5 Benefits of a Staycation

I recently took a staycation in Washington D.C. and even though it’s a city i’ve been to many times over, this was an opportunity for me to see it differently. If you don’t know, a “staycation” is different from a vacation in that you remain in your home city or somewhere nearby that is usually accessed within a day or even better, a couple hours. Right now especially, it’s a great alternative to international travel or visiting places that require a flight. I figured I would talk about why it was necessary for me and why it might benefit you to take one or at least consider planning one.

1. A Change of Scenery

Many of us have been spending a lot of time in our homes (as we should) because of covid. Then we’ve added another layer- winter weather. It’s been snowing and raining quite a bit, at least here in Richmond, and cabin fever has become quite real. A staycation is an opportunity to at least change the place you lay your head for a day or a few. Whether you choose a hotel or an airbnb or even a relative or friend’s house, it’s a different layout, different room, different bed, etc. A change of scenery can be good for your mental health and helpful creatively because it’s a change in routine and the things you usually see and consume. You may see something new that makes you smile, inspires you, makes you think and the list goes on.

2. A Chance to Rest and Recharge

I split my time between working and resting, but you could definitely take staycations and do nothing or only things that relax you. It can be a chance to get away from all of the things you usually have to do or feel obligated to like cleaning your home or working. You could even strategically choose a place that has an in-house spa where you could treat yourself to activities that will relax you even further. However you plan, it’s important to carve out time to do what stresses you or strains you least while on your staycation.

3. Less Travel Time (and potentially less risk)

I feel that kind of the point of a staycation is to find a place near you that’s easily accessible. Long drives or flights usually take a lot of time and energy, so that’s something you’re probably going to want to avoid for this. My trip to DC took me an hour and forty five minutes and I hate driving so I left at times where I could avoid traffic. This way the trip wouldn’t get prolonged or more frustrating. Less travel time also means more time at your actual location to do whatever it is you have planned.

4. A More Affordable Travel Option

Without question, I spent less on my staycation than I would have with a full vacation. Driving instead of flying saves a lot of money. In my case, I went alone and ate at the restaurant that was in the hotel so that was also convenient and saved me some money because I didn’t have to pay delivery fees or worry about splitting a large bill etc. You also don’t actually have to do anything once you get where you’re going, which is a money save as well. For the 3 days I was in DC, I never left my hotel, which is a certainly a way to save money.

5. Familiarity and Comfortability with the Area

Like I said earlier, I’ve been to DC many, many times. Even if I don’t know all the ins and outs of the city, there’s still a certain comfort with driving around and being there because it’s relatively close to home. That’s the thing about staycations- you can stay close by or even “at home” in your own city. This way you’re changing scenery but still in an area where you know the good spots to eat or the chill and relaxing things to do.

There are definitely more benefits to staycations than those I listed, but the main thing is that they’re an option to consider for recharging and maintaining your mental health. While I’m mentioning them right now because of covid, this is really something you could do at any time when you feel you need a short, attainable getaway that doesn’t require major fuss to plan. With minimal bags, plans to do little to nothing, and an overall different pace and scenery, you can focus on yourself and take care of yourself.