time away from work. The great thing about staycations is that they can be done over the weekend.
- It’s easier to plan
Staycations are generally easier to plan than holidays abroad. Even if you’re heading to somewhere in your home country you’ve never been, you’ll more likely have an idea of where things are compared to a country you’ve never been to.
- There’s more time to relax
Most trips abroad require a lot of travelling, whether it’s by planes, trains or other transport. One of the biggest benefits of staycations is that travelling time is cut down, leaving more time to relax.
How to plan a staycation
Sold on taking a staycation? The next step is to start planning one. Here is a step by step on how to plan the perfect staycation.
- Step 1: choose what you want to do
The first step when planning a staycation is to decide what you want to do, whether it’s a hiking adventure or a spa getaway. This step will make it much easier to plan the rest of your staycation. We have a range of unique county trails perfect for helping with inspiration.
- Step 2: choose where you want to go
Once you’ve decided what you want to do, you can base this around where you want to stay. If you’re planning on doing a lot of outdoor activities, choosing to stay in an area with a mix of ocean, mountains and forests can be a good idea.
- Step 3: create a budget
Just like you would on a holiday abroad, it’s important to have a staycation budget in place. It’s also worth remembering that because you’ve saved a great deal by not going abroad, it’s totally fine to splurge a little!
- Step 4: choose an accommodation
Once you have a budget in place, it makes it easy to find the right accommodation. At The Tourist Trail, we have a huge range of accommodation, whether it’s luxury hotels and B&Bs, to holiday cottages and unique glamping pods. Whatever activity your staycation is centred around, find the perfect place to relax at the end of the day.
- Step 5: find other attractions and things to do
It’s always fun being a tourist in your own country. We have a whole collection of things to do all around the country, from castles to zoos to gardens. If you’re a keen walker, we also have a huge selection of trails all around the UK, from coastal circuits and city strolls, to mountain treks and countryside rambles.
Of course, no staycation is complete without indulging in great food and drink. Check out our website for some of the best pubs, restaurants and cafes around the country. More interested in alcohol? We also feature a range of distilleries that run exciting tours and experiences where you can learn about the process and even sample a drink or two!