We all know what vacation is but what about staycation, workcation, slowcation and skycation?
Vacation is defined as an extended period of leisure and recreation, especially spent away from home or traveling.
Staycation is defined as taking a vacation in one’s home country rather than abroad or at home with day trips to local attractions.
Workcation is defined as the combination of traditional vacations with remote work travel.
Slowcation is defined as a vacation where travelers stay in one place for an extended period, allowing for deeper immersion into the local culture and environment.
Skycation or Dark Sky Tourism or Astro-tourism is defined as travel centered around experiencing starry skies and celestial events in areas with pristine dark nights.
I happen to know of a place that offers all the above. Let’s dig into the cations that are not the traditional vacation.
Staycation becomes a thing when travel is curtailed due to economic uncertainty, financial constraints and not feeling comfortable traveling outside of the country. It has become synonymous with enjoying time off from work and experiencing “local” attractions. Travel within your own country to places you may have on your bucket list.
Workcation has been on the rise for the last few years, with the Covid Pandemic catapulting it to where it is today. With more people able to work remotely they are choosing to do so anywhere by combining work and vacation, as they can work from anywhere. And why not? Of course, it is important to have a home base with access to strong fast internet. While cell phone reception is important, more and more meetings occur using web-based meeting platforms such as Zoom, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. You can complete your work and then go out to explore the area. The best of both worlds!
Slowcation or JOMO is one of the hottest new trends as people are looking for a way to build a connection to a destination, not just site seeing through it. JOMO is the joy of mission out or relaxing and immersing yourself in a place rather than rushing around to see everything you can in the time you are in the specific location. There is a mindfulness to a slowcation in that you luxuriate in the experience or activity to truly appreciate every minute of it. This may include just sitting on the back deck reading a book while you sip a glass of wine or going for a hike with a picnic lunch to enjoy on the rocks overlooking the ocean. Coming back for a leisurely dinner and a nightcap at the bar before heading up to your room for a wonderful night’s sleep.
Skycation, Dark Sky or Astro Tourism has generated a whole new industry which focuses on areas and activities located in dark sky territory. These are places that have very little or no light pollution obliterating the stars in the sky. There are designated Dark Sky Sites that dictate where and how light can be used to not affect the view of the night sky. It is estimated that nearly 80% of the world lives under light polluted skies and that one third of the people can’t see the Milky Way. This type of vacation may focus on photographing the night sky, chasing the Milky Way (or actually seeing it for the first time), star gazing or nighttime activities. Photo provided by Chris Sanchez of Boston Photography.
The Bradley Inn and the Pemaquid Peninsula are the perfect places for all of the above. Whether you are staying to enjoy this beautiful country or would like to totally relax and mindfully experience the locale, work and play or savor the stars at night. Midcoast Maine offers so many awesome views, food and activities that you can take in whether you do so slowly or purposefully. With our fast internet, whether in your guest room or common area, you can stay connected and get that work done so afterwards you can make your way to the beach or rocky shore or take that moonlight kayak tour. And talk about dark sky, you have the chance to see stars and planets that are so bright and the Milky Way over the ocean…no other words except awesome.
Plan your 2025 cation at The Bradley Inn, whichever type it is!
