My last staycation was almost 2 decades ago, back when I was still a primary school-going kid. Dad used to bring the whole family on yearly staycations partly because we didn’t enjoy travelling overseas. So I can say that we were clearly forerunners at the staycation game even before the concept exploded in the late noughties, and staycations became trendy and cool.

There weren’t that many hotels to choose from in the 90s, much less boutique ones, so we stayed in international hotel chains. As kids, my brother and I were enthralled with everything the hotel had to offer: from the air-conditioned bedroom (we didn’t have our own back home) to the swimming pool. For non-holiday makers, staycations were the next best thing.

Earlier this week, my family began an extended staycation as the house is in the midst of some renovation works. The next 2 weeks will certainly feel a little familiar yet strange. Admittedly, while some of the magical allure has worn off over the years, I guess being a hotel guest in your own backyard is still an uncanny experience in its own rights.