10 Reasons to Travel in Your Own City
Well, my friends, there is something to be said for traveling local. Sure, a weekend away or a change of scenery sounds pretty nice but this post is here to give you 10 Reasons to Travel in Your Own City to help you see the light! Just kidding, it’s honestly because I love my city and have been also trying to convince myself that a stayvacation can be just as fun and exciting as traveling to some place new.
To be honest, I used to think staycations were, well, boring. Like, why would you want to stay home? Why wouldn’t you want to travel outside your norm and explore other amazing places and things.
Then I realized how much stuff I haven’t been able to do in my city, over the past year and a half, due to the pandemic. It reopened a door I had when I first moved to Seattle. It made me excited to explore and get out and adventure through it. So, let’s have fun writing this list of 10 Reasons to Travel in Your Own City, shall we?
10 Reasons to Travel in Your Own City
This list is in no order what-so-ever. These are just reasons that came to me while thinking about all the things I would have wanted to do when I first moved here.
Like every city, Seattle has changed so much. Especially since the pandemic.
New, and some times disappointing, restaurants, coffee shops, vegan joints, etc popped up. Happy hour traditions came to an end, some due to a closures (miss you Clever Bottle) and/or new rituals come to play (hello, Bottlehouse). This is all about finding and exploring how your city has changed and what you’ll find going forward.
So let’s start with one of the most important: where to stay!
Stay At the Hotel You Recommend to Everyone
You know you have one. Mine is Hotel Sorrento, which is located downtown on First Hill. I have a list of 5 other hotels that I’d love to get a feel for. Especially because I always recommend them to colleagues and friends but have never stay at them myself.
Taking that staycation can be hard because you’re so close to home. A lot of us think “is this a waste of money?” or “but I can be home in 15 minutes, is it worth it?”.
There is something to be said for treating yourself to a nice room, maybe room service and a long warm bath. I think just staying in a new place can be super beneficial for anyone’s mental health and sanity. Staying at home every day is repetitive. Mixing it up will not only boost your mood but also help you know which hotels are the best to stay in, going forward.
Become an Expert in your city
A great way to go big and become an expert in your city, is to take a walking tour. I know you’ve probably walked your streets a thousand times but going with a professional can teach you something you might not have known. I remember taking a tour in Seattle and learned that the main brothel in Downtown Seattle was owned by a woman. She had so much money that she put it back into the town and even had a the right be vote city wide.
You don’t know what you don’t know. I love sharing those tidbits with friends and family who visit.
If you’re in a major city, scavenger hunts might be for you. It’s a great way to pass the time with friends, especially if you’re into outdoor activities. There are loads of websites that have free or inexpensive hunts that’ll get you exploring and learning.
Finally do the Tourist Attractions
I know – crazy but, I’ve lived here for 10 years and have never been to the top of the Space Needle, Smith Tower, the Aquarium, been whale watching or on a Kenmore Seaplane. They’ve been on my list since day 1, but life gets in the way, guys!
My Mom grew up in Long Island, New York and has never been to the statue of liberty. Sometimes, you just keep saying “I’ll get to it” and you don’t. This is your sign! Go do all the touristy things and try to do them in the off peak season.
Easy to Pack
My favorite part of traveling in my city is that home is 15 minutes away. If I forget deodorant, I can swing by my place. I can buy fresh flowers at the market and they won’t have time to go bad. You can get dinner and grab the leftovers without feeling guilty.
You also don’t need a huge suitcase because you’ll spend a lot less time traveling or being in situations where you might need more.
Try New Places
I don’t know about you but living in the same part of the city means a lot of the same activities and restaurants. It’s monotonous. I’ve been known to take a half day and travel out to another part of the city to just feel like I’m doing something new and different.
Try new restaurants, explore a part of the city you’ve never been to before or go on a long walk in a new neighborhood. Sometimes feeling alive is just a quick change that’ll bring you out of a funk.
Saving Money
Ohhhh my friends, it cost so much less to stay in your city. Think about the cost of transportation, sales tax in different countries or states and the cost of the unknown situations you could get into.
Staying in the city is easily a hotel, maybe parking and food (unless you pack your own). This is particularly ideal for traveling families.
Support Local
My favorite part about traveling locally is that your money is going right back into your own economy. Boutiques, vendors, neighbors and community… you name it! You’re helping out your neighbors and friends.
Relax Easier & Faster
Another thing to love about traveling at home… that traveling part.
You don’t have to worry about getting to the airport early, getting through security or finding a place to stay while driving 2-3 days before getting to your destination. Instead, you’re at a hotel down the street with, hopefully, a huge bath tub.
The wind down is infinitely faster and easier.
It’s better for the Environment
You’re not going far at all… and neither is your foot print!
You’re Still Near Friends & Family
Have a night alone or get together with your besties. Either way, make a full day out of your stay but have the safety and security of knowing your people are close if something happens.
That’s it, mon amies. A very quick and easy post today but so much fun to write.
I hope you all found these 10 Reasons to Travel in Your Own City helpful. If you can think of another reason, leave me a comment below! I’d also love to know where home is for you and where you’d be traveling locally. 💕
