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Astaycation (aportmanteau of "stay" and "vacation") is a recreational break spent at home or within aboth-ways day's trip distance of it, requiring no overnight accommodation.[1] In the UK, Ireland and Hong Kong, the term has increasingly come to encompassdomestic tourism, or taking a holiday in one's resident country or territory as opposed to traveling abroad.[2][3][4][5][6] In Hong Kong, the term has also come to mean a vacation spent staying in a nearby hotel or accommodation.[6]
Common activities of a staycation include the use of a homepool, visits to localparks andmuseums, and attendance at localfestivals andamusement parks. Some staycationers also like to follow a set of rules, such as setting a start and end date, planning ahead, and avoiding routine, with the goal of creating the feel of a traditional vacation.[7]
Staycations achieved popularity in the U.S. during theGreat Recession of the late 2000s.[8][9] In 2020, they became common because of theCOVID-19 pandemic.[10]
The wordstaycation is aportmanteau ofstay (meaning stay-at-home) andvacation.[11][12] The termdaycation is also sometimes used.[9] Merriam-Webster cites the earliest use in the 18 July 1944 Cincinnati Enquirer.[13] The term was used by Canadian comedianBrent Butt in the television showCorner Gas, in the episode "Mail Fraud", which first aired 24 October 2005. The word became widely used in the United States during 2008, when gas prices reached record highs, leading many people to cut back on expenses including travel.[14][12] The term was added to the 2009 version ofMerriam-Webster'sCollegiate Dictionary.[15] However,Lake Superior State University added the word to its 2009 List of Banished Words. The citation noted thatvacation is not synonymous withtravel, and thus a separate term is not necessary to describe a vacation during which one stays at home.[16]
Staycations are likely to be less costly than a vacation involving distant traveling. There may be no lodging costs, and travel expenses may be minimal. Costs may includetransportation for local trips,dining, and local attractions.[17]According to the American Automobile Association, "the average North American vacation will cost $244 per day for two people for lodging and meals" and "Add some kids and airfare, and a 10-day vacation could top $8,000."[17]
Staycations are likely to avoid some of the stress associated with travel, such asjet lag, packing, long drives, or waits atairports.[18]
Staycations may also be of economic benefit to some local businesses, who get customers only from the area providing them with business. In 2008, the tourism bureaus of many U.S. cities also began promoting staycations for their residents to help replace the tourism dollars lost from a drop in out-of-town visitors.[7]
Staycationers may spend money they had not planned as retailers and other advertisers offer "deals".[19] Staycationers can also finish a stay-at-home vacation feeling unsatisfied if they allow themselves to fall into their daily monotony and include household projects, errands, and other tasks in their vacation at home or near home.[7]
