subject: When A Real Holiday Is At Home [print this page] A new phrase entered the English language when the world's banks took the economy to the brink of collapse, and recession ensued - staycation.
Nervous tourists everywhere counted their pennies and decided that a holiday might be a luxury they could dispense with in times of uncertainty, and discovering your own back yard became the fashion.
Overseas holidays are back now, but with some nervousness around still a holiday at home still holds appeal for some.
The Canary Islands have been no exception. The worldwide economic downturn caused Canary Islands residents to see their own islands in a new light.
The Canary Islands have been a popular destination for International travelers for several decades. The islands rely upon tourism as its economic mainstay. Over thirty percent of its gross domestic product is generated by tourism. An average of ten million visitors holiday on one or more of the Canary Islands every year.
And so long term residents started to see with fresh eyes what the tourists had been enjoying for years.
The big advantage is the great weather. But tourists - and now residents too - also enjoy the rich history and the diverse geography of the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands are an archipelago of seven islands. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are the largest of the islands, and home to both of the Canary Islands' joint capital cities. Both islands are popular tourist destinations, along with Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The four make up the largest and most populated of the archipelago.
The smaller Canary Islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma also draw a significant number of visitors each year. They have fewer clubs and resorts than the larger islands. Instead, they tend to attract tourists who desire smaller crowds and more adventurous vacations.
All of the islands are of volcanic origin. Many are home to diverse ecological preserves and boast flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else. Ancient structures and preserved ruins can be found on a number of the islands. It is these attractions that are appealing to the Canary Island "staycationer."
While similarities exist between all seven islands, significant differences are abundant too. Many of the islands feature regional cuisine and specialty local wines. Residents from one island can visit another and get a very different cultural experience without spending a lot of money.
Local events also draw visitors from one island to another. The various islands are home to golf, water sports, motorbike and other popular tournaments and races. These types of events have grown substantially over the past decade and many draw thousands or more spectators annually.
Those who choose to remain on their own islands can still enjoy the culture in their backyards. Camping destinations draw locals for quick, easy getaways. The slow economic market means that good deals can often be found on lodging, particularly cabins, condos and private villas.
