Southern Utah Not On List For Best Places For Staycations?!!?

I talked about this a little bit on the air this morning, but I'm kind of in a funk right now. Here we are on the cusp of the official start of summer. And the recent temperatures have made it feel like we are already in to the heart of summer.

Anyway, the funk I'm in right now is that I just can't get excited about taking a break and going on a vacation. That runs contrary to the tradition of packing up and hitting the road that even today a majority of Americans will do over the next few months.

The weird part is, I love to travel. “Road trip” are two of my favorite words to hear. I love to drive and let the miles help my mind de-stress from the day to day cares of the world. Put on some good tunes, or a compelling story to hear, and life couldn't be better. Or if the circumstance allow, hop on a train, or even better on a ship and sail off to fun.

But right now, I'm just not inclined.

I think part of it is how inflation has added to the cost of recreation. A couple of years ago, coming out of “that thing”, we found an absolute killer deal on a cruise to Alaska. I saw the price listed on the website, called the company and said, “that's got to be a mistake.” It wasn't, so we wanted to see if our family wanted to go. The first one to respond was a daughter who was at that time already on a cruise in Alaska and she said “book it.” Anyway, those deals are long gone now, and financial costs are becoming more of a priority in today's world.

So what about a staycation?

A staycation, a vacation spent at home or nearby, has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional travel. There are several compelling reasons why opting for a staycation can be an excellent idea.

Firstly, staycations are cost-effective. Traditional vacations often entail significant expenses, including flights, accommodations, and dining out. In contrast, a staycation eliminates travel costs and allows individuals to allocate their budget to local experiences, dining at favorite restaurants, or home improvements. This financial flexibility can make relaxation and enjoyment more accessible without the stress of overspending.

Secondly, staycations reduce travel-related stress. The logistics of planning a trip, packing, navigating airports, and adjusting to new environments can be overwhelming. A staycation simplifies the process, allowing individuals to unwind without the hassle of travel. This ease of planning enhances the overall relaxation experience, as individuals can focus solely on leisure and enjoyment in familiar surroundings.

Staycations offer an opportunity to explore and appreciate local attractions. Often, people overlook the treasures in their own backyard, such as parks, museums, historical sites, and local eateries. A staycation encourages the exploration of these local gems, fostering a renewed appreciation for one's hometown. It also supports the local economy, as spending remains within the community, benefiting local businesses and services.

It's to this last point that I found a recent Wallet Hub release of the “Best and Worst Cities for Staycations” a bit puzzling. Utah had a couple of places on the list (Salt Lake City and West Valley City(?)), but nothing around here. That really surprises me. With two national parks in our back yard and another 3 only a stones throw away, I thought we would have to be on the list. Not the case.

A third of the rankings in the Wallet Hub report came from Food and Entertainment factors, and on that list were things like, the number of amusement parks, casinos per capita, the number of paintball fields, and other such things, so that could be where southern Utah fell a bit short.

But that's ok. Salt Lake (and West Valley!) you can have your Lagoon, which is a fun place to go. But for me, I think I can find plenty to do right around here. Missoula, Montana has nothing on us.