Have you ever found yourself thinking "I could do with another holiday" when you're back home after the most perfect 2 weeks in paradise? Well, why not extend your regular holiday by a day or two and book a staycation - this is something most travel providers and major airlines are starting to do; offer a free staycation in your home country if you book a package holiday. Also, if you can't quite afford the big bucks and splash out on a long haul holiday, then a staycation is the perfect treat for you. If you are tampering with the idea of staying home or going abroad, let me give you 10 reasons why staycations are the perfect treat...
You are guaranteed good views and idyllic scenery. Within less than 2 hours (in any country) you can drive to either a gorgeous city, lakes, beach or mountains (and in some cases, rain forests).
Travel time isn't really a thing, as you're likely to jump in the car or board a train for a couple hours only.
Needless to say, it's cheaper than booking an all inclusive boutique suite after an 8 hour flight.
Planning is easy - even if you book something a day in advance; your main worry is finding a hotel and jumping in the car. There are tons of options on lastminute.com or airbnb.com where you can tailor your search results to match your needs. Want adventure, want a spa break, want a hot tub lodge? Then tell the search engine sites and they will find your perfect trip. I personally think canopyandstars.com is the perfect place for finding the most perfect staycation across the UK. I have used them any times and have found some gorgeous treehouses and private barn conversions.
You can be a tourist in your home town. There is nothing I love more than exploring Dubai on my days off, or London when I am back home. There's tonnes of online self-guided tours, instaworthy suggestions or big bus tour companies. It's so great to see what's on your doorstep, find hidden gems and brag to your friends. Plus if you love it so much, you can easily go back; compared to the Maldvies where it's a big saving session and treat to return...
If you have children; it's easier to travel. Give them an iPad, download some shows on Netflix, stick them in the car and 2 hours later; you have reached your destination. I don't have kids, but having seen what I was like with my poor parents 20 years ago; I can imagine there is nothing worse than trying to clear passport control with a screaming child who is in dyer need of a snickers and the toilet... (still sounds familiar today...)
There are no luggage restrictions! Possibly one of my favourite things about travelling locally is that you don't have to cram 14 pairs of shorts, 12 bikinis, extra toiletries and 17 blouses in a 30kg suitcase...just cram the car until you can no longer see out of any window, and you're good.
You can bring your pets. Why should we swan off to a beach resort, when our four legged friends are stuck inside a kennel or at home with a stranger? When you have an extremely demanding pooch like us; you'll often find yourself making excuses to not go somewhere: "What about the dog....?" - My mother says this all the time, but my folks have recently discovered staycations, where the dog can jump in the back of the car and you can either go camping or stay in a pet-friendly B&B, which again is much cheaper than a resort...
You're supporting your local economy by investing into smaller businesses and the money going back into the country.
There is usually something for everyone - you just need to find the right place. Whether the kids want adventure, mum wants a mall, the grandparents want a spa and dad wants clay pigeon shooting; I can guarantee you will find something special.
And if you are still planning on going abroad, but warming to the idea of a staycation, then why not take an extra 2 days off after your holiday before heading back to work? You can choose to either sit at home, or find a local spa - either way you have an extra couple days to unpack, get back onto local time and slowly get back to reality. It always takes me a week after dropping my towels on the bathroom floor, that no one is going to pick them up and get them laundered except me...
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