6 Reasons Why You Should Travel Locally

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Is it really travelling if you don’t leave home? If you travel locally, you will be able to see and experience things from a different perspective. Whether you call it a staycation or a local adventure, the concept is ripe with opportunities to see and experience things from a fresh perspective.

This article explores the many reasons why local travel can be just as enriching and exciting as venturing far afield, including the financial benefits of travelling locally, the convenience of fewer luggage restrictions, and the ease of planning. Discover how to make the most of your local adventures and uncover hidden gems right in your own backyard.

Key Takeaways

Key Benefits of Travelling Locally

Have you ever started to feel bored with your usual routine and felt like you could use a shake-up?

Well, all those Instagram photos and videos of your friends and family travelling to exciting destinations have probably given you a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out), but fear not (haha)! Who says you need to travel far or spend a lot of time on a trip to make it worthwhile?

Travelling locally allows you to be spontaneous because you can literally plan your local trip within hours (or less if you follow some of my suggestions in this article). And once you’ve planned things to whatever extent you want to, don’t forget to leave room in your plans for spontaneity.

What Does Travel Locally Mean?

Real talk.

What you consider to be local may differ from what I consider local because I live in Canada. For instance, if you live in one of many European countries, you might consider anywhere within the country to be local since it would only take you a few hours to get from one side to the other.

However, within my province of British Columbia, because of the geography, I would consider under 4 hours of driving in one direction to be a local trip.

For instance, Kelowna or Kamloops would be fine for a quick getaway from Vancouver or a weekend trip. And I know people drive the 2 – 3 hours from Vancouver to Whistler in Summer or any other season quite regularly for just a day trip.

There are also several popular destinations on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast to visit from Vancouver, but due to the long ferry wait times and ferry trip times, they are often more for weekends or longer trips.

Why Travel Locally?

1. Traveling Locally Helps Support your Community and Neighbours

Travelling locally is beneficial in itself, but when you also make purchases for travel-related items (think backpacks, adventure clothing, summer beach products) made and sold locally, you are doing more to keep the money circulating closer to home.

How does travelling locally help support your community? Well, keeping the circulation of money within your local community allows people closest to you to meet their needs and prosper.

I think it’s especially important to support locally owned stores and small businesses and prefer coffee shops and eateries that are (ideally) not part of a chain. Since I am vegan, I scope out places that are vegan-friendly or choose vegetarian or vegan places when possible.

There is a chain of Vancouver-owned comfort-food vegan restaurants called Meet (on Main, in Gastown, in Yaletown)that still fits the bill because each location is uniquely decorated and has different specials.

2. Travel Locally to Connect with Other Communities

Maybe you can never afford to live in certain neighbourhoods, or you don’t usually venture out that way because of distance; it’s always fun to spend a day in a completely different part of town.

If there are local festivals or events taking place, they are a great opportunity to connect with the locals in that community. You can live like a local if even for a few days.

3. Travelling Locally is Better for the Environment

Opting for local travel significantly reduces your carbon footprint. By avoiding planes or long car trips, you contribute to lessening CO2 emissions, thereby supporting a greener planet. Local travel doesn’t just satisfy your travel bug but does so in a way that is respectful to the environment.

4. Travel More Frequently and in Less Time

Want to know the best part? You can go on trips so much more frequently when you travel locally!

An afternoon or full-day getaway can do a lot to recharge your energy and make you feel like you’ve had a bit of an escape. I get a lot of enjoyment from having a full day of exploring my city like a tourist, including checking out new-to-me restaurants and museums.

Pro tip: Create a list of places you want to check out using Google Maps. Every time someone mentions a place that sounds interesting or you drive by somewhere that looks like fun, open the Google Maps app and search for that place.

Next, click on the Save button within the listing and add it to a new list or one you’ve already created.

Now, when you are feeling restless or bored, open up the Google Maps list and pick a place to check out!

5. Travelling Locally is Cheaper

Travelling locally does not cost a lot because you’re not paying as much for transportation. There’s no question that the majority of trip costs are tied up in transportation, like plane trips. If you travel locally, your money can go into the experience versus just in getting to your destination.

One significant advantage of local travel is how cost-effective it can be. Eliminating pricey airline tickets and expensive accommodations, your budget can instead be spent on experiencing more local attractions, eating out, and actually enjoying what your region has to offer.

More frequent, less costly trips are an excellent trade-off for extravagant vacations that might only happen once a year.

6. Travel Locally Means no Luggage Limits

One of the biggest hassles of air travel is dealing with luggage restrictions. From weight limits to extra fees for checked bags, it can be quite a headache. Travelling locally often means you’re driving or taking a train, allowing you to pack as much as you need without worrying about luggage limits. You can bring all your favourite vegan snacks, your most comfortable clothes, and even some books for a peaceful retreat.

Pro tip: For road trips, consider using a car rental service, which you can find at Rentalcars.com if you need a larger vehicle to accommodate your luggage and travel companions. This can make your trip even more comfortable and convenient.

Other Benefits of Travelling Locally

7. Learn to Appreciate Where you Live

Knowing the history of your area and the unique nuances that make it the way it is will likely allow you to appreciate it more than if you were constantly aching to leave and explore somewhere further away.

While I generally prefer to explore places on my own, I know that when I take the time to speak to locals who know about the region (including the best places to eat, spend time in nature, and relax), I am much more immersed in the entire experience. There’s no reason the same thing wouldn’t be just as beneficial in your own hometown.

8. Uncover Hidden Gems When You Travel Locally

Every place holds its unique stories and histories that you might not know, even if you’ve lived there all your life. Taking the time to learn about your area’s history, visiting local monuments, or engaging with local cultures enriches your understanding and appreciation of where you live.

9. You Spend Less Money on Travel Insurance When Traveling Locally

Travel insurance is a crucial part of any trip, but it can be expensive, especially for international travel. When you travel locally, however, the cost of travel insurance is significantly lower. You might even decide that you don’t need it at all, depending on your plans. Many standard health insurance policies already cover you within your home country, so there’s less need for additional coverage (win!!).

Reasons Why You Should Travel Locally - Infographic

Practical Ways To Help You Travel Locally

What’s your Travel Style?

Here’s the deal: Think about how you prefer to travel when you’re on a trip to decide how best to travel locally.

Would you like to hit up a few key attractions in a day and then take the evening off to enjoy a nice restaurant and relax in your hotel room? In this case, maybe you’d prefer to explore like a tourist for a day.

Or, maybe you like to relax in your hotel, wake up early and hit up all the sites, trying to cram in as much as you can each day? In this case, you might choose to book a hotel in a different part of town from where you live in order to have a couple of days set aside for your local trip.

Explore Like a Tourist for a Day

It’s about embracing the wanderlust within by exploring your local environment as if you’ve never seen it before. There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a street you’ve never walked down, a new restaurant, or a museum you’ve bypassed.

Just imagine grabbing your bike, like I did at Dees Island in Delta, and rediscovering the joys of cycling, or simply setting out on foot to explore unknown corners of your neighbourhood. You might be surprised by what you find when you look close enough.

6 Reasons Why You Should Travel Locally

Watch this video on YouTube

Watch this video for my reasons why local travel is awesome!

Have a Mini-Break Weekend in Your Own Town

Taking a mini-break weekend in your own city can be a refreshing way to rediscover familiar places with new eyes. You can visit that museum you’ve always passed by but never entered, try a new vegan restaurant, or take a stroll through a local park and enjoy a picnic. Not only will this save you the hassle of long travel times, but it also supports local businesses.

Pro tip: Use websites like Viator or GetYourGuide to book local tours and activities. You’d be surprised at the hidden gems in your backyard.

Go a Little Further Afield on a Quick Road Trip or Getaway Close to Home

If you’re craving a bit more adventure, a quick road trip or a nearby getaway can be the perfect solution. Imagine driving through scenic routes, stopping by charming small towns, and finding cozy cafés to check out along the way. It’s a fantastic way to explore new places without straying too far from home.

Pro tip: Create a list of small towns and cities within 4 hours drive (or train ride or plane ride) from where you live. When you’re next thinking about going a a quick road trip, check your list and see if there are any events or anything going on that feels like an easy yes (or no if you prefer to avoid the crowds).

Planning Your Local Travel Adventure

Planning is key to making the most out of your local travel adventures. Start by researching destinations within a two-hour radius of your home. Consider your interests—whether it’s hiking, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in a serene environment. Create a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneity.

Pro tip: Check out Expedia for reviews and recommendations on local attractions, accommodations, and restaurants. Their community of travellers provides valuable insights and tips.

Stay Overnight for That ‘Getaway’ Feeling

There are so many interesting neighbourhoods and types of properties that would be really fun to stay in overnight when travelling locally. Or, maybe you don’t want to stay in a hotel room in the heart of the city and would prefer to be in a more quiet residential area. Or, perhaps you’d really like to have accommodation that includes a kitchen so that you can make your own meals instead of eating out for all of them.

Pro tip: If you have friends or family in town, why not rent a place for you all to stay together? That way, it feels like even you are getting away for a bit. My top choice for where to find accommodation for family trips (both in my own city and in my hometown of Calgary, where I recently rented a whole house for much, much less than a hotel would’ve been for my cousins and me) is to check out VRBO. VRBO is more well-known in the UK, but I find there are a good amount of options for VRBO vacation rentals in the USA as well.

Searching For Local Travel Ideas to Travel Like a Local

Sometimes, the hardest part is deciding where to go. Thankfully, there are numerous resources available to help you find inspiration for your next local adventure. From travel blogs to social media groups dedicated to local travel, there’s a wealth of ideas at your fingertips.

Resources: Visit Lonely Planet for destination guides and travel tips. Check out Atlas Obscura. They often highlight lesser-known spots that are perfect for a quiet escape.

Book Tours with Local Travel and Tourism Organizations

Engaging with local travel and tourism organizations can enhance your travel experience. These organizations often offer guided tours that provide deeper insights into the history and culture of an area. Plus, booking through them supports the local economy and can lead to more personalized experiences.

Option: Use ToursByLocals to book private tours with local guides. It’s a great way to ensure your tour is tailored to your interests and pace.

Final Thoughts on Travelling Locally

Travelling locally offers a unique way to relax and de-stress. It’s about taking the time to slow down and enjoy what’s around you. Sometimes, the most refreshing experiences come from a simple change of scenery within your own locality, not from travelling thousands of miles away.

With so many advantages of travelling locally, I hope you’ll be inspired to take a staycation close to home!

As Henry Miller put it, “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” Thus, whether it’s the new cafe around the corner, the historical trail in your city, or the park that’s been part of your town for generations, there’s always something to explore. What local destinations are you planning to check out soon? After all, adventure lies wherever you’re willing to look for it – often, it’s closer than you think.