The Value of a Staycation
My husband and I spent the weekend in the downtown core of Calgary, escaping the suburbs for a couple of days, looking to reset and recuperate. A staycation offers the chance to unwind without the stress of packing, flights, or itineraries—inviting rest and reconnection in familiar surroundings.
While taking some time to reflect on what I appreciate about a staycation, I highlighted how my values show up during a home-based getaway.
Self-Care
I take time just to rest! While there are some loose plans, I’m in my home city, so there’s not the same sense of FOMO or urgency to ensure I see every inch of the area. Plus, with a staycation, there isn’t the stress of packing and travel; it’s a much more relaxed way of being on “vacation.
This is my chance to engage in relaxed, favourite activities deliberately. I slow down my pace and don’t have to do any chores or have any obligations.
Connection
It’s a chance for my husband and I to spend quality time together. We step back from our obligations, don’t make plans with others and focus on our favourite things to do together. We tend to have some of our best conversations when quietly hanging out, walking or enjoying a beer. It’s also a time when we daydream together about our future and the type of lifestyle we want for ourselves. I recognize that every day can’t be a vacation, but I believe that what matters to us is reflected in how we vacation.
Adventure
Treating our city like we are on vacation is a way of experiencing adventure that I love to engage in regularly. It’s not always a complete weekend staycation, but it really can create a sense of novelty and curiosity. A couple of staycation days allow you to shift from routine to curiosity and openness to something new. While we visited a few of our favourite spots, we also tried some new places.
Freedom
A staycation means I don’t have the stress of travel, but I am separate from responsibilities. I deliberately choose not to check work emails or make commitments with anyone. The days are generally open-ended, allowing me to do whatever I feel drawn to.
When the weekend was over, I was impressed by how much it felt like I had been on vacation (albeit short). There had been a real disconnect from regular life, and the entire weekend felt easygoing - which isn’t easy for a Type A personality! We visited a few favourite spots but also checked out some new places.
Without the stress of packing or travel, a staycation gave us the space to slow down, reconnect, and be intentional with our time. I noticed how this local escape aligned with my core values: self-care through rest and ease, connection through uninterrupted time together, a sense of adventure by seeing our city with fresh eyes, and the freedom to follow our rhythm.