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Traveling for vacation is a great way to enjoy some time off and see new places. However, not everyone has the money or time to travel far from home. Fortunately, there are plenty of exciting destinations that don’t require you to spend hours on a plane to get there. Luckily, you can find some great destinations near you.
1. Visit a Local Park
There are many fantastic parks located near major cities. These parks offer great hiking trails, beautiful scenery, nature reserves, and plenty of relaxing places. Pack a lunch and find a good spot.
2. Visit a Nearby City or Town
If you’re looking for a change of pace, consider visiting a city or town that’s located close to where you live. You will find museums, historic sites, and nature attractions, such as aquariums. For example, check out things to do in Gulfport, Mississippi. There are many great cities to visit within driving distance of major American cities. Some interesting destinations include Philadelphia, New Orleans, and Boston.
3. Take a Road Trip
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider taking a road trip. There are many great destinations to explore within driving distance of your home. Exciting options include the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and the Rocky Mountains.
4. Attend a Local Fair or Festival
Many towns host street festivals throughout the year. These are great places to eat delicious food, see live music acts, and simply have fun! Examples include the Minnesota State Fair in Minneapolis and Taste of Chicago in Chicago.
5. See Some Live Theater or Concerts at an Entertainment Venue Near You
There are many theaters and concert halls located throughout North America where you can enjoy all sorts of performances for a reasonable price. Good examples include Carnegie Hall in New York City, Massey Hall in Toronto, and The Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco.
6. Visit a Nearby Historical Site
There are many sites of historical significance located near major cities. These sites offer great tours explaining their history and providing interesting facts about their construction. Examples include Mount Vernon in Washington, D.C., Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, and Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico.
7. Go Camping or Hiking at a Nearby Park or Forest
Many parks and forests across the United States host campsites and trails for people to enjoy nature and get away from it all. Some great locations include Yosemite National Park in California, Cincinnati Nature Center in Ohio, and Zions National Park in Utah.
8. Attend a Free Lecture or Event at Your Local Library
Libraries offer a variety of free events and lectures throughout the year. These are great ways to learn about new things and meet new people. A few examples include author readings, cooking classes, and history lectures.
9. Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Amusement Park or Water Park
If you’re looking for a fun day trip with your family or friends, consider visiting an amusement park or water park that’s located close by. There are many great options to choose from, and most parks offer discounted tickets if you purchase them in advance. Good examples include Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, and Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, Texas.
10. Take a Day Trip in a National Park
Take a day trip to go hiking or sightseeing at a nearby state or national park. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider taking a day trip to one of your local state or national parks. There’s so much beauty outside of our doorstep, and it’s essential to take advantage of it as often as we can. Some great examples include Yosemite Park in California, Acadia National Park in Maine, and Olympic National Park in Washington State.
11. Take a Guided Tour of the City You Live In
Most cities offer free guided tours for people interested in learning more about their history. Some good examples include Gracie Mansion Tours in New York City, Angels Flight Railway Tour in Los Angeles, and Ghosts and Gravestones Historical Pub Crawl in Savannah, Georgia.
12. See a Play at Your Local Theater Company
Many theaters across North America host plays throughout the year. These are a great way to support your local arts community, and most plays are very affordable. Examples include the Toronto Centre for the Arts; Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, New York; and Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
While it can be challenging to find the time and money for expensive trips, the secret is simple: live well within your means. This allows you to save up enough money for these short getaways throughout the year. Make a list of places you would like to see. Consider seeing new places from this list each month. Safe travels!
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