Some of you may be missing out on something wonderful. You have it in your head that a vacation has to be some sort of destination or, at least, a place that would be too far to drive back and forth in one day. Do I see your head nodding in agreement?
Well, toss those thoughts out of your head right now because I’m here to tell you that a vacation is what you make of it, even if you only drive 30 minutes to a bed and breakfast in your own hometown for the night. Getting away is not just about sightseeing; it’s about rest, relaxation, and escaping your busy lives. When you are a parent, it’s also about spending quality time with your spouse without the kids.
You can accomplish this so easily in your hometown, so stop thinking a romantic getaway has to be a faraway destination. I have a fondness for luxury inns, but that in part is why I feel a staycation in my hometown is so fulfilling. I’m indulging in an “experience.” I suggest looking for special packages on a hotel or Inn’s website. Often times, you will find special perks to make your hometown getaway seem more like a vacation. For example, a “Beer Lovers Package” in which you can tour several breweries while staying at the Inn, or perhaps a Broadway show and a romantic dinner is more your style. Look also for special offers for Baby Moons, romantic weekends, girls’ night out or a special spa weekend packages.
Hotels are realizing that people work more than ever now in America, so they are creating packages that cater to both their in-town and out-of-town guests. If an overnight stay is too difficult for childcare, then create your own mini-staycation by booking a sitter early in the afternoon to mid-evening. Take in a leisurely afternoon at a museum, followed by dinner al-fresco at a restaurant you’ve never tried before.
Be adventurous.
If you like to be active, then take a long hike on an area trail or a bike ride in a nearby county, then end all that activity with a splurge at a local cupcake shop.
The possibilities are endless. Once you realize that every destination can be a vacation, you’ll never look at your hometown the same way again.
13 ideas for traveling in your hometown
1. Try a new exotic restaurant.
2. Try new kind of transportation: think of a bike ride (or skis if you have snow!), horse carriage, rent a limo..
3. If you live by water – take a mini-cruise, take the ferry, eat in a restaurant boat.
4. Picnic at a park.
5. Stroll through farmer’s market or smaller food markets.
6. See a show; opera, theater, circus..
7. Listen to live music – even if it’s just in a pub!
8. Visit a microbrewery.
9. Go to a museum or art gallery.
10. Spend a night in a B&B.
11. Go to a spa.
12. Visit a botanical garden – or a local farm.
13. Visit your local library for books about your region and your local tourist office for more ideas what to do in your home town.
This post also appeared on our Everyday Love-issue, read the entire magazine!
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