Staycation is a relatively new word derived from the American term “vacation” and is now used extensively by travel writers.
Having a staycation is a blog topic that interests me. Opinions throughout the travel community differ on using travel time to “investigate” what is on your doorstep versus visiting a new country.
While a staycation is not on the agenda for some, for others, a true desire to find out what their own country offers them as a traveller is high on their list of priorities.
In this post, I highlight the subject of ‘staycations’ and ask some thought-provoking questions to determine whether a staycation can be defined as travel.
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Can a staycation ever be the same as travelling to a different country?
How travel has changed through the decades
A mere 70 years ago, air travel was something that only the well-heeled and well-financed could afford.
Travelling to far-flung corners of the globe was just a dream, and travel usually consisted of a week spent at a beach in a caravan or guest house. An event later called a Staycation!
Nowadays, affordable airfares and train and road travel have made just about everywhere on the global map accessible. We now jump on planes for quick ‘getaways’ and travel the world on extended holidays.No longer are we staying home and discovering our own countries.
Is a staycation all too familiar?
The Cambridge English dictionary defines a Staycation as a holiday you take at home or near your home rather than travelling to another place.
Let’s be serious, though; who wants to experience the same culture, food, weather and people they already know?
The overwhelming excitement of travelling abroad becomes like a drug that you can’t stop taking. An addiction to travel may sound slightly overstretched, but it is something that travellers admit to having, myself included.
The thought of not travelling abroad ensues me with despair. Even though I love my own country and can honestly say the UK is a beautiful place, do I want a ‘staycation’?
What are the advantages of a Staycation?
The advantages of a staycation are that you don’t have to fly anywhere. If you do, an internal flight won’t take very long unless you happen to be in Australia or America, where distances are vast.
At home, you know your native language, so there is no chance of having a problem and being unable to communicate. And if, like me, you aren’t a fan of foreign foods, then the thought of staying in your own country can begin to look appealing.
Can a Staycation be classed as a break from the norm?
I have travelled to Cornwall, Scotland, Wales and Jersey, to name just a few places in the United Kingdom, and while they were amazing places to visit, they also felt ‘familiar’ and didn’t give me the same buzz as going abroad.
Experiencing different cultures, architecture and cuisine in countries like Vietnam or Venice for the first time, climbing Table Mountain or seeing Angkor Wat are memories you can’t make at home.
Staycation sounds a little bit boring, doesn’t it?
When friends ask me where I’m going, if it’s in the UK, I always say, “oh, only in this country”, almost as an apology.
While some nod in agreement, knowing exactly what I mean, others look at me strangely, as though I’m delusional. Surely all travel is the same even if you only stay on home territory and venture a few miles away, or is it?
Conclusion
The Cambridge English dictionary defines the word ‘Travel’ as making a journey, usually over a long distance.
Although my addiction to overseas travel will never cease, I will always embrace the island I live on and know that any travel experience I have is one for which I am grateful.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic, so please feel free to leave a comment below.
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Merielle
Friday 13th of March 2020
Angela, you have it spot on - it's a great time to travel in the UK - and what's the definition of long? I am guessing Cornwall is a long journey for many of us in the South East - so that must be a staycation, surely? Thanks for the tips and ideas on where to go too.
WhereAngieWanders
Friday 13th of March 2020
I think the UK will be rediscovered this year now so many international bans are in place. Fingers crossed for some good weather.