Adelheid Hanna: The benefits of staycation: 6 tips for the staycationer

Sabtu, 07 Juli 2012

The benefits of staycation: 6 tips for the staycationer | Budget Travel ...

staycation

Picture by Sarah Sosiak

Staycation is becoming more and more popular especially for those who are cash-strapped or those who simply don?t enjoy air travel. If you are yearning to go for a break but will not travel overseas, you can always choose to be a tourist in your own city or hometown.

Staycation not only saves you lots of unnecessary expenses but also the rigourous trip planning that is mandatory to any overseas travel. You may be surprised with what your very own backyard has in store. If you have the time to take a break from work, explore areas in your hometown you hardly venture and begin a whole new adventure.

Here are some ideas:

1)????? Check into a local hotel

Enjoy the benefits of being a lady or man of leisure by checking into a reasonably-prized local hotel. Check out hotel websites that offer good seasonal or promotional hotel rates. Check out rates with complimentary breakfast for huge bargains. It makes sense not to drive to the hotel if your accommodation happens to be located in the city or town centre as you will chalk up expenses on parking charges and petrol price for your travel needs.

2)????? Visit places of interest

Check out your city?s activity calendar and plan your itinerary. The museums and art galleries will provide you with lots of opportunities to rekindle your interest in the visual arts. Some areas in art galleries offer free admission to visitors. In addition, some museums offer discounted entrance fees on certain days. Check out your local museum or art gallery website for details.? Touristy areas such as the city?s landmarks and waterways or historical areas will also provide you with immense adventure as a local tourist.

3)????? Explore historical areas

Print an online map or pick one from the tourist information centre of a historical area in your city or hometown. Plan your route carefully to make sure that you capture all the historical sights that hometown or city has to offer. Walking down memory lane is a good way to gain a deeper knowledge and hence a new found appreciation of your city.

4)????? Savour local food??

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Tantalise your tastebuds by looking up nondescript cafes or small eating houses tucked away in one corner of the city. Usually such places offer better tasting than their four-or five-star restaurant counterparts. In many cases, they also offer comparable quality food minus the posh ambience and top-quality service. The authentic sounds and atmosphere in such eating places makes your eating experience more interesting.

5)????? Enjoy what nature has to offer

Go for a walk in the gardens or park or explore the nature reserve if you choose to stay in a cabin out of the city. There is nothing more cathartic than to immerse yourself in nature. Feast your eyes on the immense greenery and mammoth natural landscape before you or simply enjoy the rhythm of the waves as they crash onto the cliff.

6)????? Use the public transport??

Venture to places of interest by public transport instead of driving there. Purchasing bulk travel in one ticket or a three-day or even a weekly ticket that incorporates the train, bus and ferry gives you a better deal in transport expenses.

The next time you need a break from work, consider going on a staycation and enjoy the perks of being a local tourist. You not only will look at your city or hometown on a different perspective but also will appreciate the massive savings you will make as a staycationer. On top of that, there is no need to catch a train, deal with delays and jet lag.