Home vacationing: an oyxmoron, or is it worth it?

Well, this is the first time I've spent a vacation at home. There are staff members here who do it all the time. I decided to do it because I had to spend a lot of money on some expensive necessities, but it was what I needed. On a lot of vacations I've gone on, there's so much I want to do that I try to squeeze into such a small amount of time that I usually end up exhausting myself and not feeling very relaxed.

I also had to housesit, so at least I was able to spend my time away from my usual surroundings. Unfortunately, I didn't complete a bunch of tasks I'd hoped to, such as organizing my place.

Trying to decide whether or not to do it yourself for your next vacation? Here are some pros and cons of home vacationing:

PROS

Ӣ Saves you money (from spending on a hotel, air fare, etc.). Also saves the environment, as air travel is an atmospheric pollutant.

Ӣ Don't have to worry about orienting yourself with a new environment, transportation system, or language. Also, don't have to worry about jet lag (both going there and coming back). You can already have a good idea of places you want to go, or where to spend your time. Also, can potentially be more relaxing if you just want to chill out and unwind than if you are on a vacation with a packed itinerary.

Ӣ Can see all the things that you always wanted to see but didn't have the time to. Can also get a lot of errands done that you may not have the time to during regular work hours, such as visits to the dentist, doctor, bank, etc.

Ӣ Can get all those home projects done that you've been procrastinating on. Then again, if you're a procrastinator, you may just end up procrastinating your whole vacation too!

Ӣ Can go to a spa, massage therapy, or other pampering services that you normally wouldn't spend money on in your own town. Or you can make your own home spa with guided relaxation recordings, candles, aromatherapeutic products, massage oils, bath products, etc. You can also go to exercise classes, and use the time for getting in shape. There are numerous fitness classes at community and fitness centres, such as yoga, tai chi, aerobics, and other health and wellness courses.

Ӣ Can take a workshop or short course to pursue a hobby or sport. Or you can book time off to attend cultural festivals. There are people I've known who spend their vacation time on buying a VIP pass and going to the Vancouver International Film Festival instead of going away.

Ӣ Helps support the local economy.

Ӣ Can spend time visiting working friends on their lunch break that you might not normally see.

Ӣ If you have a pet, you don't have to worry about finding a sitter or putting them in a kennel.

CONS

”¢ May not give you the refreshing feeling of having gotten away (it may feel as if you never even had a break from work)—unless you take a small day trip, or stay at a hotel. Staying at a hotel in town can be a good get away during off-season times when prices are lowered and deals are offered—check out Carolyn Ali's Travel Notes on this subject. It's also a good way to isolate yourself (if you have a special project you need to get done) or get away from your home surroundings, computer, and other modern technological vices that may keep you plugged in to your work.

Ӣ May not get away from people (or things) you need a break from.

Ӣ Definitely not nearly as memorable or exciting an experience as traveling to a foreign country. And if you don't make the effort, it could be really boring.

Ӣ May not benefit from a better climate or weather (especially if you're in rainy Vancouver).

Got some suggestions? Send an e-mail to contact@straight.com.