Why Traveling Locally Might Be Your Best Trip Yet

Forbes

04-05-2025

Amusement parks offer a very enjoyable form of local travel.
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Traveling the world to exotic destinations can be filled with excitement along with a sense of wonder and discovery. Experiencing new cultures, unique attractions, indigenous cuisine and never-before-tried activities are all part of the worldly adventure.
However, traveling to far away destinations can often come with a price, both literally and figuratively. Annoying airport delays, congested highways and spiraling vacation costs can result in stress and anxiety. Anyone who's waited for hours on end at an airport or who has been stuck in a major traffic jam knows the helpless feeling. Local travel includes visiting small, locally-owned restaurants, shops and accommodations and eliminates the need for airport queues, packing and long car rides, thereby reducing the stress that can be associated with travel.
Costs of vacations vary by destination, duration and travel style.
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The cost of a family vacation in the U.S. can vary greatly, but estimates indicate that a family of four can spend on average $4,500 on a one-week trip. Airline travel can increase that to between $10,000 and $15,000. The average vacation for a solo traveler in the United States costs about $1,986 per week, while a vacation for two people will typically cost around $3,971 per week. However, more detailed breakdowns suggest costs for family travel can range from $1,500 to over $10,000 depending on factors like destination, duration and travel style.
New York City draws millions of local travelers each year.
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Local travel – often known as 'staycations' – involves exploring your immediate surroundings and surrounding areas, often without an overnight stay, and prioritizing local businesses, experiences and communities. It's about discovering new things closer to home and supporting local economies. Estimates show that 67% of Americans are either planning to take a staycation or have already taken one. That translates to roughly 173 million people. The global staycation market size is projected to reach $758 million within a few years. People who usually take staycations spend an average of $928.11 per person on a staycation. New York City is the most popular location for a staycation as millions of Americans reside within a two-hour drive of the Big Apple, making it convenient for a quick visit.
Of those who most often take a staycation, the average amount they spend per person is $928. Around a fifth (21%) of this group spend between $551 and $700 per person on a trip and 3% spend less than $100 per person, while 7% say they spend over $2,000 per person for a staycation. A large number – 47% – choose the beach as one of their top destinations. This was followed by national parks at 41% and city breaks at 31%. Other trips people like to take in the U.S. include visiting theme parks (30%), cabin breaks (29%) and camping and RVs (25%).
The Pocono Mountains are an ideal location for local travelers.
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An easy drive from such major cities as New York and Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains of northeast Pennsylvania attract hordes of staycation visitors all year round. Over 20 million tourists come here each year to ski, golf, shop at curio stores or discounted outlets, hike, kayak on crystal clears lakes, ride rolling rapids, dog sled through snowy winter wonderlands and play some games of chance.
Day trips make up a significant part of the region's 30 million visitors each year, according to James Hamill of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. He says, 'Whether it's iconic family resorts that provide for a one-stop-shop or our historic downtowns with art, culture and delicious eats, plus outdoor recreation is what we know best. Hiking, biking, fishing and boating on lakes and rivers, waterfalls, gorgeous fall foliage views along with train excursions, historical trails and beverage trails, the Poconos has it all. Plus, each location is reachable within a short drive whether it be on historic Route 6, one of our major interstates, or country roads.'
Local travel involves shorter distances and lower transportation costs.
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Helene Jelenc, Search and Content Strategist, offers eight reasons why traveling locally can be a better decision.
Amusement parks offer an ideal option for local travelers.
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Long a family tradition, amusement parks offer enough activities to fill an entire day. Thrill seekers can enjoy a fast-paced roller coaster (many still prefer the rickety wooden ones), bumper boats, go-karts or a wide variety of wet and wild water slides.
State parks are an inexpensive way to travel locally.
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With almost 7,000 state parks in the United States, chances are pretty good that there's one near you. What's more, most state parks have no admission fee while a few charge a nominal fee of a few dollars. Spend the day swimming, boating, fishing, hiking or playing a friendly game of volleyball or corn hole.
Arts and crafts come in many shapes and sizes.
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Virtually every city or town, regardless of size, offers arts and crafts festivals throughout the summer and fall. In addition to a wide array of homemade arts and crafts, food vendors tempt visitors with delectable specialties that you can only find at a fair.
Hiking trails can be found for all levels of hikers.
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Hiking is a wonderful family activity, ideal for bonding and exercise. No matter your skill level, there's usually a trail suited to your experience and endurance.
There are many other ways to enjoy local travel, such as attending a music festival at a nearby park. Whatever your preferred musical genre may be, it's likely that you can find a local music festival to suit your tastes, including pop, hip-hop and country rock. Camping is another wonderful family activity which affords everyone the opportunity the enjoy the great outdoors. Even camping in your own backyard is a fun way to spend time together if there are no camp sites in your area. Or visit a local museum and soak in history and culture.
No matter the local activity or attraction, staycations can be just as fulfilling, and a lot less stressful, than more elaborate getaways. You might discover that a whole new world of excitement awaits.