How to Travel in Your Own Backyard

Adventure really can be found everywhere! One thing I’ve loved about traveling for over two decades is that it has made me really look at the places I call home in a brand new light. After all, the way I approach researching a new destination is a lot different than how I approach ones where I’m considered a local!

However, it’s always so fun (and rewarding!) to play tourist in your own town. Not only does it get you to shake up your routine, but it also helps you appreciate where you live and where you’re from in a new way. And, as a bonus, it can often scratch that wanderlust itch without breaking the bank. Here are just some ideas!

Ways to Travel in Your Own Backyard

Look at Your Hometown Through a Travel Lens

Think of the last time you planned a trip somewhere new. It’s a whole different approach than, say, bringing the kids to your parents a few states over for Thanksgiving, right? You need to plan where to stay, what to do, where to eat, how to get around… I want you to take that same mentality and bring it to where you live. If someone were visiting your town for the first time, where would you recommend they sleep, eat, and play? Put together an itinerary and then do it!

Utilize Social Media

One of the things I love about social media is how quickly and often new information is shared, especially related to travel. And I love that many people wind up creating whole accounts dedicated to where they live and what’s happening there. Just search up your town or nearby towns and see what recommendations people are sharing. You might just find out about a new museum exhibit, hiking trail, or restaurant you hadn’t before.

Start Making a Hometown Bucket List

Take that social media browsing to the next level and create a new note or document to build your own bucket list. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but I find it helps to have a sort of master list to reference later when I have a free afternoon and want to do something. Separate it into categories so you can reference it even more quickly.

Book a Guided Tour

Play tourist for a few hours and book a guided tour. There’s something refreshing about being shown around your hometown by someone who’s passionate about sharing it with strangers. Book something as simple as a walking tour or look into more unique options like mural tours, after-dark tours, or food tours!

Look-Up Local Businesses to Support

I’m forever a firm believer that part of what makes a destination special is the people and the small, independent businesses they create. In a world where we increasingly just order everything we need, it’s actually a novelty to browse in person and even chat with the owner or one of their handful of employees. Think bookstores, boutiques, vintage shops, local markets, cafes, restaurants, breweries… Check out your tourism board website and start making a list of places to patronize!

Plan a Staycation

Sometimes, scratching that travel itch is as simple as getting out of your house and booking a stay at the bed and breakfast in your town. Organize it with some friends so it can feel like one big sleepover or mini-getaway.

Literally Try Something New in Your Backyard

This is for those of you with tighter budgets: try something new at home – literally. Remember the scene in It’s a Wonderful Life where they can’t go on their honeymoon, so Mary Bailey recreates the feeling at home? Like that! Think of somewhere you’ve been wanting to go but can’t quite afford. Then make a playlist, look up recipes, gather some decor to hang up, and create your own destination-themed evening. You can even make it a group event where friends bring on-theme dishes and you plan different activities.

Look into Local Meet-Ups and Events

Speaking of group events, one of the best ways to get that travel experience in your own backyard is to meet new people! Look into local meet-ups and join one that interests you. Whether it’s running or knitting or board games or trivia… really, there’s no limit! Take it a step further and make an effort to introduce yourself to at least one or two new people. You never know who could turn into a future travel buddy.

Research Local History

Sometimes the way to travel isn’t necessarily physically, but figuratively – to the past. Even the street you’ve walked across hundreds of times through the years can turn into something brand new when you learn about its history. Maybe this specific street was created hundreds of years ago when it was a pathway formed from trade. Or maybe it’s named after a historical figure with a story to tell! If your family has lived in your town for as long as you can remember, consider tracing their stories and imagining what life would’ve been like for them through the centuries.

Look Up Trips 30-60 Minutes from Your House

If none of the above is truly working for you, expand your radius to places 30-60 minutes from your home. Maybe you live an hour from a small city that’s much more impressive than you gave it credit for. Or maybe the small town, less than a 20-minute drive away, actually has a ton of fun events and activities you never considered.

Try Traveling in a New (to You) Way

As my final tip, I’m leaving you with the simplest way to get a bit of a travel rush – try changing up the literal way you travel. Normally drive everywhere? Why not try taking public transportation? Or walking (if it’s safe!)? When’s the last time you rode a bike? Look into renting one and spending the day cycling along a nearby trail. Do you live near a river? Look into kayaking! Maybe the local college has a rowing team, and they offer rowing lessons for locals. Heck, go real old school and look into roller blades.

The key to all of these tips is shaking up your day-to-day the way traveling somewhere brand new will. Get creative and see if any of these methods work for you!