Vacation or stay-cation? Which should you opt for this summer?

Whilst both staycations and vacations have major benefits, it can be hard to choose between the two when it comes to your summer holidays. Fortunately, this guide will give you a brief definition of the two and the advantages of each.

What is a staycation?

A staycation usually refers to a holiday spent in one’s own country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.

What is a vacation?

A vacation, on the other hand, means a period of leisure and recreation, typically spent away from home or in travelling.

Now you know the difference, here are the main benefits of each.

Staycation benefits:

• As staycations are usually shorter breaks, you can afford to be more spontaneous. The most you’ll need to do is book some kind of accommodation, work out how you’ll get to your destination and a quick google to search for recommendations!
• There is a lot less travel related stress when you’re taking only a short break away. Top tip: book train tickets online before leaving to reduce stress even more.
• Tying in with the above point, less travel time reduces your time spent with jet lag or on flights, trying to find hotel rooms etc. A short break like a staycation can give you the perfect balance of fun without you coming home knackered each night.
• If you’re only going on a day trip or a short break, you’re more likely to be able to bring your pets with you. If you choose not to take them, arranging alternative for them will be a lot easier and cheaper, too.

Vacation benefits:

• One of the main reasons people choose to go on vacations abroad is to experience a different culture. Going on a trip that’s far from your home town gives you an entirely new perspective on how people live – an education you can’t learn from your laptop.
• Another great reason for going on vacation is to experience the food. If you’re lucky enough to live in a multicultural cultural with access to cuisines all over the world, you’ll be able to compare the specific local ingredients and see how much of a difference they make ton taste and authenticity.
• If you’re from the UK, you’ll be all too well aware of its unpredictable and gloomy rainy days. One of the biggest advantages to going on vacation is the ability to experience a different climate, so if you’re looking for somewhere with a hot and humid climate you’re going to have to travel out of the UK.
• Going to another country is the perfect opportunity to learn a new language or at least learn the basics. This allows you to interact with locals and opens doors to whole new experiences for you.

We think a mix of both staycations and vacations give the right balance. Whilst it’s important to explore the great world that we live in, it’s also just as important to check out what’s right on your doorstep, too.