Nova Scotia Comes Alive in 2011!

“Staycation”

Many analysts agree that the 2008 downturn in tourism was mainly due to two forces: the high Canadian dollar and the high price of gas and diesel fuel. All of a sudden Canada was not a “cheap pace to visit.” Of course this hurt tourism operators in all areas of Nova Scotia but Halifax, because of its convention business, didn’t fair too badly.

As the prices of travel increase a new breed of travel begins to appear. This is someone who wants a vacation but can not afford to go too far. These people have been dubbed “staycationers.” According to a Connecticut travel blog the term was first coined by Canadian comedian Brett Butt in his TV series Corner Gas.

*Kathy Gurholt Photo

A simple definition of a staycationer is “someone who either takes a holiday within their own home area or, at the very most, takes a day trip or weekend away.” These activities include visiting museums, swimming pools in other areas of town and attending local festivals.

Since a family of four can rack up almost $500 a day in traveling expenses a two-week vacation may top $7000. And this is not including the wear and tear on the vehicle. If flying to a destination this sum could be over $12,000.

The other bonus of a Staycation is that it does not come with the stress of a real vacation. There are no planes to cat or home security issues to consider. The most stress is wondering what site to visit within a 20 mile radius or fearing that an unwanted relative may show up unnannounced.

In some instances staycations can be extremely expensive. Some people with a “cocoon” attitude spend twice the amount for ten years’ vacations on improving the backyard: swimming pools, luxurious patios and outdoor kitchens and games areas. This, of course is taking it to the extreme. But with gas prices unstable and the price of a luxury home down almost 40% others re buying their dream home for reasonable price and having pool parties during their vacations.

In Nova Scotia, most activities, including whale watching, are at the most a two-day affair. this makes setting p camp in the province and driving to the various festivals and programs a drive that’s easy on the gas tank.

So, the staycation is a staple here.