The appeal of exotic vacations is getting more and more theoretical. These holidays actually come with quite a few downsides. Exotic locations are more unfamiliar, which can make them riskier. Couples need a relatively long time to experience another culture, which they don't always have.
The other disadvantages are related to money, predictably. Exotic vacations can get expensive, and tourists are common targets for thieves.
On the other hand, your staycation starts as soon as you close and lock the door behind you. You don't need to head to the airport at odd hours, two or three hours ahead of your flight time.
Staycations are perfect for short breaks
You might just want to get away from home for a few days. Working individuals don't have a lot of vacation days, so maximizing the time is paramount. Staycations are easier and more practical than exotic vacations, as you can plan a weekend away at the last minute. You can be spontaneous at any time of the year.
They come with more quality time
Waiting time, flight time, and travel time cut into the quality time away with a partner. When people plan distant trips, they are prone to pack as much into their itinerary as possible, which can leave them feeling exhausted by the time the vacation is over. Cutting down on travel time means you have more quality time on your hands. What's more, you don't need to recover from jetlag and long-haul flights.
Quality time could be the exact reason a staycation is a more suitable occasion for making a relationship official. It will come more naturally than if you're on a journey to a destination far, far away, where there are lots of things to deal with, and your relationship status could be the farthest thing from your mind. Quality time is key: a survey of 1,000 married US couples found that spending quality time together was the main reason couples traveled. 84% of the couples that rated their relationship satisfaction as "excellent" also traveled together regularly. More than 90% of couples who had gone on at least three romantic trips since getting married rated their relationship as "good" or "excellent." 78% of the people who rated their relationship satisfaction as "not so good" did not travel often.
Staycations take less planning
Planning is a big part of trips. Your time in your exotic destination is limited, and you tend to pack in as many attractions and activities in your itinerary as possible. All of this takes time. Those who opt for a staycation can leave home without completing myriad tasks. They don't need to search for and book flights or figure out how to get to the hotel from the airport. There is no waiting in line for a rental car, applying for a visa, weighing luggage, or currency exchange. A staycation offers the excitement of a holiday without the tedious, stressful planning. This means a lot less pressure for many people.
They are safer
The closer you are to home, the lower the health risks. A poll reported by the Daily Mail found that a quarter of British holidaygoers set off without getting vaccines to protect against life-threatening conditions in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Two-thirds of the 334 travelers polled spent less than 30 minutes considering the health risks. Another 12% spent less than an hour, and 25% didn't solicit health advice before leaving.
FAQ
Do couples get along better on vacation?
Studies have found that couples who travel together tend to be happier. Novelty releases dopamine, a chemical associated with feelings of joy and happiness.
Do vacations help couples bond?
A 2024 survey of 470 people revealed that couples who went on holiday and experienced new things reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction and more physical and romantic intimacy.
