When it comes to planning a vacation it’s common to think about exotic destinations and booking flights, however this year there is a better way to enjoy your time off: a Stay-cation! After 2 years of travel uncertainty, this year is the perfect time to plan a ‘getaway’ to somewhere a bit more local. And with the new tax credit that’s been announced by the provincial government, you really can’t lose!
What is an Ontario staycation?
A staycation is quite simply, a vacation where you stay local to where you live. Ontario staycations can be affordable and offers incredible destinations where you can play tourist in your own province. Staycations mean staying relatively local – whether across town, a neighbouring city or a road trip hours away within Ontario. Whether you choose to stay hyper-local or explore a nearby town you’ve never visited there’s so many options. Create a fun plan for the weekend or step it up a notch and rent a local hotel or Airbnb for a week to really get the full affect of a vacation.
At Switzer-Carty Transportation, our bus rental coordinators are your staycation experts! For 2022, the Ontario government is even offering a tax credit on hotel stays – just one more reason to stay local! Find out how to get back up to 20% of your eligible 2022 Ontario accommodation expenses.
Reasons to opt for a staycation in 2022
There are several reasons why a staycation is the perfect way to vacation this winter. Thanks to continued travel restrictions and constantly changing health recommendations, vacationing feels different again this year. Hiring a bus with driver and driver to help you feel exotic yet stay local can be just the ticket to your relaxing getaway.
A staycation will save you money
It’s no secret the travelling can be expensive but a staycation can help combat that. With very low costs associated with getting you to your destination you’re already coming out ahead in the budget department. As a bonus, you can time your vacation time to avoid busy times and holiday crowds in order to save money on your local accommodation.
Local knowledge
Anywhere you travel there is significant benefit to being a local. As a local you’re sure to know the best places to park, the times that restaurants are sure to be busy, where to score the best meal deals and how to navigate around your city. These are all things that can make your vacation feel more relaxed and more affordable.
It’s more relaxing
Regardless of how much you love to take vacations and travel there are always things that will stress you out. When you can avoid the long travel days, complicated booking and check in processes and even jet lag, your staycation is sure to feel more relaxing than if you had gone somewhere far away.
You’ll have more time to enjoy your vacation
With very little time spent on travelling to your destination you’ll get to spend even more time just enjoying your vacation. If you take it one step further and hire a bus and driver, the minute you walk out your front door you’ll be on a relaxing vacation.
No worry about vacation leave from work
If booking time off from work is a struggle, a staycation can be the perfect ticket to destress and getaway, without the big ask. A local getaway is perfect when you only have a weekend or a few days to work with.
Ontario’s 2022 Staycation Tax Credit
After 2 years of incredible roadblocks when it comes to travel and tourism, the Ontario government has created an initiative to encourage residents to spend their money locally and support businesses close to home.
The Ontario Staycation Tax Credit will provide a 20% tax credit on your 2022 taxes, up to a maximum of $200 for an individual or $400 for a family. This is a great incentive to explore our local communities and keep our dollars local. Small businesses have been struggling for nearly 2 years, so the ability to support local is incredibly important and welcomed this year.
Ready to discover Ontario?
Taking a local staycation is the perfect way to get all the benefits of a vacation, without all the negative parts like travel time, expense and stress. Not to mention, it’s a great way to shop local and support local businesses in your community.
