The Rise of the Staycation
Zoe Sperry, Online Lifestyle Editor, explores the increasing popularity of staycations and provides some inspiration for anyone staying home this summer
Before Covid-19, my summer months were always a time of travel. There was nothing more exciting than looking forward to a trip planned across the border – it meant escaping the familiar scenes I had grown bored of and experiencing in-person the sights I had spent hours researching on my computer. It felt wrong to stay home all summer, a disservice to my inner explorer.
And then the pandemic hit and getting on a plane was not an option. Now what? My family and I pondered over how we would pass the long summer months. But we realized there was one place we hadn’t fully discovered in our eagerness to visit every European country: our very own city. And since the pandemic, I have found the beauty in staycations and the thrill of exploring sights that had been hidden in plain sight. And best of all, it has saved me a lot of money.
Staycations have been around since before the pandemic, but it is in recent years that they have become more appealing. Of course, that is largely due to the lockdowns of 2020/21, but recent concerns surrounding the cost of living crisis and climate change have shifted the way many approach their travel plans. Low-cost airlines are getting more expensive, and mass tourism means finding an affordable hotel or Airbnb can be tricky. It is no surprise many are staying within the confines of the UK this summer; in fact, as Mark Duell has outlined, staycations are on a rise in Britain, with a survey showing that British tourists are 40% more likely to vacation in the UK this year compared to previous years.
Staycations have been around since before the pandemic, but it is in recent years that they have become more appealing
No matter where you live, a staycation can have a lot to offer. First and foremost, no need for early morning trips to the airport, where stressfully checking you still have your passport, praying your flight isn’t delayed, and (in)patiently waiting in long boarding queues consume the entirety of your day. A staycation can be tailored to your own likings, needs, and budget. Want to keep it simple? Find some day trips in your local area within easy transport distance. Minimal packing, minimal cost, and minimal planning; an easy formula that will guarantee minimal stress. No matter where you live, there will always be hidden gems to be found.
If you fancy escaping from the noise of the city, you might consider a glamping trip. I think staycations are a great opportunity to be in nature, as travel abroad often involves big city visits or coastal beaches – so when else can you enjoy a peaceful week in the mountains? As the name suggests, glamping is a form of camping that is more luxurious than your traditional tent in the woods. Often in a secluded area, glamping sights provide the prefect experience for anyone who needs a breather after a stressful time. Devon is the perfect place for a rustic retreat – you can find some locations on Unique Hideaways.
Minimal packing, minimal cost, and minimal planning; an easy formula that will guarantee minimal stress
Of course, glamping isn’t always cheap. Traditional camping is a great way to keep things budget friendly. But if that just isn’t your thing, and you long for some good old tourist action, travelling to another city is always a great way to fill that void – whether it’s a big city like London, or something more quaint like Bath.
After a long day or week of sight-seeing, road tripping, or meadow frolicking, it’s nice to come back to the comfort of your home hassle free. No flight delays, no jet lag, no heavy suitcase – just good memories and a stable bank account.
