6 Good Reasons We Should All Take Weekend Staycations

Become a tourist in your own city; break your usual daily routine and engage in local activities without breaking the bank.

Weekend staycations are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s hardly surprising given the benefits that vacationing in your country can bring. Here are 6 of the best reasons to discover the beauty that’s in your own backyard. 

#1 Save $$$

You don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars to enjoy the benefits that a vacation offers. If money is tight and time is limited, then a little stay-cay may be just what the travelling doctor ordered. The most obvious financial savings to be made are on flights, visas and transfers. And if you’re savvy, you can snag some amazing last minute deals too. 

#2 Goodbye Jet Lag

It’s official, jet lag sucks. And most of us have come to accept it as the price we pay for the benefit of travel. But with a staycation, face planting into your lunch and 3 am energy spurts are no longer. Driving, taking the bus or walking to your holiday destination, as opposed to flying, will greatly reduce your carbon footprint.

#3 Discover Your Own City

It’s human nature to want to explore, that’s a fact. But the myth lies in believing that you need to venture to the other side of the world to experience another culture, given that unique discoveries can be made in your very own backyard. Think like a tourist by browsing guidebooks and visiting websites to discover things to do in your area. Our top tips? Enjoy your local museums and art galleries, look out for festivals and free events, go hiking in your national park, hit the beach, check out that new restaurant, or take a spa day. 

#4 As Simple as Vacations Come

After the packing, flights, transfers, jetlag, unpacking and time generally spent getting settled, it can easily feel as though your week-long holiday (which you’ve been planning for months) has been cut short. A staycation is comparatively much easier; you can plan it on short notice, and not much packing is required. Wake up on a Saturday morning, drive a couple of hours to your favourite stay-cay destination, and enjoy a week of fun and adventure.

#5 Travel with Your Pets

Let’s face it, Fido suffers from FOMO as much as we do, and it can be tough leaving our pets behind. The beauty of a trip in your own city is that man’s best friend can join you on your travels. A simple Google search will deliver hits for pet-friendly staycations, and local hotels that are more than willing to accommodate your fur-baby’s needs.  

#6 Taking Care of Your Mental Health

Research claims that a whopping 80% of workers feel stressed on the job, and that a holiday is a quick and effective solution. And it’s no surprise since holidays give you the chance to catch up on some much-needed sleep and to spend time doing the activities you enjoy. You’re more inspired when on holiday to try something new, and it’s often a great time for a bit of self-reflection. 

But what makes the traditional holiday so inferior to a staycation when it comes to matters of the mind? Think visa applications, security queues, missed flights, cranky travellers and unnecessary costs! A vacation can be refreshing, but it can also be pretty stressful too. A staycation affords you the best of both worlds, by offering the benefits of a holiday without all the fuss; just another reason to start exploring what’s right under your nose as part of your next adventure.

Original article from Wanderluxe