In just two days we will celebrate the much-awaited Christmas- a day that means different things to different people. To some, it is strictly a religious day to remember the birth of Jesus. To others, it is time to spend time with family.
Yet others see this as a time to take a vacation. Regardless of how we perceive the day, we can all agree it is the perfect time to wind down and make merry.
It is that time when many of us take the “special utensils” out of their hiding place, google new recipes and entertain guests.
After all, you have to maintain a good image lest you give people something to discuss afterward. Then there is the endless cooking on the material day and a pile of dishes a day later. And this goes on until the new year.
Before you can catch your breath, it’s time to get back to work and you have to wait again until the next festive season to rest.
Every day you host a guest, your utility bills increase. By the time you’re ushering in the new year, you have overspent beyond your festive season budget. Kimanthi says, sometimes it is better to just have an intimate outing or vacation with family only- so that everyone can rest and enjoys their free time.
That means you will not do your daily chores while on staycation, but rather indulge in self-care. In the past two years, staycations have become more popular, not only in Kenya but abroad.
With last year’s travel restrictions, people began to appreciate their local facilities and even the hospitality industry became more appreciative of domestic tourists.
It is interesting how one can live in a neighbourhood or a country all their life and not know much about it.
As a child, Kinyamu grew up watching students arrive as guests at their farm, back in Meru and that sparked his desire for travelling and experiencing different places. As an adult, he has travelled widely and seen much.
On staycations, he says they are the perfect getaways for people who want a change of scene. He adds that Kenya’s hospitality industry has transformed immensely and there are now plenty of options.
“With a mix of devolution, and improvement of infrastructure, different locations have grown as tourist destinations. We also have direct flights across various towns, which makes travelling easier. There was a time when a vacation at the Coast, for instance, meant spending time only in Mombasa, but now all the smaller coastal counties are receiving visitors,” explains Kinyamu. Simply put, wherever you are, whether in Lokichar, Marsabit or Kisumu, there are countless options. The rise of Airbnb and short stay vacation rentals have also created staycation opportunities, which are family friendly.
In an Airbnb villa for instance, the family can easily hire a chef, such that no family member will worry about breakfast or dinner.
The family can then go for a swim if a pool is available within the premises, take a hike in the afternoon and visit a nearby tourist attraction later in the evening. Sounds relaxing, right?
It is important to be careful and if possible, book vacation rentals or stick to activities near your place of residence. Second, schools will be closing on December 23, when there will be more traffic.
Third, the flu season is here, and Covid-19 is still with us. Do not engage in activities that risk your health. Lastly, the hospitality industry is experiencing its peak season.
“By now most facilities are at least 80 per cent booked,” says Kinyamu. The demand is high and so are the prices. You may get disappointed when you try to book anything at the last minute. However, this may also be an opportunity to explore the underserved destinations.
You do not have to flock to popular locations. In his sojourns, Kinyamu has explored some unexpected tourist destinations in locations like north eastern Kenya.
Every place has something unique to offer. “I am always guided by the complexity of a place. If you take a case study of Turkana for instance, you realise that all we see and hear about the place is the ravaging drought but once you land there, you find vineyards, irrigation schemes and tourist attractions,” he says. It is important to think outside the box this festive season and look for novel experiences rather than scrambling for the same old destinations.
Research extensively and uncover hidden gems. Perhaps that resort at a walking distance from your home deserves a chance too.
Staycations are all about escaping the norm and indulging in fun experiences. Kinyamu recommends participatory tourism whereby you immerse yourself in a culture or a popular activity enjoyed by the locals.
If you are in Kisumu, go fishing and if you find yourself in Turkana, participate in their cultural festival. If you are in Machakos, enjoy the abundance of the mango season.
