Blessing Akaruese Emmanuel 20 Mar 2025
The rise of staycation culture is transforming the way we travel and experience leisure time. What's driving the staycation trend? This trend has been driven by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which made international travel challenging and expensive. As a result, people started looking for alternative ways to relax and recharge without breaking the bank.
The rise of staycation culture is a fascinating trend that's been gaining momentum over the past few years. Essentially, a staycation is a vacation where you stay at home or in your hometown, exploring local attractions and experiences instead of traveling to a different location.
Staycations are on the rise, mainly because it’s a very sustainable way of traveling and experiencing hospitality. It offers a more environmentally friendly and budget-friendly alternative to traditional vacations. By staying close to home, travelers reduce their carbon footprint and save money on transportation and accommodation. Apparently since you aren’t traveling far, your carbon footprint is much smaller compared to if you were flying, and this can help to focus more on caring for and enriching your community, experiencing new things in your direct environment, and participating in your region or country’s growth.
Another reason why staycation is on the rise is because they encourage people to discover new attractions, restaurants, and experiences in their own backyard. This newfound appreciation for local culture and community is fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents.
Another reason to also look at is that staycations provide the flexibility to take shorter, more frequent breaks, allowing travelers to recharge and relax without the hassle of long-distance travel.
What is more is that because they’re low-cost and less of a hassle, staycations are also enjoyed more frequently than the traditional, two-week, monthly, or even bi-annual vacations. Rather than one large trip during the summer or during ‘leaves’, the same amount of time “away” can be enjoyed as periodic mini-vacations sprinkled throughout the year. In fact, a prominent demographic that’s leading the market in quick trips is the millennial generation, or those of the ages of 18 to 34.
On average, millennials take 3.1 staycations per year in addition to a more traditional vacation. And more than any other generation, 55% are also taking overnight trips instead of traveling outside of their region. This stat is up nearly 30% since 2013.
Google research data shows that since 2010, “staycation” practice has enjoyed a 58% rise in search frequency, with a 10% year on year increase in 2015 alone, and is forecasted to keep climbing with consistent peaks. A recent survey has revealed that 34% of millennials plan to take more staycations yearly. Curiosity makes us wonder why, and the following reasons are on the top three:
1. To enjoy a hassle-free vacation experience (37%),
2. To spend more quality time with loved ones (34%),
3. And, to save money (30%).
Just in case you might be pondering on what type of staycation to take, here are some types of staycations you may want to look at:
1.Relaxation Staycation
- Focus on relaxation and rejuvenation
- Activities: spa treatments, yoga, meditation, reading, and lounging by the pool or beach
- Ideal for: individuals looking to unwind and recharge
2.Adventure Staycation
- Focus on exploration and adventure
- Activities: hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and visiting local attractions
- Ideal for: thrill-seekers and families with kids
3.Cultural Staycation
- Focus on cultural experiences and learning
- Activities: visiting museums, attending concerts or festivals, taking cooking classes, and exploring local neighborhoods
- Ideal for: culture enthusiasts and foodies
4.Foodie Staycation
- Focus on culinary experiences and exploration
- Activities: trying new restaurants, taking food tours, attending wine tastings, and visiting local markets
- Ideal for: food enthusiasts and wine lovers
5.Wellness Staycation
- Focus on health and wellness
- Activities: yoga, meditation, fitness classes, spa treatments, and healthy eating
- Ideal for: individuals looking to improve their physical and mental well-being
6.Family Staycation
- Focus on family-friendly activities and bonding
- Activities: visiting theme parks, playing games, going on picnics, and exploring local attractions
- Ideal for: families with kids
7.Romantic Staycation
- Focus on romance and relaxation
- Activities: couples' spa treatments, candlelit dinners, sunset views, and romantic walks
- Ideal for: couples celebrating special occasions or looking for a romantic getaway
8.Solo Staycation
- Focus on personal growth and self-reflection
- Activities: journaling, meditation, yoga, and exploring local attractions
- Ideal for: individuals looking for a solo retreat and self-discovery
9.Nature Staycation
- Focus on outdoor activities and nature exploration
- Activities: hiking, camping, birdwatching, and visiting national parks
- Ideal for: nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
10.Urban Staycation
- Focus on city exploration and urban experiences
- Activities: visiting local landmarks, trying street food, attending concerts or festivals, and exploring local neighborhoods
- Ideal for: city dwellers and urban enthusiasts
As the staycation trend continues to grow, it's essential for local businesses, cultural institutions, and community leaders to capitalize on this opportunity. By offering tailored experiences, promoting local attractions, and fostering community engagement, we can create a thriving staycation culture that benefits everyone involved.
Overall, the rise of staycation culture is a positive trend that offers numerous benefits for individuals, local economies, and communities. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it's refreshing to see people embracing the joys of exploring their own backyard.
