Two years ago, the term “staycation” was added to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.
And you know what happens once a linguistic expression receives the blessing of the dictionary gods.
It’s not going anywhere — much like staycations themselves, an alternative to trips requiring long drives and exorbitant airfares.
Though the trend first popped up when the economy cooled in 2007, still-uncomfortable gas prices are likely causing vacationers this summer to see what type of getaways lurk within reasonable driving distances.
AAA Auto Club South reported last week that Georgia’s average pump price ticked down to $3.69 a gallon from $3.81 the previous week, though that’s still more than a dollar higher than last year.
But staying in the vicinity to save on gas costs isn’t the only allure to potential staycationers.
“In today’s world, a lot of people are short on time. We’re all doing the jobs of more than one person and people are more leery to leave the workplace [area] for a long period,” said Marguarite Clark, spokeswoman for the Ritz-Carlton Lodge in Greensboro, about 75 miles east of Atlanta. “[With staycations] you can still get away without being too far from home.”
While frugal travelers might consider a tony resort such as the Ritz-Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation, a budget-breaking luxury, that property as well as several of Atlanta’s high-end hotels have created packages for practically every human combo — families, couples, girlfriends, spa fans — that feed all needs.
The Ritz on Lake Oconee also provides access to the outdoors.
“Being lakeside during the summer is such a Rockefeller type of summer,” Clark said.
The specials might seem pricey on paper, but since many include meals and other amenities such as outdoor sports, pool access and spa treatments or discounts, the math typically falls in their favor when compared to multi-day trips out of state.
Another twist to lure nearby visitors who might want to get away without getting too far away is by selling the idea of freedom.
The Loews hotel chain — including its Midtown location — trumpets the “Summer of Loews,” which prods guests to “Come Invent Your Day.”
Through Sept. 9, the hotel will feature heat-beating treats such as free nonalcoholic agave margaritas in the lobby and complimentary ice cream from a roving cart.
On Sunday, the Baby Loves Disco dance party for families with small children makes a 2 p.m. stop at the hotel as part of its national tour, giving parents and kids the chance to eat healthy snacks and dance to retro hits.
Here’s a look at some area packages if you’re thinking about making a staycation part of your vocabulary this season. Check hotel websites for a compete list of specials.
