Staycation Steps: Go on a Walking Adventure without Leaving Home

Now is the time of year when everyone is preparing for their next big travel adventure—whether it’s spring break or a summer getaway. Whenever I travel, I love finding new places to explore on foot. My family is well aware that, wherever we go, I’m going to find a park or a trail that I’ll mention over and over until I get a chance to drag them there for a walk (and if it doesn’t happen, I will inevitably pout about it for a while). And even when I’m not on a trail, I’m finding ways to incorporate walking into our travels. (Want some suggestions? Check out this post.)

Other people, meanwhile, are lucky enough to get to spend whole vacations exploring new places around the world on foot (see my post on walking tours).

Fortunately, though, you don’t have to board a plane, spend hours in the car, or even spend a lot of money to enjoy a walking getaway. There are so many different ways to have a fun walking adventure without having to travel far from home. So if you’re trying to keep your adventures more budget-friendly—and close to home—here are some suggestions for planning your own walking staycation.

Find a New Park

You’ve probably got all kinds of great walking trails within a short drive of your home. A quick search of parks and walking trails in your area will most likely produce plenty of options for parks that you’ve never visited before—or, if you’d rather get more personal recommendations, ask your adventure-loving friends about their favorite parks in the area. Narrow down your options by checking out the length and difficulty of the parks’ trails, choose a favorite, and set out for a day of exploring. You never know what you’ll find. And, who knows—you might just find a new regular walking trail in the process

Go Farther

There’s a good chance that there are trails in the area that go on for miles and miles. Here in Central Ohio, we have a number of them—from the Olentangy Trail (which travels 14 miles from the suburbs, through the Ohio State University campus, and into the downtown area) to the Ohio to Erie Trail, which spans 326 from one side of the state to the other.

Plan a day to get as far on the trail as possible. Pick a starting point, and either choose an ending point or simply walk as far as you feel like walking (or as far as your body holds out—whichever comes first). You can do a little research and select some places to take a break for lunch—or pack plenty of food to get you through the day. For transportation to and from the trail, you can arrange for a friend or family member to drop you off in the morning and pick you up at the end of the day—or park at your starting point and get an Uber to take you back at the end of the day.

Or, if you’re feeling especially adventurous, you can plan a multi-day walk on a longer trail. Just choose your starting point, spend the day walking, head home for the night, and pick up where you left off the next day.

Rough It

If you feel like getting away from home for the night, go camping! Many state parks (and other campgrounds, too) offer not just camping but scenic hiking areas around the campsites. Reserve a site (or, if you prefer glamping to camping, a small cabin) and enjoy campfires and s’mores at night—then take to the trails during the day. And since you’re staying close to home, you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. If you’re missing any of your gear, you’re within easy driving distance of all of your belongings.

Explore Your City

Most of us live in the same place for years without ever doing the touristy stuff. Plan a day to venture into the city and explore the streets and the sights. Plan to stop at favorite tourist locations, visit museums, and, when you need a break, grab a bite to eat at a popular lunch spot.

For many cities, you’ll even be able to find walking tours that will take you through the most popular areas—either with a knowledgeable local guide or self-guided. Just do a quick search for options. You’ll get to know the area a little bit better, and you’re guaranteed to get a whole lot of steps by the end of the day.

Try a Scavenger Hunt

Need a little more excitement than just a plain old stroll around your city? Make it a little more exciting by participating in a scavenger hunt! Again, a quick online search will offer ready-made options for nearby cities—or, if you’re already knowledgeable about your city, create your own scavenger hunt to challenge friends and family

Things to Remember

You may be a spur-of-the-moment kind of person, but even day trips require planning and preparation—especially if you’re going to be walking outside for long periods of time. Be sure to wear the right gear—from comfortable walking shoes to weather-appropriate, breathable clothing (and layers to get you from cooler morning hours through the heat of the day and back to the cooler evening hours). Be sure to apply sunscreen (and, if you’re planning on a long day, pack some in your bag for applying throughout the day). And make sure you’ve got enough food and water (and plans for meals) to get you through a long day on your feet.

You don’t have to board a plan or spend a fortune to go on a great walking adventure. If you do a little bit of searching, you’ll probably find that there’s plenty of adventure waiting for you just a short drive from home. Just make a plan, gather your family or your walking friends, and enjoy your walking staycation—and be sure to share all kinds of pictures of your journey!

Have you planned a walking staycation of your own? Tell us about it!