Friday Funny: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Only 35% of Americans are planning a family summer vacation this year. Is a staycation a better bet? Depends where you live.

Summer’s almost here, which means many of our thoughts turn to getting away on a nice relaxing vacation. But do you really have to go away to get away if you’re in need of a summer escape?

vacation staycation
(Credit: Flying Colours Ltd)

Turns out, only 35 percent of Americans are planning to take a family vacation away from home this year. A “staycation” may be a better option if you don’t want to travel long distances or simply can’t afford to use your vacation time, and if you’re lucky enough to live in a place that offers lots of entertainment and relaxation opportunities.

To help you decide whether to leave home or bring vacation to your front door, WalletHub has released its report on 2017’s Best & Worst Cities for Staycations. The personal-finance website compared the 150 largest cities based on 36 key indicators of a fun-filled yet wallet-friendly staycation. The data ranges from movie and bowling costs to spas and wellness centers per capita to cost of house-cleaning services.

vacation staycation
(Credit: Comstock)

Best Cities for Staycations

  1. Orlando, FL
  2. Chicago, IL
  3. San Diego, CA
  4. Seattle, WA
  5. Tampa, FL
  6. Las Vegas, NV
  7. Atlanta, GA
  8. Portland, OR
  9. San Francisco, CA
  10. New York, NY
vacation staycation
(Credit: Christopher Robbins)

Worst Cities for Staycations

141. North Las Vegas, NV
142. Oakland, CA
143. Port St. Lucie, FL
144. Hialeah, FL
145. Newark, NJ
146. Fremont, CA
147. Santa Ana, CA
148. Oxnard, CA
149. Yonkers, NY
150. Chula Vista, CA

I Scream, You Scream

vacation staycation
(Credit: Kraig Scarbinsky)

Looking for something specific? Whether you’re in search of public golf courses, swimming pools, or a lot of ice cream options, here’s a rundown of the best vs. the worst cities for your needs:

  • Philadelphia, PA and Cleveland, OH are tied for the most swimming pools per capita, while Fremont, CA and Chesapeake, VA are tied for the fewest.
  • New Orleans has the most museums per capita, 92 times more than Aurora, CO, the city with the fewest.
  • New York has the most parks per capita, 13.5 times more than Hialeah, FL, the city with the fewest.
  • Orlando, FL has the most ice cream and frozen yogurt shops per capita, 28 times more than Greensboro, NC, the city with the fewest.
  • Chicago has the most tennis courts per capita, 26 times more than Gilbert, AZ, the city with the fewest.
  • Cincinnati, OH and Orlando, FL have the most public golf courses per capita, while Cleveland, OH has the fewest.

Click here to view the full report and find out your city’s rank.


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