This is a contributor’s blogpost …

 

The staycation has become a classic in recent years. Not only does it allow you to save money on your travel, but it also gives you a chance to experience the area around you on a level of detail that normal life doesn’t afford.

And yet… people aren’t convinced. Thousands of us will head off on holiday this year, ignoring the riches that can be found at home. Knowing that, no matter how committed you are to the idea of a staycation, it can make you wonder if there’s something you’re missing out on.

So let’s settle this one for good, which is better? Should you venture far afield, or is spending time at home, enjoying the sights you usually ignore, a better idea?

 

Staycation PRO: The Money Issue

It’s impossible to ignore the money issue when it comes to having this discussion. There’s no doubt that it’s cheaper to stay at home, spending your hard-earned cash on enjoyable daytrips or even a home renovation to make your “hotel” nicer for the period. If you’re tight on cash, then you don’t need to venture far.

 

Staycation CON: The Lack Of Experience

Do we not travel to see and experience different things? Is that not the entire point of a holiday – to give ourselves time away from the places we see every single day? Let’s face it, it’s not exactly a massively long trip from home to places like Hong Kong, Tokyo or mainland China, yet they offer something entirely different from what your usual life offers you.

 

Vacation PRO: Being Waited On

Let’s say you decide to take a trip somewhere nearby in East Asia, as you don’t want the hassle of a long flight. For example, you head for Hong Kong and decide to situate yourself in a Tsim Sha Tsui hotel, or perhaps it’s the five-star districts of Tokyo that capture your attention. So you find yourself in your hotel and… you don’t have to do anything else. You’re going to be waited on; the room will be cleaned, the food will be prepared for you. That’s something a staycation just can’t offer. It’s hard to get your rest and relaxation time if you’re still thinking about having to do the dishes.

 

Vacation CON: You Can Feel Out Of Place

When we talk about traveling, we always seem to assume that everyone wants to experience new things and go on adventures. What about those of us for whom the idea of venturing into the unknown isn’t exciting, but actively scary?

There’s something to be said for breaking out of your comfort zone, but there is a time and a place for that. If you have been working hard, then you might just want to relax in your own space for awhile. That’s where staying at home, taking a few day trips when you want, is going to win out every single time.

 

So…

To be frank, there is no right or wrong answer – it’s about what you want to get from your time off work. Do you want to push your limits and see the world? Or do you just need some time to regroup and settle yourself after a period of stress? Your answer to those questions should reveal which is the right choice for you, especially now that you know the pros and cons.

 

 Connect with Urban Ponder! You will find a Facebook like button on this page. Scroll down if you’re on mobile or look to the right of the screen if you’re on PC/laptop. Awesome deals and informative articles await you. Don’t forget to share this! 🙂