VACAY? STAYCAY? NOCAY?

When was the last vacation you took? Sigh! Too long ago! Yet most of us don’t remember the hassle that we went through preparing for the vacation and also forget that we returned thinking that we need a break to get over the journey! And oh! the dread of the pile of work awaiting us at the office!

So perhaps a staycation is not such an appalling concept. Think of replacing a seven-day vacation with seven one-day staycations. Sounds good right? Staycations save money on airline tickets and hired cars; it saves time not having to wait at airports; there is less aggravation of packing and unpacking; there is less anxiety with minimal planning to do; and one returns with no jet lag. 

Over 100 hotels in Singapore are offering staycation deals, some include classes like making cocktails. Spend some time enjoying your favourite spots in your own country and explore some new joints where you can treat yourself. True, there is no draw of a whole new setting, but the idea is to deviate from your daily routine and have some “me” or “us” time. 

Considering that staycations may be the future of tourism and travel, at least for the next year or two, we have to change our outlook. Staycations are a great way to slow down, put your feet up and chill out. So clear your mind and schedule of the things that preoccupy your time during ordinary days; make an “out of the office” message on your e-mail, shut down your computer, put your phone on silent and head out and be invigorated.