Maybe you’ve heard the term already. This whole concept of “staycations,” or “staying home” or “close to home” rather than going anywhere to “get away from it all.” I found “staycation” listed on “Urban Dictionary.” “A vacation that is spent at one’s home enjoying all that home and one’s home environs have to offer.”
Well, gol’ durn, that sounds mighty pleasant! So what’s with this NOT going away on a vacation? Most people will say “it’s the economy,” which generally means “can’t afford the gas” or “can’t afford the extra fifty bucks for a plane ticket, since I want to take some luggage and not have to wear the same pair of underwear for a week.” Funny, how stressful economic times keep people closer to home.
Ultimately, I think that’s a totally good thing, re-connecting with where you live. I’m really fortunate in that I live in a state that offers tons of outdoor recreation all year long. I just went mountain biking and in a few days, I’m going hiking. Awesome trails abound within 20 miles of where I’m currently based and when I did a little whitewater kayaking in July, I did it on the Arkansas River, which runs 30 feet from my front door. Yeah. I’m really freakin’ lucky. Here’s a shot of the boaters’ “playhole” that was constructed where I now reside. This is right downtown.
[source: Hello Colorado Springs]
Right downtown. I am not making that up. Here’s a shot of downtown, for funsies.
[source: Bargain Retirement Places (but don't necessarily believe that!)]
So for someone like me, who really digs outdoor activities and running around in the mountains or rafting/boating on the river, staycationing makes total sense to me. And you don’t necessarily HAVE to stay at home or even in your home city. You can take a staycation just by going to the next town over (or city) and spending the day there. Sure, it might involve driving, but not a thousand miles (unless you reside in the Northwest Territories). Maybe a hundred. Probably less. And it’s kinda cool, actually, to get to know more about where you’re living.
And some days, if the weather ain’t all that, you can take a staycation over the weekend in your house and rent a few movies and just hang out with your friends, family, kids, neighbors, whomever. Or take your kids to the local library (ooo! You can check movies out there, too!) on a day like that. Maybe to the local museum or zoo. Maybe have a dinner party or potluck at your house with friends. Invite some people you don’t know very well but would like to get to know. It’s low-key, mellow, and parties can be fun.
So, yeah. Lately, I’m kinda diggin’ this staycation thing. I’m liking meeting more people where I live, and getting to know more about the surrounding area. And yeah, it can save you some money. And that’s always good.
Anyway, I’m doing a little staycationing this week. If you want to find out more about other crazy stuff I’m up to, catch me at MySpace, too. If you want to find out more about what I write and my first novel that was just published and the next two that come out this December, catch me at my website.
Thanks a bunch for stopping by and hope all y’all enjoy some downtime.
Posted on September 17th, 2008 by Andi
Filed under: Andi's Take, Life, meaningful mundanities | No Comments »
