subject: Can't Afford A Vacation - Try A Staycation [print this page] There are many times that I've watched with envy from my front window as neighbors prepared their SUVs for a trip to a Florida beach, book a ferry to Martha's Vine yard, or jet set to Hawaii. And I should admit that the feeling was overwhelming.
In spite of that a few weeks of staycationing at home with my beloved ones without worries of airport delays or packing or irritating backseat chants of fellow travelers common in air travel, I was feeling like new and completely invigorated. It was just the break I badly needed, and I can't hesitate recommending it to any person who's operating on a limited budget and wants a break from daily rigors of living.
This is how I planned and enjoyed a cool 2-weeks last summer:
I visited a theme park, made arrangements for my preteen's birthday party, visited a wave pool, a gym, read a good book, went shopping, tried out some new recipes, converted an unused penthouse into an office and finally slept late.
The following day I drove my daughter to a dance camp, something that wouldn't be possible if my spouse and I were at work.
I was in the penthouse arranging stationery when my daughter discovered her very first loose teeth - courtesy of a big apple she'd helped me select at a grocery store earlier in the day. And if you don't consider that to be a rewarding vacation experiences then I don't what else can be.
Staycation are common with over-scheduled families according to experts, this term is said to have originated from popular Canadian television series by the comedian Brent Butt. It was in 2006 that a New York magazine took the term to the next level by encouraging people to explore their city attractions rather than leave town for far flung destinations.
A 2008 study by AAA revealed that almost a third of employees who get vacation leave do not spend it all. Majority in this group fear falling behind schedule at work if they took their full vacation time off, while others say cite the inability to make a trip due to budget constraints
You may not afford a trip to Monaco but you can still take a break from work. Employees who take their full vacation have been shown to be more productive at work and relate better with colleagues due to reduced stress levels as opposed to those who don't. Overworked employees are more likely to make mistakes and find it hard relating to their co-workers, whom they may resent for taking time off. Overworked employees are also prone to making unscheduled absences.
During my Staycation, I deliberately avoided routine household chores. Assembled 3 large bags of unused clothes and delivered them to local charity. And still had to wake up early the following morning to go to work; just like my neighbors who'd vacationed away from home.
