Travel lingo is always evolving. We’ve got travelers, tourists, flashpackers, voluntourists, and more. The latest buzzword? "Staycation." It’s been around for a bit, but now that my Facebook friends are using it, I know it’s hit the mainstream.
So, what’s a staycation? Well, it’s when you take time off work but don’t go anywhere. You just stay home. I’m not a fan of the term, to be honest. It feels like a way for people to trick themselves into thinking they’re doing something special when they’re just taking a break from work.
To me, a vacation means stepping out of your comfort zone and going somewhere different. It doesn’t have to be far or for a long time. You could take a weekend trip to the woods or a two-day jaunt to the next town over. The point is to break away from your usual routine.
Just staying home from work for a week isn’t a vacation. It’s just a break from work. Plus, being at home might tempt you to check your work emails or fall back into stressful habits, which defeats the purpose of a vacation: relaxation!
But if you’re set on having a staycation, here are some ways to make it feel more like a real vacation:
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Volunteer: Use your time off to help others. Start with your interests and see if there’s a way to incorporate them into your volunteering. For instance, if you like chess, art, or sports, you could volunteer at an after-school program. If you’re into running or outdoor activities, see if there’s a group that does park or trail cleanups. Food banks are always in need of volunteers, too.
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Learn a new skill: Take a cooking class, learn yoga, or learn how to build desks. Check out platforms like meetup.com or Couchsurfing for events, workshops, or local clubs.
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Take a road trip: You don’t have to go far to travel. Explore your local area for a few days. To make it more exciting, find other travelers to join you. Use Couchsurfing or online travel groups like The Nomadic Network to find people in your area who want to do an impromptu road trip.
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Set a goal: Do something different each day. Try a new type of ethnic food, watch a movie from a different country, or visit a new part of town. Share your experiences on social media to keep yourself engaged and on track.
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Don’t stay in your house: Find another place to stay to break your routine. Find a local Airbnb or even a hostel. If you’re going to be away for a few days, consider renting out your house or apartment on Airbnb to fund your trip.
Remember, travel is about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying new things. So if you’re going to stay home, at least travel to new ideas. Just avoid the typical "staycation."
