The sun’s beating down. Ferry waits are long. Your wallet’s giving you a dirty look as you buy yet another snack to kill some time. Let’s be honest. There can be parts of a big trip abroad, or even to another part of Canada, that leave you feeling like you need another vacation when you get home. The ferry line-up. Airport security. Border controls. When you get there it’s fantastic. It’s the getting there—and returning home to bills and credit card statements—that can cause more of the stress you're trying to escape.

An Island staycation lets you get away without going far away, with the added benefit of avoiding the extra hassles and higher costs of bigger trips. It can even help the local economy. Whether you’re a family or going solo or with friends, we’ve got a few ideas for making Island time a great, and cost-effective, time.

Vacations matter, wherever you go

A survey by online travel platform Expedia found that many Canadians don’t take all of their vacation days*. One in five gave the reason as a need to save up for a big trip in the future. Do some of these reasons also feel familiar?

• Too busy at work?
• Feel like you can’t afford it?
• Worried about world events that could impact a trip?
• Put off by the amount of planning involved?
• Can’t face another ferry or airport snack?

However, a break from it all is still vital for your mental health, for spending time with family and friends, and just as a way to recharge and focus on what you love to do instead of what you need to do. Or it’s just an excuse to do nothing at all. Everyone needs that break from routine and to-do lists.

How staying home can be the perfect getaway

A staycation is when you enjoy time off close to home. It can be for a day, a weekend, or longer. When your home is beautiful Vancouver Island and its nearby surroundings, it can be a fantastic way to save money when compared to a larger trip. Staycations enable you to:

• Save on travel, insurance, accommodation and other major expenses and hidden costs often attached to a larger trip
• Save for that dream trip, while still taking vacations
• Avoid some of the planning and logistics associated with more typical vacations
• Be more spontaneous and fit some “R&R” around work and other commitments
• Feel good by supporting local businesses
• Get to know your community better

Tips for making a staycation as good as any other vacation

Even a day trip can recharge your mental and physical batteries. Here are some ways to make staying home as fun as going away.

• Plan your day, weekend, or week away as you would a bigger trip, but on a much smaller and more manageable scale
• Unplug from work, turn off phone notifications, and avoid the temptation to check-in just because you’re nearer
• Try to find new (to you) things to do on and around the Island (see our ideas below)
• Match trip ideas to your interests, such as active vs. artistic pursuits and attractions
• Think of different themes, like a foodie road trip or lakes tour
• Plan staycations around the different seasons

“Staycationing” on a budget

Staycations are a great way to save you money, or help you to redirect money elsewhere, while also enjoying your time off. As well as beach and other activities in the great, and free, outdoors, you can keep an eye out for:

• Free walking tours
• Free days or time slots at museums
• New-to-you public parks and playgrounds
• Local free festivals and events

And of course the nature and magnificent views almost everywhere you go on the Island can be enjoyed free of charge. So when it’s time to plan your next trip, consider the delights on offer on your doorstep. It might just be your most relaxing vacation yet. Why not share these tips with friends and family, and plan your Island getaway?

* Expedia Vacation Deprivation Report 2023