Staycation

A staycation (or stay-cation, or stacation) is a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in current hard economic times in which unemployment levels and gas prices are high[1][2]. Common activities of a staycation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums, and attendance at local festivals [edit] Etymology The word "staycation" is a portmanteau of stay (meaning stay-at-home) and vacation[3][4]. The term "daycation" is also sometimes used[2]. The word "staycation" may have been coined by Canadian comedian Brent Butt. [5] The term is central to the plot of an episode of Butt's hit Canadian television comedy series Corner Gas. In the episode "Mail Fraud," Butt's character, who owns a gas station in the small town of Dog River, sends postcards to family and friends which appear to be from various exotic locales. In reality, however, he is actually on "staycation" in a field across the street. The episode originally aired in October 2005. [edit] Benefits of a staycation Staycations are far less costly than a vacation involving traveling. There are no lodging costs and travel expenses are minimal. Costs may include gasoline for local trips, dining, and local attractions[6]. "The American Automobile Association said the average North American vacation will cost $244 per day for two people for lodging and meals... Add some kids and airfare, and a 10-day vacation could top $10,000"[6]. Staycations do not have the stress associated with travel, such as packing, long drives, or waits at airports[7]. Staycations may be of economic benefit to some local businesses, who get customers from the area providing them with business. [edit] Risks of a staycation As staycationers are close to their places of employment, they may be tempted to go to work at least part of the time, and their bosses may feel their employees are available to be called into work. Staycationers also have access to their email at home as they would regularly, allowing them to be contacted, and feeling the temptation to keep up with this contact[7]. Staycationers may spend money they had not planned as retailers and other advertisers offer "deals" to encourage staycationers to spend money[8][9]. These may include hotels making package deals in hopes of luring planned staycationers to do some travel