If you say the word ‘staycation’ in most countries in the west, everyone will know what you are talking about. When you are on a staycation, you stay in a hotel or resort in your own city and do all the fun things you would do if you were on vacation. Here is Skyscanner’s guide to staycations for families as well as singles.
In India, it is an idea that is gaining more attention. Life in a city has a lot of stress points – long working hours and commutes, crowded public transport – all of which take their toll. How great would it be to give yourself a holiday without having to ask for leave and without spending major time and expense on travel?
Staycation vs. Vacation
For a vacation, you take a break for two weeks or more from the office or home. You spend time deciding your holiday location and search for the best deals on airlines and hotels. If you are going to spend money on travel and accommodation, your trip needs to be worth it, right? So you also plan what to do during your holiday – sites to see, food to try out, maybe some activities with the family, etc.
For a staycation, you usually ask for few days off or you may not need to ask for time away from the office at all. You could use a normal weekend or better still a three-day weekend. Since you are going to be in your own city, it becomes easier to choose a hotel. And all the money you would have spent on travel is saved or used for activities at the resort. Treat yourself to a spa-day or a seven course meal!
Overall, in the staycation vs vacation battle, staycations can cost less. They also need less time and effort to plan.
Staycation ideas for families
If there is a theme park in your city, consider a staycation instead of a day-trip. The theme park may have its own hotel or there may be one close by. If your family wants a sun-and-sand atmosphere, look for sea-front resorts where you can get just as pampered with luxury and food as you would in Goa or the Maldives.
You could stay with the family in the downtown area of your city away from your home in the suburbs. Book yourselves into a posh hotel. Take tours of famous landmarks and historical sites in your city. Visit restaurants that you never tried out because you lived too far away.
Staycation ideas for singles
For singles, besides a mini-break, a staycation is also an opportunity to work on a passion or explore an interest that you haven’t been able to give time to, say writing a book, or volunteering at an animal shelter. You could also catch up with friends for a spa-and-sauna weekend at your favourite hotel.
Are any film or theatre festivals coming to your city or maybe a street festival? Find a nice hotel close to venue and voila! You are on a festival staycation. Pop over to the festival when you choose to and enjoy your down-time with a swim by the pool in your hotel.
Staycation Tips (do’s and don’ts)
On a staycation, keeping away from your routine may be hard. Firstly, stay unplugged. Don’t carry your laptop with you. Use your phone only to make calls.
Do not spend the whole day in your hotel room. Make plans on how to spend your time but keep your schedule flexible. Use public transport rather than your car when on a staycation. Lastly, even if you are in your own city, don’t overspend. Keep track of your expenses.
Skyscanner can to help you plan your staycation. Visit Skyscanner.co.in and click the hotels tab for comparative rates on hotels in your city.
India has hopped onto the staycation wagon. Plan your next one today! You can book your flights, hotel or rent a car with Skyscanner today. Alternatively, book online or by using our mobile apps
