While you may not be creating a photo album of your travels to Paris once you return, local travel awards you with the opportunity to be an expert. After all, you know your geography, your region, and the activities offered in your communities better than a tourist. With this in mind, one of the best tips when travelling locally is to seize this expert knowledge to best customize your trip close to home.
Begin by asking yourself questions such as “do I want this trip to be mainly outdoors or indoors?” and “how much driving am I willing to do?” Because you already know what type of weather occurs in your region throughout the year, you do not have to spend a lot of time online researching weather trends the way a visiting family does. This advantage enables you to be more selective of the outdoor activities you plan, and how many hours you are willing to commit each day to travel. You don’t need to be as flexible as tourists, so don’t settle on a rainy hike if you don’t have to!
You can also easily take advantage of your local connections when making travel decisions.
Use word-of- mouth and the past experiences of friends as a guide to accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment options. If a romantic long weekend at a Bed and Breakfast is what you’re after, you don’t need to rely solely on online reviews; a quick poll of other couples you know may provide you with the most intimate and scenic getaway for your anniversary. You possess a huge pool of experts all around you, meaning you have insider knowledge of deals and hidden gems that visitors will simply never have.
Local travel also awards one with the great opportunity to be spontaneous.
Buying plane tickets and researching itineraries isn’t necessary when exploring your own region, making it possible to take off last minute. If you recently were told by a co-worker of a great ski lodge or old growth forest two hours away, you can easily follow their recommendation and leave the same weekend. With family and friends close by, you can also more easily find childcare or pet sitting options on short notice, further allowing you to customize your trip how you would like, using your own local resources.
One final way to optimize local travel is by drawing on what you have around your own home.
You very well know what supplies will be necessary for a short ferry trip to a nearby lodge or a two-day snowboarding adventure. Use this knowledge to prepare before departing, packing all supplies you already own to save on money and time spent acquiring these items. Knowing what you’ll need and being able to bring it along with you leaves more cash in your pocket to enjoy on the trip, and the freedom to use whatever personal supplies you prefer.
