There was a notable period of time during the pandemic era where overseas vacations seemed to be on the rise. You couldn’t get on a social media app without seeing half of your friends or family seemingly either perusing London’s shops or taking a selfie in front of an Italian landmark.
However, with rising inflation, gas, groceries, and a steady return to the office signal from companies, the world is changing yet again and more and more families are opting for trips that are closer to their homes and less hassle on them (and their finances).
In a world that more often celebrates globetrotting adventures to far-flung destinations, it can be easy to forget that there’s a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered right in your own backyard. Planning a trip close to home can be an equally rewarding and budget-friendly way to satisfy wanderlust. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the idea of exploring your local area, here are five tips to help you make the most of your close-to-home adventure.
1. Consider The Commute Travel Time
A city getaway is always great because your options are plentiful, and you can likely get around on public transportation or ride transportation like Uber. But if you just want to relax and enjoy nature without huge crowds, a beach town or mountain getaway can be just the ideal spot. Either way, for a quick trip, look for something pretty easy to reach with lots of things to do in a walkable, bikeable or public-transit-friendly area. No one wants to spend a vacation close to home stuck in traffic the whole time.
2. Pick Attractions You May Never Do Outside Of A Vacation
Perhaps it’s a Polka festival or hey maybe it’s even a Flower museum but before you set out on your close-to-home journey, do some research. Look up historical sites, natural wonders, and unique local events in the areas near you. You may be surprised to see that there’s a local music artist playing that weekend or perhaps a really unique restaurant to go to with your partner after you hit a big hike nearby. Whatever it is, doing some research ahead of time can ensure you’ll have fun things to explore once the sun goes down or on rainy days and provide a fresh perspective on familiar places and uncover fun places you might not have considered.
3. Get Up At Dawn
We all know musicians love to sing about the “magic hour,” that hour before sunrise when the light is soft and golden, the grass is dewy, the mountains or hills seem to glow, and everything is quiet. And they’re right: everything feels a little bit different at dawn, so haul your out of bed one morning and go see it (after checking the weather!). Choose a location nearby that perhaps you can book a place with a jacuzzi to watch sunrise or a great morning hike to start off the day.
4. Plan A Picnic With Local Products
Instead of relying on the same ol’ boring chain grocery stores, look around and see what local products and stores you can try and explore. What are the popular foods to try in that city or town and where are the best local spots to pick up something to go. Then, you can put together a cute picnic in a local park and get to enjoy a new scenery while still being on a trip close to home.
5. Experiment With Alternating Travel
If you really want to be spontaneous and feel like you’re having a vacation in a totally different place while still being near home, begin by choosing a starting place, ideally in an area you don’t know, and take alternate turns until you can go no further. There’s a sense of freedom in not knowing your destination or even how long it might take to get there, and a sense of discovery as you explore places you’d never have planned to visit. Alternatively, you could just flip a coin at every junction or play some other sort of game to determine your route. Either way, you’re guaranteed to experience something new.
6. Consider Documenting Your Vacation
Create a travel journal or blog to document your close-to-home adventures. Sharing your experiences with others can inspire them to explore their local area and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to relive your trips in the future and keeps your eyes open to new experiences and situations you’ll then want to write about later.
Planning a trip close to home can be just as great of an experience as planning one far away. It allows you to see your surroundings with fresh eyes, support local businesses, and connect with the community. So, whether you’re taking a staycation or embarking on a short road trip, use these tips to make the most of your close-to-home adventure. There’s always a world of exploration waiting for you right in your backyard… if you’re open to it.
Lindsey Hall is an award-winning mental health speaker and writer, focusing on what she refers to as “the nitty gritty topics not discussed.” She is the author behind “I Haven’t Shaved in Six Weeks,” a blog written to humanize the stigmas of eating disorders and treatment.
Through her published writing and work in public relations, she has had the privilege of speaking around the world on nuanced topics such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Exercise Addiction, Orthorexia and other eating disorder behaviors, and has been featured in publications including TODAY Show, CBS, Washington Post, Cosmopolitan, Women’s Health, SheKnows, SHAPE Magazine, Refinery29, and more.
An outdoor enthusiast (and Colorado girl) at heart, Lindsey loves to hike wherever possible and is currently focused on taking her white Dodge Ram ProMaster van around the world with her lovely cat, Smudges. Together, they have traveled in over 40 states and even across borders into Canada to conquer the trails!
Follow Lindsey Hall on Instagram.
