The Stay-cation Experience…

Have you had the opportunity to experience a Stay-cation or two?

I can hear it now… Umm – What’s a stay-cation?
I’m so glad you asked – it’s one of my most favourite ways to travel & get away from it all.

Seriously… if you love to travel you really should consider stay-cations instead of just vacations… unless you’re the type of person (or family) that wants everything done for you – then I suggest continuing with your vacationing practices.

As with anything – there are several opinions on stay-cations – and truth be told – what I’m about to share just happens to be mine (so take it for what it’s worth).

If you’re still here and you’re interested in learning a little more as to why stay-cations are so awesome – then read on… 

Right now as I write this post – my husband George & I are in Virginia Beach, VA – and yes for this new adventure of 2015 we’re “stay-cationing” at the Oceanaire Resort Hotel. So what does that mean – well let me explain… it’s like staying in a resort style hotel (no it’s not an all-inclusive), with loads of great features and amenities.

Our accommodations are essentially like a small condo / apartment, that includes a full kitchen, full bathroom, large bedroom with balcony, and a combined living room / dining room too. This one in Virginia Beach doesn’t include an apartment sized washer & dryer (but several other’s we’ve stayed at do). Literally it’s like having all the comforts of home with out all the stresses of home – you actually use your living quarters.

Other great features we’re experiencing:

• an indoor pool & hot-tub (just for adults over 21)
• work-out facilities
• an indoor pool for families (we haven’t used that one)
• onsite bar/lounge – we indulged in a Martini experience learning some history & of course taste tested some signature Martini’s of the bar.
• great boardwalk that goes on for miles – we so much enjoy walking this everyday (or walking on the beach too where the boardwalk ends)
• there’s a local Starbucks… love going to Starbucks & this week they have treat receipts (after 2pm all baked goods are only $1) – umm can you say yum.
• there’s a local grocery store (everyone that works there are super nice and helpful)
• local restaurants – bars – pubs – etc.
• … and so much more

I know what you may be thinking… “but that you can get that with most vacations”.
And for the most part you’d be right – except that vacations can often be just so dang busy (not to mention expensive if you’re eating out all the time).

Right now I’m relaxing in the comfort of our condo style living-room (that overlooks the beach). We just finished a gourmet lunch that we cooked right here, we’ve got fresh chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven, and I’m enjoying a glass of wine too.
Yup – Life is pretty great.

Oh… and I forgot to mention that we also worked for several hours this morning too, like we do most week days.
Yes we worked – you see – for us a staycation is not only a way to get away, but we take our work with us too. And that’s ok, because that’s how we plan it. With our business we can literally work from anywhere as long as we have internet. In fact – George & I did a Podcast on this very topic “Working While Travelling” (have a listen).

“The secret of success is making your vocation 

your vacation.” ~  Mark Twain

When we go away, we like to enjoy the comforts of home with less stress. I’m not saying that there’s no stresses, but if you plan it right, there’s far less and your time away is very much enjoyable – yet productive too.

Well the timer has gone off, the cookies are ready and I’ve got to go – it’s snack time & I’ve got to get myself a fresh chocolate- chip cookie while they’re still warm (before they’re all gone).

… it might even be time for a cribbage re-match
(Truth be told – I lost yesterday twice).

I’m curious though…
Do you vacation or staycation (or do a little of both)? Which do you prefer and why?
Share your response in the comments below – I’d love to hear your take on this…

Ready – Set – Go… try something new like a stay-cation – a new way to vacation!