Three Types of Holidays You’re Probably Ignoring But Desperately Need!

Storytime!

So there I was, after one of those marathon days that just don’t quit – meetings, errands, and a social thing or two. You know, adulting. I finally dragged myself home past midnight, fully ready to collapse into bed when… plot twist: no house keys. (Yes, I screamed the F-word loud enough to wake the ancestors.)

Now, let’s set the scene: I’m exhausted, brain foggy from the day (and, yes, a couple of glasses of red wine). Friends? Too far. Neighbours? Too awkward. I mean, how do you go from “Hey, how’s your week?” texts to “Mind if I crash on your couch at 1 a.m.?” Absolutely not.

So, what does a semi-responsible adult do? I drove to the nearest hotel and stumbled into the lobby like a lost night creature. I handed over my debit card, the receptionist swiped it with suspicious joy, and I was off to dreamland.

Fast-forward to the morning; I checked the receipt and nearly fainted!

Forget about the room… I’d basically funded the hotel’s next renovation. I got instant regret and the painful realisation that if I was going to spend that much, I could’ve at least planned a proper staycation.

And that got me thinking. When was the last time I had a staycation? Better question: how many of us actually take them? There are three kinds of holidays that we forget about;

The Holiday (a.k.a. vacation)
Classic move. Bags packed, passport in hand, off you go to beaches, mountains, or new cities… Instagram stories of sunsets and cocktails.

The Staycation
The underrated trove. You don’t have to leave town; you just switch your setting. Book a boutique hotel, an Airbnb across town, or explore parts of your city you usually ignore. It’s travel without airfare and airport lines.

The Homecation
Yes, it’s real. And no, it’s not “finally tackling laundry.” A homecation means zero chores. Think movies, books, backyard picnics, stargazing, and a glass of wine in PJs. Basically, DIY bliss.

Why It Matters?

We live in a world that never slows down. But downtime? Sacred. You don’t always need a flight ticket to rest. Sometimes it’s a hotel down the street or your own couch.

Personally, as a 40-something with a suspicious love for wine, a good cup of coffee and solo time, I’ve dabbled in all three. Truth? I’m the reigning queen of homecations. Me-time is heaven. But a well-timed staycation? Chef’s kiss.

So here’s my unsolicited advice: next time you’re itching for a break, don’t stress about grand plans or budgets. Explore your city. Camp out in your living room. Book that interesting hotel across town. Because at the end of the day, rest is the real luxury!

Originally published on Medium.