“Vacation close to home” Has a new term: “Staycation”. This is a recently coined and previously unknown word, wich has become particularly popular in 2020 and 2021; a a linguistic blend used to describe a new form of travel/vacation close to one’s own home.

At the beginning of 2021, Italy was still immersed in a daily reality shaped by the Covid-19 pandemic. Restrictions continued to limit movement, gatherings, and social activities, making it difficult to plan long-distance trips or traditional vacations.

Streets, usually bustling with people and tourists, had transformed into quiet, almost surreal spaces, while daily life adapted to new rules: curfews, social distancing, masks, and a general limitation of freedom of movement. Yet, even in this complex context, ingenuity and adaptation opened up new possibilities.

It was in this scenario that a new trend emerged and solidified: the staycation, a vacation spent close to home or within one’s local area.

Here’s the “Staycation”

A new term for many, but one that encapsulates a familiar reality: vacationing while staying in your place of residence or nearby areas. A creative compromise that allowed many Italians to reclaim a sense of normalcy, even if it was different from what they were used to.

This form of travel, which was already experimented with during the autumn of 2020 under the restrictions introduced by the Dpcm, has now resurfaced as one of the best ways to escape the daily monotony in complete safety. The containment measures included the evening curfew, early restaurant closures, and movement restrictions. However, a small window of opportunity remained open: hotels with in-house restaurants could continue to serve their guests after curfew.

This prompted many hotels to reinvent themselves, offering attractive packages for those seeking a break without having to undertake long or challenging journeys. The offers included high-quality dinners, comfortable stays, and often relaxing experiences, such as access to spas or wellness treatments.

Dining at the hotel like a vacation close to home

For many, the staycation became an opportunity to “dine out” without the burden of restrictions. Those who wanted to enjoy a dinner without constantly checking the clock could book a hotel room and extend their evening with an overnight stay. This experience combined the pleasure of fine dining—often Michelin-starred—with the comfort and intimacy of a small urban vacation.

This solution quickly spread from north to south, adapting to every budget and preference. From elegant boutique hotels with gourmet menus to more accessible options, Italians discovered the charm of rediscovering the beauty of their own territory or simply enjoying a different evening without breaking the rules of the lockdown.

The positive side of resilience

Happy “Stay” vacation to everyone!!!!

Go on traveling!

Lety goes on