Vacation is in the Eye of the Beholder
"What one thing are going to do in the location that you're in right now... that is going to make you feel alive, feel curious, feel like a kid again, and feel like a tourist". -Natalie Sisson
It's easy to feel wanderlust when you come back from a trip or if your traveling options are limited. But we often forget that our home towns have plenty of adventure to offer too. In many cases there are tourists in your town right now experiencing things that you may not even now about or that maybe haven't crossed your mind before.
Last summer I made a List of Fun for my home town and crossed off almost everything. I find winter much less inspiring but since this blog post has me brainstorming I've got some new ideas. I live close to the city of Baltimore which is full to great restaurants and there's plenty I haven't been to. We also have some really cool old movie theaters i'd like to visit. The most inexpensive way to experience the vacation vibe without really leaving is to go camping and it's a little too cold for a tent, but some parks also rent out cabins. Maryland actually has quite a few wineries so wine tastings are another, warmer option too.
I just recently bought a travel guide for Baltimore. Moon Guides and Lonely Planet Guides are my favorite and they are a great way to get you thinking like a tourist. I was also surprised to find the nearby city of Annapolis listed as a National Geographic Adventure Town which included plenty of ideas as well. Some other great sources for ideas are Living Social or Groupon. Day Trips are also a great way to add a little vacation to your life, and bus trips or train rides are great idea for slightly farther excursions.
Parties are another great way to cure wanderlust and you don't even have to leave the house. This Saturday my best friend is having a "Crush the Cold" party. It's a summer party in winter and the heat will be cranked, so everyone is to wear beach attire. I'm looking forward to the cocktails.
