A recent Wall Street Journal blog estimates that the United States wastes $52.4 billion annually in untaken vacation time (not including sick or personal days). It also increases the risk of burnout and decreases staff retention. The cost of paid time off is reflected as a liability on company balance sheets, adding more expense.
However, even if you take all of these steps to cut costs on holiday, it may still need to be possible to get away. However, you should save your vacation time if you cannot travel to a far-flung destination. The following are some suggestions for a relaxing and rewarding staycation.
1. Wrap up that long-delayed DIY project around the house.
Is there something you’ve meant to do but know you will need more time to finish over the weekend? A staycation there might be just what you need. You should schedule enough time off to complete your project, plus a day or two to kick back and enjoy it after it’s done.
Ensure your goals are realistic for your time and that you’ve considered any other potential obstacles. Getting partway through a task is frustrating, only to return to it later.
The season also plays a role, depending on your goals. When temperatures reach over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, as they often do in the summer where I live, working outside is generally not a good idea. Moreover, starting a garden is too late because it would all burn to the ground regardless. Therefore, an indoor activity would be ideal for my staycation in my area. I think yours is different.
2. Try Being a Stranger in Your Own City
It doesn’t matter where you live; you can bet that tourists from far and wide visit your area at least occasionally. Simply put, this practice is known as tourism. If there is so much to do close by, there is no reason to take a flight or travel large distances. You can probably find all of the following in your area:
- Art, history, and science museums.
- Parks of any level of government
- Zoos and gardens of flora and fauna
- Competitive sports
- Theatrical, Ballet, and Musical Performances
- Concerts
- Recreational pursuits (such as camping, swimming, and skiing)
These choices aren’t exactly budget-friendly; that much can be said. However, there are benefits to acting like a visitor in your city. Two primary factors contribute to the high cost of travel:
The trip and eating in restaurants because you won’t have a kitchen.
You won’t have to worry about paying for gas and lodging because you already reside in the area. That way, the other items are more lavish. In addition, many businesses provide special deals to locals, especially outside peak tourist times.
3. Volunteering
Well, indeed, helping others isn’t always a breeze. However, using your vacation time to help others is a great way to feel good about yourself.
If you’re anything like me, finding the time to volunteer after full-time work and other commitments has become increasingly difficult. This is especially true if the office of your preferred organization is located on the other side of town.
On the other hand, if you’re staying at home for your vacation, you can volunteer for a few days straight and still have plenty of time to relax and unwind. If this interests you, please inform the organization you support ahead of time so they can prepare accordingly.
Additionally, many organizations run events year-round, such as a weeklong adoption drive at a local animal shelter. Before scheduling time off, find out if a pending labor-intensive event could need your help. That way, your vacation time can be organized accordingly.
4. Cleansing and Sparing
Forty minutes from my home is Goodwill, which will most likely have designer clothing in my city. In the other direction from where I live, a 30-minute drive will get me to the best-used bookstore around. It can be challenging to visit either location within the normal course of my life, let alone both. Meanwhile, my closet is overflowing with things that no longer fit me or that I’ve become tired of wearing, and my bookcases are stacked high with titles I’ve previously read.
An at-home cleansing and sale is the best course of action. The added benefit is that you can begin amassing items for a donation whenever you have free time. Then, drive your car full of items to the thrift store and take as much time as you like looking through the bargain bins.
You can also arrange a house pickup if the amount of stuff you wish to give is too much to fit in your vehicle. Many charity-run secondhand shops will arrange to come to your home, load up your donations, and then go without your having to do anything. Pickups are often scheduled during the week, giving you a chance to help people, earn a tax deduction, and watch trashy reality TV simultaneously.
5. Acquire a New Capability
Finally, being at home during a vacation is a great opportunity to learn a new skill, especially one you plan to use often. Whether you want to learn to cook, play an instrument, or sew your clothes, a week is plenty of time to get the hang of things and acquire confidence in your abilities.
When you have something solid to build on, you can look forward to putting in the time on nights and weekends to practice or take on little projects instead of dreading them. Just be sure you enjoy the hobby before investing a lot of money into gear for it. Save money by making do with what you have or by picking your interests wisely.
Once you’ve accumulated some experience, it is time to spring for the fancy equipment. You’ll also have the benefit of time to put money aside and the clarity of purpose that comes from having a clear goal in mind. And if you’re already an expert, that new ability can help you start a side business using your expertise!