Spring Break Decisions: Staycation vs. Getaway in Melbourne, Florida
As spring break approaches, that age-old question starts bouncing around in my head again: “Should we pack our bags and leave town, or create an amazing staycation right here in Melbourne?” With pristine beaches at our doorstep and Orlando’s attractions just an hour away, we Brevard County residents face quite the enviable dilemma.
The Case for Staying Local This Spring Break
I’ve noticed something interesting over the years living in Melbourne – sometimes we overlook the incredible experiences available in our own backyard. A staycation doesn’t mean sitting at home scrolling through social media while watching other people’s vacation photos roll in.
Think about it: when was the last time you actually enjoyed Cocoa Beach like a tourist? Or spent a full day exploring the wonders at the Brevard Zoo? Sometimes it takes “playing tourist” in your own town to rediscover what made you fall in love with the Space Coast in the first place.
Melbourne’s Hidden Gems for Staycationers
If you’re leaning toward a staycation, consider these local treasures:
- Historic Downtown Melbourne – Grab brunch at a sidewalk café, browse boutique shops, and catch live music in the evening
- Sebastian Inlet State Park – Perfect for fishing, surfing, or simply relaxing on less crowded shores
- Brevard Zoo – Try the kayaking tours for a unique perspective of Florida wildlife
- Kennedy Space Center – Even locals rarely explore everything this world-class attraction offers
The beauty of a staycation? You save on accommodations and travel costs, which means more budget for experiences and treating yourself to dinners at places like The Mansion or Ocean 302 that you might normally save for special occasions.
When Leaving Town Makes Sense
That said, sometimes you just need a complete change of scenery. There’s something about physically removing yourself from your everyday environment that helps reset your mental state. Even a short drive to places like St. Augustine or Miami can provide that psychological break we all crave occasionally.
Spring break getaways from Melbourne offer advantages like:
- True disconnection from work and home responsibilities
- Exposure to different cultures, foods, and environments
- Creating dedicated family time without the distractions of home
- That special feeling of anticipation that comes with planning a trip
Budget Considerations: Staycation vs. Getaway
| Expense Category | Typical Staycation Cost | Typical Getaway Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodations | $0 (or $150-300/night for local hotel) | $150-500+/night |
| Transportation | Minimal (local gas) | $200-1000+ (flights or long drives) |
| Food | $50-100/day for dining out | $75-150+/day (all meals out) |
| Activities | $20-100/day | $50-200+/day |
The financial difference can be substantial. A family of four might spend $500-800 for a week of local activities versus $3,000-5,000+ for a week away. Is that difference worth it? Only you can decide.
Finding Middle Ground: The “Nearcation”
If you’re torn between staying put and traveling far, consider what I like to call a “nearcation” – booking accommodations somewhere within a 2-hour radius of Melbourne. This approach gives you:
- The psychological benefit of “getting away”
- Minimal travel time and expenses
- The ability to return home quickly if needed
- Discovery of regional attractions you might normally overlook
Places like Orlando (beyond just the theme parks), New Smyrna Beach, or even a cabin rental in Ocala National Forest can provide fresh experiences without major travel hassles.
Making Your Decision: Questions to Ask Yourself
Still undecided? Ask yourself:
- What does your budget honestly allow right now?
- How much planning time do you have before spring break arrives?
- What type of break do you most need – adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion?
- When was the last time you truly explored Melbourne and surrounding areas?
- How do other family members feel about staying vs. going?
When to Choose a Staycation
A staycation might be your best bet if you’re looking to:
- Save money for future plans
- Avoid travel stress and planning
- Support local businesses
- Rediscover your hometown
- Enjoy the comforts of your own bed
When to Choose a Getaway
Consider leaving town if you’re craving:
- Complete mental disconnection from routine
- New cultural experiences
- Different weather or landscape
- Creating special memories in a novel environment
Your Perfect Spring Break Awaits
Whether you choose to lounge on Satellite Beach or board a plane to a distant locale, the most important aspect of spring break is intentionally taking time to recharge. Sometimes the most memorable vacations happen when we least expect them – right in our own community or somewhere we’ve never considered before.
What are your spring break plans this year? Are you Team Staycation or Team Getaway? Share your Melbourne spring break experiences and recommendations with neighbors in the comments below!
Do you leave for spring break, or make it a staycation? Source link