I haven’t traveled for a vacation in quite some time — we’re talking years before the pandemic hit. When I was with my former spouse, we took trips frequently. There was one summer when we spent every weekend at the lake and even took a week off for the Fourth of July. Honestly, I’ve never felt as drained as I did that summer.
Now that I’m single and making my own choices, I find that a vacation means staying put, which is exactly what my heart craves and needs. I’m taking next week off, and I’m eagerly anticipating sheer relaxation. I can’t wait to dive into books, unwind in my home without a long to-do list looming over me, and escape from emails and my phone. I look forward to binge-watching more than one Netflix series.
Perhaps it’s because I’m naturally a homebody. Being an introvert likely plays a role too. Or maybe it’s simply that we all know mothers often bear the brunt of planning vacations, from preparations to packing and ensuring everyone’s needs are met amid the chaos.
I understand that opting to stay home instead of booking a cruise or exploring a city might seem dull to some. However, I recognize that deep desire to escape is real. I may not share it, but I’ve heard others express it, and it feels just as intense as my need to remain home and do nothing.
As I wrap up my work, the thought of packing is overwhelming. I barely have time to plan a getaway, let alone get my oil changed.
But I know myself well — for a vacation to be meaningful, I must completely unwind. I need to read, enjoy silence, get plenty of sleep, and mentally recharge. I simply can’t achieve this by traveling, as it demands so much planning and the pressure to see and do everything. Then, upon returning home, I’m greeted with heaps of laundry, a dog to pick up from the sitter, bills to catch up on, and the looming work week ahead.
The saying, “I need a vacation from my vacation,” exists for a reason, and it resonates deeply with me. I can think back to my pre-kid days when vacations never left me feeling revitalized. All I wanted was my own bed for a week.
I’ve traveled during pregnancy, with young kids, with older kids, and even solo after my divorce, and each time, I end up wishing I could have just stayed home. If I could plan a week away with two mini-staycations before and after, maybe I’d be more inclined to leave my comfort zone. But we all know that’s rarely feasible, so my decision is always clear: staycation it is.
To me, a vacation often feels like too much stimulation, which drains me by day two, leaving me no time to recharge. I get irritable and fatigued, all while trying to manage everyone else’s moods to ensure we have a good time. I grow weary of the constant management, and my mind can’t handle it.
I’ve been grappling with this for a while; it’s just who I am. On my honeymoon, I cut our trip short because I felt exhausted and the thought of returning to normal life was overwhelming.
So, while you might be off snorkeling or skiing, I’d rather be at home. Those of us who cherish staycations don’t feel deprived; we know that staying put is the only way to truly relax. For more insights on similar topics, check out this other blog post.
Summary:
In a world where many long for exciting vacations, Emma Carter expresses her preference for staycations, highlighting the stress and planning involved in traveling, especially for moms. She relishes the idea of downtime at home, where she can recharge and enjoy her personal space without the pressures of planning and managing family activities. Emma shares her experiences with travel and reflects on the importance of relaxation and self-care.
SEO Metadata:
Staycation, relaxation, self-care, travel stress, homebody, introvert, vacation planning, family vacations, personal space.