With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic came travel disruptions, global uncertainty and a cautious attitude by many towards venturing too far from home. As a result, we have seen the rise of staycations as people prefer to spend their leisure time locally or within the confines of their own country.
For many Canadian families and holidaymakers, this has meant rediscovering the charm and natural beauty of their own country. From the snow-capped slopes of Whistler Mountain to the spectacular natural wonder of Niagara Falls, Canada offers some of the most breathtaking and unique scenery in the world.
There are plenty of reasons why Canadians are choosing staycations this summer, and given the trend towards holidaying on home ground, this article will outline some of the top benefits of doing so.
Inexpensive
You can save considerable amounts of money by forgoing international travel and choosing to visit somewhere by bus, train, or car instead. A staycation is not only cheaper when it comes to travel expenses, but it also enables you to save on areas such as catering by taking some of your favorite foods with you and staying in self-catering accommodation where you can prepare your own meals.
Better for the Environment
Flight emissions are the main source of carbon when it comes to holiday travel. You can opt for alternative modes of transport such as taking a train, which will cut your carbon footprint by half compared to taking a plane, or renting a hybrid or electric car.
Convenience
With a staycation, you have the convenience of traveling at leisure compared to when flying. There is no need to check in, make your way through airport security or have to get there hours in advance of your flight. In addition to this, avoiding air travel eliminates the chances of disruptions caused by flight cancellations or lost, damaged or delayed luggage which can instantly ruin a trip.
Take Your Pets
For most pet owners, leaving their furry friends behind can dampen their spirits and take the joy out of their holiday time. The benefit of a staycation is that it is much easier to travel with your cat or canine companion in your car or by train and many lodges, cottages and other types of accommodation allow people to bring their pets along.
No Language Barrier
Part of the wonder and enjoyment of travel is exposure to new sights, sounds and cultures. However, at times being in a foreign land can present its challenges particularly when it comes to language.
One of the benefits of a staycation is that you will be on home soil so will easily be able to converse with local people and fellow travelers. This can help make the experience more pleasant and enjoyable and also takes the stress out of situations such as ordering meals and asking for directions.
Save Time
The journey time that comes with a staycation is generally a lot less than if you are traveling overseas. Along with giving you more time to relax, unwind and see the sights, a staycation also ensures your trip won’t be ruined by jet lag which often accompanies a long flight.
Now that you know the benefits of taking a staycation, all that is left to do is decide where to go first.
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