In a world of heightened environmental consciousness, and the desire to save some money during challenging economic times, the term Staycation was even added to Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary in 2009. This new type of vacation is both good for you, and the environment. The intent is ultimately to emulate the feeling of a vacation without the long distance traveling. A Staycation can be anything from exploring local attractions such as parks, museums, or street festivals; to daytrips right within your community.
Did you know that airplanes have twice the negative impact of earthbound vehicles with regard to greenhouse gases that pollute our environment? So rather than flying to your next vacation destination, explore your local area by car, train, boat or bus and discover the hidden jewels that await.
With the cash you've saved from limiting your travel, you may want to invest in turning your backyard into an at-home oasis. Consider planting a wildflower garden to attract various species of birds or butterflies, or adding a Jacuzzi, pool and BBQ pit for entertaining family and friends.
For winter Staycations you can add a fireplace, pool table or home theatre room to your home for indoor entertainment. The most important thing to remember is that staying home doesn't mean you need to do work around the house. So it will be critical to change the way you think about at home vacation time, and allow yourself to find a place of stillness in your mind so you can enjoy your family, pets and home in a whole new way!
If a Staycation is something you need to ease into, at least begin by minimizing the environmental impact of your vacation plans. The determining factors of a 'green vacation' are two-fold. First, decide on the most eco-friendly mode of transportation to get you to your destination. For example, if you are travelling alone or with one partner and staying within 100 to 500 miles, the best travel option is a bus or train. However, if you're travelling the same distance with a family of four, the best option is a bus, followed by a standard car. Conversely, if traveling alone or as a couple over 1,000 miles, an economy flight is not a bad option; but if a family of four is travelling the same distanc, it would be better to take the bus or family car. Check out this link for a full view of the best travel options so you can monitor your carbon footprint. SustainableTravelInternational.org
Second, make eco-friendly choices for your entertainment once you arrive, and always respect the Earth's creatures and natural resources regardless of your location. Be sure to plan excursions that do not disrupt or disturb the natural habitat of animals, sea creatures or plant life. Ask the hotel or tour operators about their environmental policies and recycling procedures before you book your stay so they are aware you are a conscious consumer. Finally, remember to support the local economy by purchasing local food and products at a fair market price.
Just because you are on vacation doesn't mean you take a break from being Earth-conscious. Whether you are in your own backyard, or on an island beach, the only things you want to leave behind are your own footprints, not the carbon kind!
. It may take some time to become comfortable with the idea of a Staycation, but you will soon realize that the same stillness and rejuvenation is possible regardless of your location, once you make a conscious decision to allow it to be.
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