It’s time to start thinking about our all-too-important time away during summer. Perhaps your kids are out of school and it’s the best time of the year to visit family across the country. Maybe you’re a teacher and it’s the only practical time to hit the road (or the skies). Or perhaps it’s simply the long days of summer that encourage you to take time off from your 9-5.
No matter the reason, summer is when most people decide to get outta town. With few signs that the economy is improving and with 401K’s and savings accounts at a fraction what they were just a year ago, it’s time to decide what you’ll do with your vacation time this year. Here are some pros and cons for whatever option you choose.
Vacation
Pros – Determined not to let your finances stop you from following through on your yearly travel plans? Good for you! This might just be the perfect antidote to what has become a stressful situation at work or at home. While I never recommend that people go into debt to travel, if you can still take time off with family or friends, you may find that you’re more clearheaded and relaxed when you get home.
Plus, airfares have never been lower during the summer and, while they may not exactly be cheap, there are definitely bargains to be had.
Cons – If your finances are truly in the tank, spending a large chunk of money for a vacation simply because you’re unwilling to change your plans may indeed be foolhardy. Returning home to further debt will only make getting back into the swing of things worse.
Staycation
Pros – Sticking around your neck of the woods and discovering new sites within a 100 miles or so of home can provide a truly fresh perspective on where you live. Connecting with your region will give you a new appreciation the area and perhaps you’ll meet new friends that live just a few hours’ drive from your home. You’ll also have some new ideas for weekend getaways in the future.
Cons – Hmmm. I don’t think there are any cons to actually taking a staycation, other than perpetuating the use of this silly term.
Naycation
Pros – For financial reasons, you may choose to simply not travel this summer and instead enjoy your own backyard. Literally. Why not get to know your neighbors, invite them over for a BBQ, brunch, dessert or cocktails. Take the money you’d save from a getaway and put it towards a future trip.
Cons – Getting away from your home environment and everyday chores can be one of the highlights of an out of town getaway, no matter the distance. If you choose to not go away at all, you’ll be facing a summer of lawn mowing, home projects and cooking without a break. This might be OK for some – it would drive me crazy 🙂
What will you do this summer?
Travel Well,
Beth
Photo credit Kebabs: Elin B
All other photos: Beth Whitman
Related links:
Using Your Cell Phone Abroad: A Primer
Understanding Travel Insurance
Booking Advice in Today’s Climate
5 Healthy Travel Tips
10 Tips for Traveling Around the Globe
Tips for Staying Safe in Your Hotel
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nomadicmatt says
ugg i hate the word stayaction. its a fancy way of saying i’m not going anywhere to make you feel like you went somewhere!
Beth says
I’m with you, NomadicMatt. I hate the term but I think that it means to venture a little farther than your backyard. Perhaps within 100 miles or so by car rather than flying, for example.
I know a number of B&B’s who are benefiting from people traveling closer to home so I can’t knock this way of travel – it is helping support local businesses.
Peter says
I am just in the midst of completing a staycation. It was relatively on the low side of activity. I did some deepsea fishing for blues, celebrated the fourth, went to a museum, visited some malls, and had a couple Sunday buffets. I usually work Sundays, so I never get to go to the buffets-they’re too far from my workplace. Oh, and it was my dad’s birthday. I’ll probably see Orphan when it comes out. Oh, and let’s not forget sleeping late every day!