Don’t let the cold freeze your Winter Break plans. December 14 marks the start of winter break, lasting until classes resume January 11. Staycation or vacation, students and their families may be looking for something to do with their free time.
There is always the idea of going out for the holidays, whether in or out of town. For those who do not have the option of spending the extra cash to go away or just not in the mood to anything fancy, there is always the option of a staycation instead of a vacation. Defined as “a vacation spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions,” staycation is an easier option than planning possibly expensive vacation that may not be enjoyed by all.
“I think staycations are a great idea,” Carol Trefler, a senior editor at “Fodor’s Travels” said to U.S. News. “With costs of airfares, gasoline, plane travel and road trips the add up can be expensive. Staycations can be a fabulous alternative.”
A local staycation destination would be the Five Rivers Metro Park, which will be opening their ice skating rink on November 26. Friends and families can ice skate, play broomball and curling and skate alongside the river during the Star-Late skating events. Five Rivers wants participants to come share the vibrant atmosphere with a cup of hot chocolate and see why so many make the ice rink a family destination during the winter months.
If being outdoors is not your idea of fun, one can make the most of their time with local venues such as the Dayton Art Institute, The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery and the Dayton International Peace Museum.
If a staycation is what is in mind and money is not much of a matter, there is the option of checking out what live theatre shows are playing in the area. The Schuster Center will team with the Dayton Ballet in a production of “The Nutcracker” starting on December 12. The weeklong event will have music presented by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, under the eye of Neal Gittleman, fusing the classic Tchaikovsky music interpretation with their unique sound. With the Dayton Ballet’s core ensemble and star dancers bringing the story’s drama to life “The Nutcracker” has become a family holiday tradition. Showtimes and ticket prices are available at daytonperformingarts.org.
However, vacations away from local areas are a necessity for some families. Some feel the need to get away from the ordinary of their surroundings. Joe Diaz, co-founder of “Afar Magazine” says that Americans who have the means to take a vacation but choose to have a staycation deprive themselves chances of exploring and seeing new things. “Travel is a great way to open your mind, open your heart and broaden your perspective.” Diaz said to u.s.news.com. Travel writer Kelly Mazur Travel says that staycations are nothing special. “It’s great to explore your own city, but I do not think this is a substitute for travel, because you miss out on those life-changing, culture-shocking and exciting adventures you get in a foreign country,” Mazur said to u.s.news.com.
“Sometimes a staycation just isn’t what the doctor ordered, especially for people who are looking to get out of their daily routine and environment,” Said Susan Eckert, owner of Adventure Women, a travel tour for women. “Many of the women who travel with us say they are looking to travel on their own, unfettered by the responsibilities of home and work, with the freedom to leave the makeup off and truly be themselves.”
“With all the agonies of travel that we all go through – especially business travelers who want nothing other than time to spend, really quality time, with their families. It’s just a great way to make the most of an especially short amount of time,” says Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a professor of psychology at University of Massachusetts. “In some ways, they’re less stressful than getting-away vacations.”
So, the answer to which is better? That’s up to you. The best thing to do is to plan ahead. Remember that many stores are looking for temporary workers for the holiday season, so there are other ways to fill your time and your pockets this Winter Break.
Jimaur Calhoun
Arts & Entertainment Editor