By Dr. Eva Jackson
Have you ever wanted to free yourself from your daily routine, but an elaborate vacation was not within your budget? Maybe your family and friends do not have the time for a weeklong travel itinerary, or maybe you simply need a quick break without all the planning, packing, and expense that usually comes with traveling. Something unplanned can still feel refreshing, exciting, and meaningful. A staycation, a skill-cation, or even a bae-cation can all give you the feeling of taking a vacation without requiring you to go far from home. All these new terms for vacation can be included in the simple decision to slow down, step away from everyday stress, and enjoy a staycation.
You may ask, what is the difference between these unfamiliar terms? A staycation is a vacation where you either stay at home or enjoy activities in your local area. It is a cost-effective option that can be planned at the spur of the moment while keeping expenses within budget. You can use your local resources to explore what is already around you. You can visit local resorts,
museums, parks, restaurants, community events, plays, art shows, or weekend markets. You might plan an evening listening to a local band, spend a day trying a new café, or take a relaxing walk through a part of town you usually overlook. To make the experience feel even more special, you could book a room at a nearby hotel, schedule a spa visit, enjoy dinner somewhere new, or create a peaceful time at home with candles, music, favorite foods, and time away from regular responsibilities.
A staycation can be planned at the spur of the moment, and in my opinion, those unplanned moments are sometimes the most memorable. They allow you to rest, reconnect, and enjoy life without the stress of creating the perfect trip. A staycation can remind you that adventure does not always require distance. Sometimes the break you need is closer than you think.
A skill-cation is another exciting way to enjoy your free time because it allows you to relax while also learning something new. You can plan a staycation and add a short class that sparks your creativity. Try painting, crafting, dancing, photography, baking, cooking, pottery, or even a fitness class. Many local businesses, community centers, and studios offer fun beginner-friendly experiences that can make your time off feel fresh and inspiring.
And finally, there is the bae-cation. This is a getaway planned with your friend, partner, or special someone, and it can be as simple or as fancy as you want it to be. You can plan a dinner date, a movie night, a picnic, a hotel stay, a spa day, a game night, or a full weekend of local adventures. The best part is that all these ideas can be folded into one amazing staycation. You do not need a huge budget to create something special. All you need is a little imagination, and the excitement of making memories close to home.
About Dr. Eva Jackon:
Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.