What Does Traveling Locally Mean?
When we refer to your “own backyard,” we mean traveling locally. This entails exploring areas within your home state, county, or region that you haven’t yet discovered.
For instance, you might reside in New York City but have never ventured beyond it into New York State. Similarly, living in London doesn’t mean you’ve explored the charming countryside of Oxfordshire or the Cotswolds.
While there’s no rigid definition, we consider local travel as anything within a 1-2 hour drive from your home. This could be a day trip or a quick weekend escape.
Benefits of Local Travel
The advantages of “staying local” and exploring your immediate surroundings are numerous. Here are some compelling reasons to consider local travel:
- Cost-Effective: Local travel is significantly cheaper than lengthy trips, as expenses for fuel, accommodations, and dining are minimized.
- Less Planning: You can pack your bags the night before or even the same day, eliminating the stress of extensive preparation.
- Minimal Packing: Typically, a day pack or small suitcase is all you’ll require.
- Time-Friendly: Perfect for those with busy lifestyles, as it doesn’t demand time off work.
- New Appreciation: Experiencing the charm of your own area can instill a newfound gratitude for your surroundings.
- No Burnout: Traveling less frequently reduces the fatigue associated with airports and lengthy layovers.
- Rejuvenation: A quick getaway can provide a refreshing break from daily routines, re-energizing you for the week ahead.
How to Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard
Now that you’ve grasped the concept of local travel, it’s time to don your explorer’s hat and delve into your hometown and its surroundings. Consider these activities to uncover the hidden gems of your area:
- Discover new walking trails
- Explore new beaches
- Enjoy a picnic in a new park
- Shop at local markets
- Go horseback riding
- Take scenic drives
- Participate in local festivals
- Rent kayaks on a nearby lake
- Bike along different cycling trails
- Dine at a new café
- Climb a local mountain
If you think you’ve exhausted your hometown options, here are further tips and resources for finding new local travel opportunities:
1. Check Your Local Tourist Board Website
Your local tourist board often lists events and attractions in your town and surrounding areas. While they may seem obsolete in the age of social media, they are still valuable resources.
2. Use Social Media
Platforms like Instagram can provide inspiration. Photos often come with geotags to help you discover lesser-known spots. Searching by hashtags for your city can reveal hidden gems.
3. Use Foursquare
Foursquare is a location-based social platform that offers tips and suggestions from locals on where to eat, drink, and hang out.
4. Talk With Your Friends (And Other Locals)
Locals possess invaluable knowledge about the best places to dine, shop, and explore. Conversations with taxi drivers, hotel staff, and fellow locals can lead to exciting discoveries.
5. Choose One (Or Two) Weekends a Month & Drive
We dedicate at least one weekend each month to explore outside our hometown, visiting nearby cities while uncovering local treasures.
6. Do the Familiar With a New Twist
Return to your favorite spots but try new activities. For instance, revisit a beloved beach and attempt paddle boarding or surfing.
7. Stay at a Local Resort or Hotel (Staycation)
Book a stay at a nearby resort or hotel for a mini getaway, allowing you to enjoy a new environment close to home.
8. Hire an Apartment with a View for Your Next Party
Consider renting a space for special occasions. It provides a fresh atmosphere and makes you feel like you’re on holiday.
9. Have a Family Photo Shoot
Use a favorite location for a family photo session. Capturing moments with your loved ones can evoke the feeling of being on a vacation.
Final Thoughts
When we think of travel, we often gravitate toward far-off destinations and overlook the rich experiences available in our own neighborhoods. Traveling doesn’t have to involve jetting off to Bali or embarking on hikes in Nepal—it’s all about your perspective.
Over the years, we’ve explored our local area just as thoroughly as we’ve traversed international landscapes.
So, how do you travel in your own backyard? What new adventure do you want to embark on in your hometown? Share your thoughts in the comments!
