Who doesn’t want to take a vacation to get away from it all? We all need some precious downtime to unwind from the stressful lives we lead while spending time with our loved ones. However, a vacation away from home may not be in the cards due to the increase in living expenses, gas prices, and how much hotels are charging nowadays. Maybe it’s time to take a “staycation”, which is a type of vacation that involves staying close to home and enjoying local attractions instead of traveling for hundreds (or even thousands) of miles.

There are many benefits of taking a staycation instead of a far away trip. Let’s look at four of them below!

  1. It’s Cheaper

Airplane tickets, gas prices, hotel charges, foreign accommodations, rental cars, tours, parking-you name it, a vacation away from home is going to hit your wallet pretty hard no matter how hard you try to budget. Staying at home means saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars that can be used for many other things, including extra activities on your staycation.

  1. It’s Less Stressful

Let’s face it- vacations are often more stressful than they are worth. The time and money spent getting there, the unexpected problems, and the worry about what to do and what it will cost lead many people often need a vacation from the vacation once they get home! Staying at home means being able to relax more and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. It’s especially helpful if you’re dealing with job or family burnout.

  1. It’s Fun to Explore

Chances are, there are plenty of interesting sights and spots in and around your hometown that you haven’t been to before. Now is the chance to enjoy them! Check the internet or local Facebook groups to find attractions suitable for the whole family. Re-visit some of the classic spots that may have changed since you last visited, such as the local zoo or museum. You’ll be surprised by what you can find!

  1. It’s Better for Your Pets

So many households have pets that need to be taken care of when they go on vacation. Not only is this stressful for your animals, especially if they have to go to a kennel or an unfamiliar home, but it can also get very expensive. With a staycation, you won’t have to worry about boarding your dog or hiring a daily pet sitter for your cats. You’ll be coming home to them after your fun-filled day, and everyone will be that much happier!