Ways to Travel Near Home This Summer
The New York Times compiled a list of The 31 Places to Go This Summer if you’ve opted out of a trip to Europe. The article particularly resounded as my friends, a family of 4, have done just that.
Several suggestions on the New York Times list include road trips. And with the price of gas, that can quickly add up especially if driving an SUV. Without further ado, here are some ideas to…
[ad#ad-1]
Enjoy Feeling Like a Tourist At Home
(If you know what band I’m alluding to with that title and want a SuperViva t-shirt add a comment below with another near-home travel idea 
- Volunteer to do environmental cleanup work or other types of projects that bring you to people and places you haven’t seen before.
- Visit other towns or cities in your state on day trips. Check your local AAA for events and deals in nearby areas.
- Find out where tourists go in your own city and check out those places (except the “tourist traps” of course). Are there interesting historic or architectural tours to make you appreciate where you live? What about fun or odd new restaurants or food stands to explore?
And make a local quest… For example I have a goal to explore the donut shops of Los Angeles. I also want to explore the “licuado” stands in California, as I’m a big fan of banana shakes and have drunk many such licuados in Mexico.
- Go to all the local museums to learn about art and culture.
I’ve been in the San Francisco Bay Area for years and only recently went to Filoli, a mansion and expansive grounds for hiking, which I now see also has a summer concert series. What hidden gems lie near you?
- Take advantage of local events such as concerts in the park. Or organize one!
- Enjoy and explore the natural wonders of your area. Think there’s nothing remotely natural or wonderous where you live? Check out some ideas on SuperViva and maybe you will change your mind.
A noticeable omission from the New York Times article: If you’re on the East Coast, I recommend a visit to Boston to discover our colonial history. Add on Salem where the witch trials took place as well as Cape Cod. Top it off with fulfilling a goal to Eat Boston Cream Pie in Boston and there you have a story to tell. (Yes you should make a goal to eat Boston baked beans too. Yummy!)
Just Got to Get Out of Town?
The following ads bring you good opportunities to reduce your travel and lodging. The idea of a Home Exchange is especially brilliant!
Save with Last Minute Deals From Travelocity.com
Try home exchange for your next vacation. 20,000+ Worldwide Listings.
June 1st, 2008 at 11:49 am
Hi Susie,
The band is of course the mighty Gang of Four. Another idea is to take a different view on the same old places you drive past every day. Try going to your normal places but do so on foot, bicycle, or skate. You will surely see new perspectives on the same old place.
As GO4 say, “The problem of leisure
What to do for pleasure?”
The answer could be walking.