You don’t have to travel across the country to make memories or have new experiences. Staycations can be just as fun! All you need to do is become a tourist in your own city. It sounds silly, I know! But you will be amazed at how your perspective can change when you look at your city as a new destination.
Traveling in our own city has helped us to see the beautiful around us. It forces us to slow down, take in the sights and sounds, and fall in love with our surroundings. If you live in a small town, it’s okay to head over to a neighboring town. The idea is to stay as local as possible. Here’s how to travel in your city.
How To Travel In Your City
1. Book a night at a local hotel
My favorite way to travel my city is by staying like a tourist. Staying at a hotel, even for a night, gives you the feeling that you’re on vacation. I like to stay in our downtown area or by the beach. This way, I can walk or ride my bike everywhere for the full effect. If you don’t have a downtown area, stay somewhere that has a few different things you’d like to do. Like restaurants, coffee shops, or shopping.
If you want to make it fun, get an airbnb and invite some friends. Make a weekend getaway out of it!
Maybe you can’t afford a hotel or airbnb. It’s okay! You can still do the next 7 things on this list. Remember, you can make travel fit in your budget. Even traveling in your own city. Do what works for you.
2. Try out a new restaurant
The best part of traveling is trying new food. At home, I have my go-to’s and tend to stick to what is familiar. One benefit of traveling in your city is being intentional about trying new restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. You never know. You might just find your new favorite restaurant.
3. Go to a new attraction
What do you like to do when you travel? I try to find all the things that are unique to that place. Whether it’s a museum, cool building, or zip lining, I want to try it. Have you tried all of the attractions in your town? Like miniature golf, bowling, skating, trampoline parks, or museums. No. What are you waiting for?
4. Have a picnic at a park
If you’ve read my post about traveling on a budget, you know I love to find all the free things at our destinations. Traveling in your own city is no different. Get take-out and head to your local park and take in the sights. You could talk to another local and ask them about their favorite places to eat or hang out. You may learn about something you didn’t know before.
5. Explore outside
No matter where you live, you can get outside. There’s always more to explore! Walk a different route in your city, go for a hike, swim in a lake or at the beach. See if you can find different trees, flowers, or animals that are specific to your part of the country. It can be as simple or adventurous as you’re up for.
6. Try something local
Every city and town, no matter how small, has local charm. Find it! There is something in your hometown you can’t find anywhere else. It could be food, art, music, or something totally different. If you don’t know, ask around. Someone will point you in the right direction.
7. Show a friend around
Get together with a friend and give them a tour. Show off all that your city has to offer. Giving a tour helps you appreciate your city and remember places you’ve forgotten. They might even notice something you haven’t.
8. Find IG picture spots
We all want those instagram worthy pictures for social media. Find those in your town. It could be a cool view, a beautiful building, or something that fits your aesthetic. Go find that beautiful picture spot to document your staycation!

[…] One of the perks of traveling in your own city is trying out all of the local restaurants and finding the best hang out spots. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on a vacation. Choose a staycation instead and learn how to TRAVEL IN YOUR OWN CITY. […]