Croatia, Italy, Spain - these are three of the most popular holiday destinations for Austrians. However, the pandemic, the economic situation with higher expenses or a new longing for something original and sustainable have led many people to rethink things. More and more people are therefore spending their holidays at home - and this has many advantages. In this blog post we list a few of them. You will see: it is definitely worth swapping the beach and the sea for your own garden or the impressive Austrian nature that surrounds us this year. And our CHICO hammocks are an ideal accessory for this.
From financial to sustainable factors: Benefits of a holiday at home
Admittedly, the sound of the sea and the warm sand under your feet sound tempting. But the following advantages of a break at home are just as impressive:
No stressful arrival and departure: Spending a relaxing holiday is at the top of many people's to-do list for the summer. But many breaks involve a stressful and long journey, which is nerve-wracking. Will the plane take off on time? Will we catch the connecting train? Is the hotel room nice and comfortable? And have we packed everything we need? Questions like these mean that there is little room for relaxation at the beginning. And then, towards the end, there is departure, which is just as stressful for many. If you decide to take a holiday at home, you can avoid all of this and enjoy your free time from minute one.
Economical alternative: Flights are expensive, as are hotels. And the costs have risen massively, especially in recent years. For a vacation in a popular region, you have to dig deep into your pockets - and that has a negative impact on the entire household budget. A vacation at home, on the other hand, is easier on the wallet.
Sustainable time out: Traveling has a significant impact on the environment - especially when flights are used. This is because it results in increased greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbate climate change. A flight to the Canary Islands, for example, produces around 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person. Those who care about our planet therefore choose the most sustainable types of holiday possible - and a break at home is right at the top of the winner's podium.
Familiar and good infrastructure: Austria is a rich country, with a generally good infrastructure - even in rural areas. Unless you have special requests, you can get all the essential groceries in every municipality. Many people only become aware of this luxury when they come across poorly stocked supermarkets on holiday or have to drive miles in a rental car.
Own bed: Sleep is vital for our survival. And that's why many people have created the ideal sleeping environment for themselves - with a first-class bed, the right mattress and maybe even a pleasant lighting scenario. But when we go on holiday, we have to do without all of this - and what's more: we often have to deal with hard, squeaky or unstable beds in which we can't sleep for hours. So if you value a good night's sleep, you're just as well off spending your holiday at home.
Rediscover the immediate: Another great advantage of a holiday at home is the fact that it gives us the opportunity to rediscover the immediate area, the region, everything that surrounds us. We usually don't take enough time to do this anyway. Whether it's a castle, a viewing point, a museum, a nature reserve, a lake, a studio or a sports facility - our home is more diverse than we think.
Enjoy every free minute
It is also a fact that most people wait a whole year for their long-awaited vacation. For those two weeks of free time in a row. However, it is better to treat yourself to time off every now and then. A vacation for a few hours, so to speak. And for such short-term plans, our CHICO hammocks are the perfect companions. A few ideas:
Forest bathing: Our CHICO hammocks can be stretched between two trees in no time at all. Head to the nearest forest and try out the trend that everyone is talking about: forest bathing. It's about consciously staying, perceiving and relaxing - with all of your senses. A magical time in the forest is guaranteed.
Hike: If you prefer a more active approach, lace up your sneakers and take the CHICO hammock with you on your hike. Upon special request, our products are also available without a wooden pole, making these hammocks more compact and easier to transport. The Mühlviertel region, home to CHICO hammocks, is particularly rich in diverse trails. Choose from the Nordwaldkammweg (North Forest Ridge Trail), the Weg der Entschleunigung (Deceleration Trail), the Kraft-Quelle-Baum-Weg (Power Source Tree Trail), or one of the many shorter trails. And as soon as your feet get tired, unpack the hammock
Bathe: Summers in Austria have long been warm enough to enjoy regular leisure hours on the shores of your favorite lake. Or how about trying out new bathing spots this year and creating your own personal ranking of the best bathing lakes and rivers? The CHICO hammock can also come along again, because our lightweight "Terra" frame can be easily transported in the car thanks to its folding mechanism.
Camp: Camping has been experiencing a renaissance for a few years now - a wonderful opportunity for all adventure seekers who want to escape from their own four walls for a while. Whether in the region, at a favorite spot, in the south of Austria, right by a lake or in the alpine region - the possibilities are endless. And our CHICO hammocks are an ideal addition to such plans too.