When Mike and I first had kids, our travel budget was small. We felt like the days of exploring Switzerland’s mountainous landscape to adventuring in Costa Rica were over. At least on pause. Our moments were spent keeping these little ones alive. However, this didn’t mean we weren’t thirsting for adventure. Instead of traveling halfway around the world for experiences, we had adventures by exploring our own backyard. Afterall, traveling isn’t just about the location, but it is also about the memories and moments you make with each other. You too can find family fun by exploring locally. Check out my list of local travel ideas and why your next trip could be nearby. P.S. It is also a lot cheaper!

What Is Local Travel?

Local travel is exploring the region around you. This could be your state, region, or country (depending on its size). Think about the area within a 2-3 hour driving radius. For me this is the whole country of the Netherlands. If we lived back in Bozeman, this is only a section of the state! Regardless of the labels, there are hundreds of things to do in your own little section of the world, you just need to do a little research and go.

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Why Should You Travel Locally?

There are quite a few reasons why local travel is wonderful. Below are a couple of the reasons why we like it.

Reason 1 – Local Travel Is Inexpensive

It is a lot cheaper! When traveling, lodging and transportation can be two of the biggest expenses. If you are visiting a nearby attraction, you can sleep in your own bed at night. You can also use your own car, so fuel is your only expense there.

Reason 2 – Supporting Local Businesses And Your Own Community

When spending your money in your region, you can help support the local economy. Search out businesses that are owned by community members and not big national or international businesses. Supporting local businesses has far-reaching positive effects on the community including economic growth, sustainability and community development.

Levi hiking near Leadville, Colorado - Local travel

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Reason 3 – Easier To Plan

When you are local you can plan your experiences easier. You don’t have to coordinate a lot of logistics, you just get in your car and go…maybe make a reservation or two. Okay, it may not be that easy, especially with kids, but you get my point. However, there aren’t flight reservations, transportation to the hotel, dinner reservations, attractions, where to go? What to see? etc…. Forget something? No big deal.

This is also a great way to start traveling if you haven’t done it much. Maybe you are nervous about how your kids will react to traveling. This beginner run will help show you if your kids can travel for a few hours in a car or can spend a full-day out.

There’s a lot to think about when planning a vacation. Click here for your free travel planning checklist.

25 family activities to do this weekend - Pinterest image

25 fun family activity ideas close to home - Pinterest image

Reason 4 – Don’t Need To Take Time Off Work

Since you aren’t traveling far away, local travel can happen on the weekend. This means you don’t have to use your PTO (paid time off). The important thing is to be intentional or it won’t happen. Consciously plan weekend getaways or day-trips throughout the year. Write them in your calendar and prioritize this time before other commitments get in the way!

Wade Lake - Local travel for Bozemanites

Local Travel Ideas

There are so many things you can do in your local area. I have made a list of different ideas, but it’s not exhaustive. You may also not like these things. That’s okay! Think of things you like to do and go from there. Here are some of my ideas:

Take a hike
Rent kayaks, SUP or a canoe
Go tubing down the river
Visit a museum
Go to a waterpark
Explore a new state park
Go to an amusement park
Visit a zoo
Go to an aquarium
Go miniature golfing
Walk around a new park
Find a new playground
Go camping
Have fun on a ropes course or go zip lining
Go kart racing
Splash around an indoor waterpark
Go to a local festival or show
Soak in a hot springs
Learn something new together (cooking, dancing, art, pottery, etc..)
Go to the beach
Visit a nearby city
Learn about and visit historical sites
Rent nordic skis and fall on the trails, I mean ski…
Check out a new ski hill
Go on a drive to see the fall colors

Whatever your interests, I know you will be able to find something fun and interesting to do in your neck of the woods. Traveling means more than getting on a plane and going to Machu Picchu. It is about making memories that will last a lifetime. What are you doing next weekend?

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