Some individuals yearn for the excitement of a vacation, but I find solace in a staycation.

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I haven’t taken a trip away in quite some time—years, even, before the pandemic hit. In my previous marriage, trips were a regular occurrence. I recall one summer filled with weekends at the lake and a week-long getaway for the Fourth of July. That summer left me feeling utterly exhausted.

Now that I’m single and can make my own choices, my idea of a vacation is to stay home. This is what my soul craves and, more importantly, what it needs.

Next week, I’m taking time off, and I’m eager for a break filled with stillness. I can’t wait to dive into a good book. I’m looking forward to being in my space without a long to-do list hanging over my head. I’m excited about not answering emails, escaping my phone, and finally having time to binge-watch more than one show on Netflix.

Perhaps it stems from being a homebody. Being an introvert likely plays a role too. Or it could simply be that moms often bear the weight of planning vacations, managing preparations, packing, and ensuring that everyone has what they need, all while trying to catch their breath amidst the chaos.

I understand that choosing to stay home instead of going on a cruise, exploring new cities, or camping (no, thank you) may seem dull to some. However, I recognize that the longing to escape is genuine for many. While I don’t personally feel it, I’ve heard others express it, and it seems as intense as my desire to just stay put and do nothing.

As I finish up my work, the thought of packing feels overwhelming. I hardly have time to plan a vacation, much less schedule an oil change for my car.

I know myself well enough to understand that a true vacation means I need to truly unwind. I need to read, enjoy quiet, and get plenty of sleep. I need time to mentally recharge.

Traveling often requires extensive planning, leading to a packed itinerary of sights to see. Then, upon returning home, there’s a mountain of laundry to tackle, pets to pick up, and bills to catch up on, all while gearing up for the workweek. The expression “I need a vacation from my vacation” exists for a reason—it’s painfully accurate.

Reflecting on my life before kids, I remember how vacations often left me feeling drained. All I craved was my own bed for an entire week.

I’ve traveled while pregnant, taken trips with my young children, gone on vacations with older kids, and even traveled solo after my divorce. Each time, I found myself wishing I could just stay home.

If I could sandwich a week away between two mini-staycations—one before and one after—I might be more inclined to venture out. But we all know that’s rarely feasible, so my choice is always crystal clear: a staycation it is.

For me, vacations tend to lead to overstimulation, which becomes overwhelming by the second day, leaving little time for my mind to truly recharge. I end up feeling grumpy and overtired, all while trying to manage everyone else’s mood so we can all enjoy ourselves.

Managing the day-to-day while away can be exhausting, and I often find myself at my wit’s end. This has been a long-standing struggle for me. On my honeymoon, we decided to cut our trip short because the thought of returning to daily life felt too burdensome.

So while you’re out snorkeling, skiing, or trying exotic foods, I’d rather be at home. Those of us who prefer staycations don’t feel like we’re missing out because we know that staying put is the only way we can truly relax. If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning, check out this insightful piece on home insemination.

Summary

While many crave the adventure of vacations, some prefer the comfort and tranquility of staycations. The author reflects on the exhaustion that often accompanies travel, especially for moms tasked with planning and managing the trip. Ultimately, staying home is where true relaxation can be found.


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