Here at Trips to Discover, most of our articles are about traveling to amazing places to see the world and explore new places. But it’s also common for travel enthusiasts to neglect unique places right in front of them and overlook experiences close to home. Staycations are wonderful opportunities to put your spirit of wanderlust to work right where you live and feel great about your low environmental impact. To be eco-friendlier in the new year and appreciate your local surroundings more, consider planning a staycation in one of these top U.S. cities.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
People travel to Virginia Beach from all over the world for vacation, but if you live in this area, stay put for your vacation days and embrace the hype. This is a great place to be for public beaches and spas, with plenty of rest and relaxation in your foreseeable future. In addition to the beach, other fun Virginia Beach staycation ideas include trying a new local restaurant, going to the Adventure Park at the Virginia Aquarium, and hiking the trails at First Landing State Park.
Atlanta, Georgia
It’s easy to stay entertained and get the relaxation you crave on a vacation if you live in Atlanta. Foodies love staying put here because of all of the amazing barbecue and traditional Southern dishes served in the authentic local restaurants. This is also a great place to learn something on your days off from work or school by visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center. There are tons of top Atlanta hotels that are perfect for a staycation, including AC Hotel Atlanta Downtown and Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, which will add a little luxury and lots of amenities to make your stay special.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is a great place to stay put and enjoy the local sights, especially in the summertime. There are lots of spas here to book for a relaxing treatment, as well as theater performances to make you feel like you’re in an entirely different time and place. Other fun activities to plan for your Chicago staycation is getting frozen yogurt or ice cream, checking out some of the best museums in the country, and biking along the Lakefront Trail to get some fresh air and exercise. Staycation destinations to book before your days off include Longman & Eagle in Logan Square, Acme Hotel in River North, and the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel in the Loop.
