Going on a break is important – if we don’t stop to take a breather every now and again, we’ll get stressed out and won’t feel like we can work at our full potential. However, then you end up with another headache – airfare is expensive, airport security is a hassle, and luggage restrictions mean you’re stuck if you were a bit too enthusiastic in your shopping. Staycations are the sustainable and more economical solution to this problem.
A staycation is the more environmentally conscious option, as you will not be contributing to pollution due to plane fuel. You not only reduce your environmental impact by using less air fuel, but you will also support the local economy by finding local businesses. Supporting local products will lead you to find things you never even knew were there. Perhaps you will learn to appreciate your local area in a way you hadn’t before?
Staycations, or even just travelling within the country, can be great for your wallet as well as for the environment. As you don’t have to pay for the same expensive travel costs (or not quite so many). The ultimate budget and sustainable staycation is a camping trip – especially if you live near the countryside, where you can hike out. If camping isn’t your style, then try and take the time to support a local hotel or bed and breakfast – they’ll have tips for getting the most of the area and will probably know of a few things to do that you had no idea about!
The best staycation, though, is the original. Taking time to yourself and taking leave from work will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to handle everything, even if you’re not going anywhere special. Just staying at home is the most environmentally-friendly thing you can do, as it takes no travel time or money at all! See what options you have next time you are planning a quick break, and see if it might be worth just exploring your town, county, or even somewhere else in the country.
