Staycation 2009: Why staying at home is just as good as going on holiday
When looking for a picturesque place to spend their holiday, Lichfield couple Paul and Rachel Groves didn’t have to go far. Patrice John finds out more
The summer holidays have started in earnest. But when Paul and Rachel Groves were looking for great views, lots to do and stunning scenery, they didn’t have to look too far.
The Lichfield couple decided to shun the hustle, bustle and endless queues at airport check ins in favour of a stay-at-home holiday, or “staycation”.
The decision meant they spent a fraction of the price of a normal holiday and they also got to see the delights of their home town and farther afield.
And they enjoyed the process so much, Rachel even sent postcards to friends and family while they were “away”
Former Birmingham Post reporter Paul said: “The West Midlands has some of the most beautiful places to visit and people come from other countries to visit here, so it seems a shame not to see it for yourself.
“Birmingham is a great place to go and when people visit from abroad, they say that as well.
“When relatives come to see us, they usually have so much to do they have to try to cut things out of their itineraries, which tells you how great it is.
“Being close to home meant we could take picnics on trips, or eat at home before we set out and all of that helps keep the costs right down.
“For those people that need to find the right kind of accommodation, there are lots of places to stay and if cost is an issue then it’s best to shop around.
“We spent a fraction of what we’d normally spend on a holiday and we loved it so much we’ve booked another week off for later in the year.”
Paul, who is a 41-year-old, PR and marketing consultant and Rachel, a 35-year-old photographer, spent a week ‘away’ in July and spent less than £200 on fuel and entry fees for visiting nearby attractions. The couple, who used to think nothing of jetting off to Paris or driving around America for their holidays, began taking holidays closer to home after Rachel was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Paul said combining visits to farm shops, cafes, having picnics, visiting Erasmus Darwin’s House, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Chester Zoo gave them a great break and they’re planning on doing another one before the year is finished.
Ideally, their trip would have had a lower carbon footprint had they been able to use public transport, but Rachel’s diagnosis meant driving by car was far easier for the couple.
