“Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure.” – Irving Wallace
We’re probably all at some level a creature of habit. We have our “go to” restaurant because we know we’re guaranteed a good meal. We visit the same park, bar, vacation spot, etc. We’re so stuck in our routines… what’s comfortable… what’s easy. It could be a combination of being tired/ overwhelmed/ burnt out/ human nature that we gravitate towards what’s familiar to us, being a little lazy and always on the go that contribute to staying in our little bubble.
We’re all surrounded by amazing places that we’re not aware even exists.
I often come across posts on Instagram that look worthy of checking out less than an hour of my house that I had no clue about. Experiencing these places for the first time feels like I just discovered a new land. I LOVE IT! This got me thinking… what else am I missing that’s awesome and right under my nose?
Exploring Chanticleer Gardens, a hidden gem just 15 minutes from my house
My motivation for Gallavant comes from knowing there is so much to be discovered right in my own backyard, well the next town over/ within a couple of hours that I don’t know about. Living just outside a major city there’s definitely an advantage. The opportunities are endless. For those of you in a more rural area, maybe that “something different” could be a petting farm for kids, a winery that offers wine tasing overlooking a valley, a hiking trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall, a creamery that has freshly served ice cream that was made that day. It’s about finding joy in the little discoveries no matter where you are.
We don’t need to hop on a plane. Remember, the definition of travel is to go from one place to another. There are so many benefits to traveling locally. It is easier, cheaper and you can do it more often. On top of that, it boosts local economies and benefits the locals. It’s a win win for all.
Another beautiful local spot I never knew about. Thank you Instagram!
There are a TON of “top things to do” in every city. The underrated tourism areas are the ones that have so many gems to be discovered. It’s often worth taking a chance visiting these less explored areas. You might be pleasantly surprised by taking a staycation!
So what really is a staycation?! It’s defined as a trip within a 50 mile radius with one overnight. If you can fill your day with an unfamiliar destination and have new experiences, that’s considered a staycation in my book. The travel endorphins that you would get on a big trip are still flowing.
There are many reasons why people can’t hop on a plane and escape for a week. Whatever it is, the staycation may be the only option.
A staycation can be anything from checking out a new restaurant, having a picnic in a park that you’ve never been, be a tourist in your own city, go for a hike or bike ride. A side note…if you’re really unable to leave your house, there are virtual tours that you can take while sitting on your couch which allows you to feel like you’re halfway around the world. Check out the company Beeyonder at beeyonder.com
“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It’s lethal.”- Paulo Coelho
Like the quote says, routine is lethal. There’s a need to break up our routine so we don’t get consumed with our daily stress. When we switch things up a bit, it changes our perspective and gives us a fresh outlook on life. This helps us come back to “reality” feeling recharged. There is no need to stress out about planning a big trip. Keep it simple, stay close by and try to discover somewhere that often gets overlooked. There are hidden gems all around us, we just need to know how to find them. Be sure to follow Gallavant to help you discover them and get inspired!