Windermere sunset
Summertime and the living is – well, if not exactly easy, then at least a bit less stressful than in the midst of winter. Our thoughts turn to travel and having a holiday to relax and enjoy ourselves. But in the current financial climate and with an ever-increasing awareness of the ecological and environmental impact of our travels, you may be considering taking a break nearer to home …
Why not simply take a day out to enjoy what’s on your very doorstep? Here are some ideas to make the most of what’s virtually in your own backyard – and help save the planet too!
1. Make a list of all the places within a 1/5/10 mile radius that you have never been to before ie museums, beauty spots, properties open to the public, nature reserves, sports centres, theatres, art galleries, historic sites …
2. Find out as much as you can about your area – visit your library, Tourist Info Centre, websites, talk to local people, look up tours & organised trips in you area, read the local press and any other sources of information. Ask people for recommendations for their favourite places in your area.
3. Get a map of your area and plan with your family and friends where you would like to visit, when and why. Or maybe you want to go on own – making a date with yourself is a great idea! Perhaps you choose to go on a guided tour or coach trip somewhere. Whatever you do, think of yourself as a tourist not a local.
4. Book dates for your visits in your diary just the same as if you were booking a holiday abroad – and keep to them. Imagine you had to pay a cancellation fee if you didn’t go!
5. Treat yourself to a new outfit or something special for the trip, maybe a guidebook or gadget. If money is tight, go to a local charity shop and get something there – you’ll be helping recycling too!
6. Consider all transport options. If you usually use your car, see if there is a train/bus/coach that could take you. Maybe you could walk or cycle? All options that might lessen your carbon footprint (see – this is the ‘saving the planet bit!’) It might take a bit more planning but it is all part of the adventure.
7. Before you go, decide what and where you will be eating. Maybe you want to have a special meal somewhere – book it in advance to ensure you get a table. Perhaps you want a picnic. Identify a nice spot – but remember the weather might not be good so have a back up plan! Make your picnic as delicious as possible – it’s your holiday after all!
8. Make sure your camera/video cam/phone is fully charged. You want to be able to capture those special moments. And don’t foget it …
9. Check the weather forecast the day before and dress appropriately. Remember ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather – just the wrong clothes!’ Some of the best days out can be in awful weather.
10. Pack all you need for the trip the day before, have a good night’s sleep and get up in time so you are not stressed or rushed before you go. Tell yourself this is a holiday and whatever happens, look up on it as an adventure …
For more inspiration this should get your ideas flowing Short Getaway: Have you Visited Your Town’s Surroundings?
Look upon this trip (even if it’s only for a few hours or a day) in the same way you would a fortnight’s holiday. It’s a time to get away, recharge your batteries and get some much needed inspiration. ENJOY!
If you come to NWUK for a visit why not join me on a Quirky Traveller Day Out in beautiful Cumbria and the glorious Lake District.
From Nancie (Ladyexpat):
Some great ideas here. I’m actually traveling this summer, but have a couple of free weeks before my travels begin. I’ll definitely use some of these great ideas. Wouldn’t want to get bored while I’m waiting to head out!
From Zoë Dawes:
Thanks for your comment Nancie … local days out always good to stave off boredom! I love to pretend I am a tourist and see familiar things with new eyes
From Lori:
Zoe, I was just preparing to write a blogpost on the advantages of traveling close to home
And than I entered your blog – and found this interesting post. I’ll link it to mine – because you offered truly useful advices that go along great with my idea 
Congrats for the post!
From Zoë Dawes:
Thank you so much Lori – send me a link when it’s written and I will also link to you adn post on FB & Twitter. Happy holidays …
From Lori:
Thank you so much Zoë for including the link to my article and for helping me in promoting the post. I hope many people will start use this idea of traveling – and take a short break from work and stress!
From Jools Stone:
Great inspirational post Zoe. On transport, I’d say that most places in the UK are best reached by train if you can. I don’t drive myself, but really, who needs the stress and monotony of motorways when you’re aiming to have a nice, relaxing day trip? It does frustrate me though that some picturesque corners of Scotland and rural England are hard to get to on rails.
Charging your phone/camera is a very wise tip too! Lost count of the number of times I’ve missed out on spectacular pics by neglecting this. Actually, what I do now is take both camera and phone with me so that I have a back up. My phone’s camera eats battery life up maddening quickly, and usually just when I need it!
Best
Jools
From Zoë Dawes:
Good point re train travel Jools. So much better to let the train take us on our journey of discovery – and buses have a quirky charm too. Lots more to see from the top of our double deckers … However, as you say there are some places it is almost impossible to get to- in Cumbria public transport is OK but a car is really necessary to work here or find some of those hidden quirky places.
Cheers – Z
From Mary:
This is interesting – I’ve found that there are so many places to visit that you just don’t get around to going because it’s easy to find excuses. If you plan it as a staycation the whole event has a different feel to it. We’ve recently started a list of destinations that are going to be staycation visits – first one was last weekend and used your list Zoe. Thanks for the post, Mary at Food Processors
From Zoë Dawes:
Delighted to be of help Mary! Next time you are in Cumbria come and have a QT tour or walk.