Some Individuals Dream of Escaping on a Getaway, Yet I Opt for a Staycation

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I haven’t traveled in quite some time — we’re talking years before the pandemic began. Back when I was married to my ex-husband, we were always off on adventures. One summer, we spent every weekend at the lake, plus a week away for the Fourth of July. That summer left me utterly exhausted.

Now that I’m single and make my own choices, I find that my ideal vacation involves staying put. My soul craves this stillness, and I genuinely need it. With a week off coming up, I’m excited about doing absolutely nothing. I can’t wait to dive into my books, enjoy the tranquility of my home without a never-ending to-do list, avoid checking emails, and take a break from my phone. I’m ready to binge-watch more than just one Netflix series.

Perhaps my preference stems from being a homebody. Being an introvert likely plays a role too. Or maybe it’s simply because I’m aware of the immense responsibility moms carry when it comes to planning vacations — organizing, packing, and ensuring everyone has what they need amid the chaos.

I understand that for some, staying home might seem dull compared to jetting off on a cruise, exploring a vibrant city, or going camping (please, no). I’m aware of that deep yearning to escape, even if it’s not something I personally feel. I’ve heard others express it, and I can see how compelling it can be, just as my desire to stay home is strong.

As I prepare to wrap up my work, the thought of packing feels overwhelming. I barely have time to get my oil changed, let alone plan a getaway. But I know myself well — a true vacation means unwinding completely. I need quiet, plenty of sleep, and time to recharge mentally. Leaving home would require so much planning and pressure to see and do everything, which only leads to returning home to heaps of laundry, dog pick-ups, and catching up on missed bills.

The adage, “I need a vacation from my vacation,” exists for a reason — it’s painfully accurate. I recall my pre-kid vacations, where I never felt rejuvenated; all I wanted was my own bed for a week.

I’ve traveled while pregnant, taken trips with young kids, gone on adventures with older kids, and even traveled solo post-divorce, yet every time, I find myself thinking I’d prefer to be at home. If I could sandwich a week away with two mini-staycations before and after, I might be more inclined to escape. However, that’s rarely feasible, so my choice is clear: staycation it is.

To me, a vacation feels like overwhelming stimulation, which wears me out by day two, leaving me grumpy and exhausted while I manage everyone else’s moods for a “perfect” getaway. I’ve wrestled with this for a long time. During our honeymoon, we cut our trip short because I reached my limit, and the thought of jumping back into regular life was daunting.

So while you’re off snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, skiing down slopes, or trying unique delicacies for the first time, I’d rather be at home. Those of us who cherish staycations don’t feel deprived; we understand that staying put is the only way to truly relax.

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Summary

Many people yearn for vacations, but for some, like me, a staycation is the ideal way to unwind. The pressures of planning, packing, and managing family dynamics while away can be overwhelming. Instead, I find solace in the simplicity of staying home, allowing myself the time and space to relax and recharge without the fuss of travel.