When I hear the words “summer vacation,” I think of the sun, the sounds of waves crashing on the beach, a good book and traveling. That is what the picture of summer vacation is on TV shows, movies and social media. The reality can be very different for many people. To go on an extravagant vacation over the summer is extremely expensive and unrealistic for many people right now.
Summer vacation is meant to be relaxing; however, if you are going on vacation with friends, it can be stressful to plan. First, you have to find a week in which everyone can get off work and is available to go. Then, the group needs to agree on a location and find a place that can fit everyone and is within the price range for everyone in the group. Plus, everyone has to find a way to get to the destination by either flying or driving, and also plan all of the activities to do at the location. It is all just too stressful in my opinion, not to mention the price of everything as well.
Depending on the vacation destination, prices will vary on multiple things like hotels or Airbnb rentals, possible airfares and extra curricular activities while at the destination. Costs of travel only get more expensive in the summertime time with the average price for a summer vacation for Generation Z being $1,929. In a survey conducted in March, 65% of people cannot afford to travel right now. A lot of people cannot justify spending almost $2,000 to go on vacation for a week.
Instead of traveling this summer, why not romanticize your hometown and have a little staycation? People often overlook the beauty and culture that can be in one's hometown. By doing a staycation, you could discover a new park or new stores you didn’t know about beforehand. Exploring your city from a tourist's view can give you a new perspective on your city. Some activities someone can do include going to a local music festival, while they may not have large artists, it is a chance to see local and new artists. One can also go to any amusement parks or any cultural festivals that may be taking place.
Also, doing a staycation is better for the environment. In regard to the world’s carbon footprint, 8% is from tourism. Although a lot of regions rely on the economic boost that summer travel brings, it also comes with the price of ecological damage. Places like Venice, Thailand and Machu Picchu have had severe damage to their ecosystems from extreme tourism. By staying at home, you can sidestep the damage tourism can cause to different regions of the world.
Although you may experience FOMO from not going on a big vacation this year, and may be tired of the same scenery at some point, you don’t have to deal with the stress of making travel plans for everyone or worry about how much everything will cost. By staying home, you are perhaps saving money for a bigger vacation in the future.
Cassie is a senior studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the views and opinions expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Cassie? Email her at cb086021@ohio.edu.
