By Sanjea Taylor, World News Editor
With summer officially here, many people are starting to think about the best way to spend their time off. But with everything getting more expensive, the real question is what’s actually worth it: a staycation or a vacation?
With the rising cost of living, higher gas prices, and expensive flights, traveling is not as easy as it used to be. According to the Food Institute, rising domestic travel costs are making many Americans more cautious about vacation spending, making some to choose staycations instead.
However, what is a “staycation”? A Staycation is just a vacation spent at or near home, but with a different mindset. According to Forbes, it can include things like booking a local hotel, exploring new spots in your city, or even just relaxing at home while treating it like a real getaway.
A vacation is when people travel away from home, often to a different state or even country, to take a break from their daily regular routine. Unlike a staycation, vacations usually involve more planning, thinking about high costs, like flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
Another big difference is the level of effort it takes to prepare for a vacation. Vacations usually require booking flights, hotels, and activities in advance, while staycations are easier to organize since you don’t have to do much planning.
Vacations also come with hidden costs that people don’t always think about at first. According to The Christian Post, travel delays, unexpected fees, and even scams when booking can make a trip more stressful and expensive than expected.
At the same time, staycations are not completely free either and can still cost money depending on what you plan. Going out to restaurants, booking activities, or staying at a local hotel can still add up, but it usually stays more manageable compared to a full travel.
Emmanuel Morris, a sophomore majoring in business management, shared his opinion on which of the two is more affordable.
“I’m from Orlando, and I feel like a staycation can be just as expensive as a vacation, given the fact that I still pay for a rental or the Airbnb and activities,” said Morris.
“However, I think a staycation is more affordable because you don’t have to pay any extra traveling fees like airplane tickets, baggage, Uber, and rentals. You can just use your car and gas as you normally would,” added Morris.
Many people don’t really talk about how expensive vacations can be, since most are focused on the fun and excitement of traveling. But many are surprised by how much they end up spending once the trip is over, with Forbes mentioning the costs of an average one-week vacation are around $1,991.
“When I go on vacation, the only thing that surprises me is how much is spent on transportation,” stated Morris.
Despite this, Morris explains that the best part of a vacation is the chance to travel somewhere completely different and experience new people and cultures. It gives people a break and allows them to enjoy a fresh environment that they might not be able to do with a staycation.
When it comes to cost, many would agree that staycations are more affordable than full trips, especially in a place like Florida, where there’s already plenty to do. According to Forbes, staycations require less planning and spending, making them easier to enjoy and less stressful.
“I love Staycations. We live in Florida, and there’s a lot to do within that. I do find it very peaceful and I do get the vibe of a vacation,” said Morris.
“I think what would make a staycation feel more like a vacation to me just really depends on who I am with honestly. If I’m around good people, then I love it,” added Morris.
In the end, both options have their pros and cons, and it really depends on what someone is looking for: either something more affordable or more fun. Whether it’s traveling somewhere new or relaxing close to home, the goal is still the same—to take a break and enjoy the summer.
