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My love of travel runs deep. There is something exciting about going somewhere new and experiencing a new region or culture that gets me so excited. My dad even calls me a gypsy because all I want to do is go go go but I want to make as many memories as I can with my kids before they leave the house and hopefully give them the traveling bug, as well.
Now I know traveling isn’t cheap and there were moments where I thought am I spending too much money on traveling but then after this last year and half I’ve appreciated it so much more when you realize how it can all be taken away from you and how we take for granted our ability to just get up and go whenever we want (almost).
Now as much as I love a grand vacation, traveling doesn’t have to be something where you spend thousands of dollars and travel across the ocean to make lasting memories. Traveling can be driving an hour to a dairy farm to try ice cream or driving to a nearby town to try their local donuts or explore their park- speaking from experience. Don’t get me wrong I also love the grand vacation but I never want anyone to feel that because they did something small that it’s any less meaningful. Some of our most memorable moments cost very little.
Here is a perfect example of making memories with our family without a ton of cost. Last summer when covid was preventing many from traveling we decided to take day trips out to the mountains in North Carolina. We would pack snacks and our lunch and drive 2 1/2 hours to the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike around for 2 or 3 hours, have a picnic then finish our day with some ice cream in a local town. It was and still is some of my favorite days. We all loved exploring the woods and playing in creeks and catching crawfish and we did it all for less than $50. I’ve also come to realize that when we go on vacation or take day trips all our kids need is some outdoor space to be able to explore and some sweets and the trip gets the “best vacation” title.
If you’re looking for some ideas to make those lasting memories whether it be with your kids, friends or just need some ideas to get away I hope this list will give you some inspiration.
- Download the app AllTrails and put in your location and you can find tons of hikes in your area and even filter it so you can see hikes with waterfalls or distance and so much more. It’s such a great app and I can’t even count how many times we’ve used it.
- Find a local dairy farm or animal farm to spend the day at
- Check out a local museum. You’d be surprised to find out how many towns have free museums to explore
- Go camping- ok yes this will take a bit more planning but camping at state parks with a tent is around $25 a night. Pack some hot dogs, eggs, instant coffee, firewood and I’m telling you it will be some of your best nights!
- Find a new game to play outside and have a picnic outside or bonfire in the evening
- This may seem too easy but do a fancy dinner. Make your regular dinner but dress up to eat. We’ve done this a few times and the kids still talk about it. They get so excited dressing up in their “fancy clothes” and having our dinner feel special.
Here’s some our favorite outdoor games and toys
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I hope this list gives you a head start in creating some new memories and getting out and enjoying where you live. Happy exploring!