When the time comes to plan a holiday, you won’t find yourself short of choice. With so many destinations out there – some which are far and wide, and others that are closer to home – you have a vast selection of holiday spots to choose from. Perhaps you are leaning towards heading abroad and enjoying some of Europe’s best beaches, or maybe you are considering staying closer to home and enjoying some of what your own country has to offer. You might even think about going even further afield, by heading to a new continent altogether. Whichever you choose, going on holiday is always a welcomed break from everyday life.
For a lot of people, the decision of where to go on holiday falls between two destinations; the Algarve in Portugal, and a staycation closer to home. There are benefits to both of these options, which is why a lot of people find themselves weighing up the advantages of each. When it comes to booking a holiday, it’s important to make the right choice. Otherwise, you could find yourself disappointed. Below, we have compared both popular options.
The Benefits of a Staycation
With the rising costs of living and many people experiencing a drop in their income, staycations have been on the rise as of late. A staycation is a form of holiday where you stay at home and enjoy it, and there is usually a focus on making the most of being at home with free time and not a lot to do. After all, a lot of people rarely have time to relax at home. With busy family life and work, unwinding and making the most of your home can be a bit of a luxury. There are also people who decide on a staycation, but treat themselves to a holiday somewhere close by. For example, they might head an hour or two away from home to enjoy a few nights camping in a picturesque spot. Similarly, they might visit family for a day or two. It is important to have some form of break during the year, so why not take a staycation?
Staycations are usually cheaper than a holiday abroad, which is why it’s one of the first options people consider. For anyone who is wanting a break on a budget, a staycation provides the ideal solution. It is much cheaper to stay in your own country and take a holiday in your own city or town. There is no need to budget for flights or accommodation, as you have a perfectly good home to stay in. Usually, staycations involve a handful of days out and visits to local attractions, or a few nights away locally at most. Though these can be costly, usually the money needed for a staycation is considerably less than what you need for a holiday abroad.
The other major reason why people enjoy staycations more is because they don’t have to worry about being jet lagged for days afterwards and having to adjust back to their everyday life after travelling so far away. The lack of travel makes it easier for people to travel and explore their own country which can be very rewarding, especially if you haven’t been home in awhile.
The Benefits of a Holiday in the Algarve
Though there are many benefits that come with a staycation, it’s hard to beat the appeal of a holiday in the Algarve. With it’s beautiful beaches and sprawling coastline, it’s easy to see why the Algarve is one of Europe’s top tourist destinations.
The Algarve has a mild climate, which means summer sunshine is almost guaranteed. The days are sunny, without being too hot, and the nights are warm. It’s the ideal place to soak up some sun, top up your tan and escape the grey, cold and drizzly weather that you are likely to experience at home. When you opt for a staycation, this wonderful weather is not guaranteed. You could find yourself staying at home, having to cancel plans because of the rain. When you are in the Algarve, rain is unlikely and if it does rain, it won’t be for long.
There is the obvious cost that comes with a holiday in the Algarve, and it’s certainly more expensive than enjoying a staycation. However, that’s not to say that the Algarve is by any means an expensive holiday destination. With so many accommodation options available, it’s relatively easy to find something within your budget. It’s also possible to save money by catering for yourself, booking ahead of time and travelling out of peak season. It’s also important to know that eating out, shopping and visiting local attractions can all be done in a cost effective way in the Algarve. It’s not a holiday destination that’s going to break the bank. You can definitely enjoy everything the Algarve has to offer affordably.
One of the main benefits that a holiday in the Algarve has to offer is the range of things to see and do. You can enjoy beautiful beaches, picturesque landscapes, hiking trails, marinas, harbours, shopping malls, waterparks, museums and more. You won’t be short of things to see, do and experience. This range of attractions is unlikely to be available to you at home. There is something for everyone in the Algarve, from retired couples to young children. This is why a range of tourists choose it as their holiday destination of choice. You only need to spend a minute or two wandering around Portimao or Albufeira to see solo travellers, families, groups of friends and couples.
Which Holiday is the Winner?
Though there are many reasons to choose a staycation, it’s hard to beat the sunshine and relaxation that comes with a week or two in the Algarve. The Algarve has a lot to offer tourists, which is why thousands return year after year. From relaxing beaches and quaint restaurants to exciting excursions and lively nightlife, the Algarve has it all.