{
  "id": 370064,
  "title": "How to staycation better",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/how-to-staycation-better",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-09T11:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Vox",
    "slug": "vox",
    "url": "https://www.vox.com/explain-it-to-me/497734/vacation-staycation-how-to-plan-explained"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The author admits to being terrible at taking vacation time, despite having unlimited paid time off (PTO), and cites cultural and financial reasons as the main causes. Hannah Sampson, a travel writer for the Washington Post, suggests that taking a staycation can be a budget-friendly and fun way to enjoy a much-needed break without the stress of planning and expense. To make a staycation successful, the key is mindset: planning, preparation, and anticipation of the experience can create a \"vacation high.\" To make your home feel special, try using scented candles, playing ambient sounds, or exploring a new corner of your neighborhood. To avoid letting daily life interfere, unplug and be fully present in the moment, using tools like a phone-locking device or teaching children not to disturb you. Remember, vacation time is a valuable resource to be used wisely.",
  "summary": "I have to be honest about something that is a great source of personal shame: I am really, really bad at taking time off of work. Despite working at a company with unlimited PTO, the last time I took a weeklong vacation was about a year ago, making me a walking cliche of the American […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Many people struggle to take vacation time due to cultural and financial reasons.",
    "Staycations can be budget-friendly and enjoyable without the stress of planning.",
    "To make a staycation successful, plan, prepare, and set the right mindset."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}