If you are thinking about getting away from it all and doing something fun for yourself, or maybe you just need a solo vacation or a mental health break, why not try a Quick hometown holiday? But with the rising cost of living, how can anyone afford to go on a vacation right now? We are all struggling to save even a few pennies. And to make matters worse, how can we take extra time off from work without being penalized?
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Vacations are even more critical after the stresses of Christmas or during the depressing winter blues. But how do you have a holiday right after Christmas and still pay all those Christmas bills? There is no way that you can afford to pay for a trip or a plane ticket at that time. This is where a quick holiday becomes beneficial. And, it can always be appreciated at any time of the year.
Visiting your Hometown Makes a Great Quick Holiday
You can take a great getaway in your hometown. There are great places to see and things to do in your hometown that has been there forever and you never took the time to see. You should not take these things for granted anymore and go out and have fun. There are places to visit and some things you can do that keep you entertained and excited without leaving your town.
Hopefully, you are able to take at least a few days out of your busy workweek to enjoy these great sites.
Take the time to really relax and enjoy life without spending too much money. You can take a wonderful three-day vacation in your hometown easily if you look at what is around you.
Read on to discover some great quick hometown holiday ideas.
Stay in a Hotel
You can get a hotel room with plenty of amenities to do all the things you would if you were on vacation. You can take advantage of the complimentary breakfast and get some relaxing time for yourself or your loved one at a price you can feel good about. This is especially great if you live in an area with a cold winter climate. Take advantage of the indoor pools or spas. If you are in the Ottawa/Gatineau area, check out the Nordik Spa-Nature for some refreshing year-round pampering.
Booking.com has some great deals for accommodation. Enter your hometown and your dates and see what is available. You may discover a place off the beaten path that looks interesting.
Make your Home your Castle
If you do not have much money to spend on this vacation, that is ok, too. You can stay at home and treat your home as your castle. Do not take any phone calls and stay away from your computer and work. Make this your time and do whatever you want. This is a great way to have a quick holiday for you. Lock the doors and enjoy the quiet time. Watch your favorite movies and eat all you want. This is an excellent adventure for anyone. Maybe you want a different kind of pampering; hire a private chef for dinner or a housekeeper to clean everything before you take that break. These are all possibilities.
Take a Hike or Walk
If you live in a hometown that has places for hikes, walking trails, and other beautiful places in nature to go, you should take advantage of it. You can see great sites that do not cost very much.
You will love being out in nature, seeing what was always right there in front of you, and never noticing. Although more enjoyable in the warmer weather, a winter walk can do your mind a lot of good—something about crisp cold air that just clears your head.
Learn about Historical Sites
If you have some great historical sites in your hometown, this is the perfect time to check them out.
There are great things to see and learn about your hometown that you never took the time to know before. You will feel good about this excursion, and it will be a great experience that you can keep with you forever. Little travel is involved, and it is a great time to do this on your own or with someone you love. Perhaps you can learn about this place so that when you have visitors to your hometown, you can take them there.
Get your Guide often has some great historical tours or museum packages that will allow you to explore something different.
Visit Museums
Museums are another great thing to do on a quick hometown holiday. You will not have to go far, and the cost is minimal. Many hometowns have at least one museum. Have you been to any in your hometown? Museums are an excellent opportunity to lose yourself and escape the hustle and bustle of your regular life. Some museums have interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family.
Spend a Day at the Park
Parks are another great place to visit. You can take a bike ride or walking trail in your area. This is a great place that will give you some fresh air and allow you to get exercise on your getaway.
Take advantage of the free events that are available to you. You can check out your local newspaper or your city’s website to find out what you can do on your time off. In most hometowns, something is always going on, and you can do this in your free time.
Visit the Library
Visit the library and do the same thing. When was the last time you were there? When you were a kid? Libraries have come a long way, or have they? Yes, they have books, but many have so much more. Events are always happening, and you do not want to miss out on all the fun you can have. There are also great exhibits you can take in when you are looking for something to do. Often libraries will hold courses on some fundamental subjects.
Tour Your Hometown on an E scooter
Does your hometown offer scooters? These are electric scooters that are available for rent within the downtown core. Log onto the app, pay your fee and pick up a scooter anywhere within the city. Explore wherever you like. When you are done, drop your scooter off in head back home. Which could be more accessible and a lot of fun. Just remember to check your local by-laws about driving e-scooters on the roads and sidewalks and where you can leave them. You would not want to get a fine during your quick holiday.
Take a Hop-On / Hop-Off Bus Tour
If you are lucky enough to have this option in the tourist areas of your hometown, this is a great way to play a tourist for a day. Experience what your hometown is like as a tourist while associating with other tourists on the buses. If there are different routes, you could take the time and sit on the bus and ride through each loop. This would be a great way to explore your hometown. Maybe you will see an area that you have never been to before. Or perhaps you will see a part of the city that is out of your comfort zone. Either way, a hop-on / hop-off bus tour is a great way to spend a few hours to half a day.
Why Not Take a Quick Hometown Holiday?
You can always find great attractions within your hometown’s limits. Or you can take great day trips to make you relax and have some time to yourself. There are things that you can do as well to spend time with your family too. You do not have to pay much money to have fun, and you can stay at home, sleep in your bed, and remain comfortable for much less than you would spend anywhere else.
The most important thing to remember is to enjoy yourself without regular life’s stresses. Choose the best attractions that will interest you and find something fun you will all enjoy.
Quick holidays can be a relaxing time for you and your family. You only need to use a little imagination to make it a great family getaway.
Here are some great ideas!
If you live in Ottawa, here are some unique things to do.
Or, just take a stroll around Byward Market and see the local entertainers, have a great meal or go shopping.
If you live in Edinburgh, how about playing tourist and going on a walking tour?
Start at the castle and head down many of the alleys. Find a pub or just watch people go by.
If you live in Cairns, take a day trip to the outback or Port Douglas.
Or just go down to the waterfront promenade and watch the people go by. Grab a picnic lunch and spend the day at the lagoon.
If you usually drive everywhere, perhaps take the public transit and see where it takes you.
The possibilities are endless.
Do you have another suggestion for a quick hometown holiday?
Or, perhaps you would like to discover how to travel more?
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I totally agree with what you have suggested here. Some time ago I decided to explore my city as I needed time out and away from the apartment. I discovered an Art Museum that I never knew about and a gorgeous park with walkways and features that I never knew existed
There was an old Museum of Steam that I had heard of but never explored just 6 mins walk from my apartment. I decided to visit it and ended up there for 2 hours as it had the most magnificent exhibits of old steam locomotives, train artefacts and wonderful memorabilia from days gone by. I had no idea it was so captivating.
Just shows that often the most fascinating places are on our doorsteps.
Lots of good ideas for enjoying a break closer to home. We always say we should explore our local area more and never quite get round to it, so this was a good prompt to do so. Our council has recently opened up the gorgeous sandstone gatehouse of the medieval city walls as lovely swanky accommodation for visitors to stay in – loads of local people have booked a night there just to see what it’s like. Think we might have to do the same!
It seems we look elsewhere for quick trips and attractions and rarely take advantage of the things close to home. These are great tips (I love libraries but forget to go at home!)
Great suggestions. I always tell people how much I never did in my hometown of Pittsburgh while I lived there because “I can always go later.” Having a staycation gives you a great reason to do the touristy things!
Yes, I have an ebike tour planned in 2 weeks in downtown Ottawa. I can’t wait.