As travel guidelines fluctuate, you may be reluctant to plan an international holiday. Yet that doesn’t mean you can’t get away. There’s plenty to explore without crossing a border – you just have to look at things a little differently.

Act Differently

Staying closer to home gives you a great opportunity to sample a new holiday activity on a short break before committing to more – walking, cycling, sailing, water sports, golf, horse riding, or any other outdoor activities.

Whatever you had been considering, using this time to sample it on a short break could give you the confidence you need to go for something more intrepid in the future.

A shorter and more local break for a trial of something new immediately feels less daunting – and you never know what you might discover right on your doorstep.

Don’t get too disheartened; a domestic trip will give you the chance to try out any new gear and be sure it’s comfortable and what you need for the big trip. And meeting other enthusiasts will open up doors to more opportunities too.

Stay Differently

There are oodles of unique holiday accommodation options available if you look beyond the traditional. A good travel advisor will have plenty of ideas, but a quick Internet search will uncover some stays so quirky that they are the holiday.

Stay in a stable with a horse, in a haunted house, in a gypsy caravan, a tipi, a lighthouse, a windmill, a converted shipping container, a school bus, or a helicopter! There is no shortage of ideas for the adventurous type.

Travel Differently

Jumping on a plane is a means to an end, but there’s more than one way to get to where you are going. Make the journey the holiday and you have a whole new perspective.

Trains allow you to relax and enjoy the view, and while there are some epic journeys, there are connections to a myriad of places you might not have considered. Most operators have a holiday package so don’t overlook them; you might be surprised.

Camp Differently

Putting up a tent and sleeping under canvas is not everyone’s idea of a good time, but camping in a vehicle is a whole different ball game. An RV, motorhome, or campervan allows you the freedom to roam and simply apply the handbrake when you find a view that suits.

With comfy beds and all your creature comforts, a camper is a far cry from a drafty tent. Boating holidays are similarly endowed, and you’ll discover a whole new world afloat.

Or Stay the Same

Of course, you don’t have to shake it all up. If your idea of a holiday is beautiful beaches, then take a look at what your country has to offer. If you always venture overseas, you might be surprised by what you can find at home.

Similarly, if you’re a culture vulture, there’s plenty of home-grown history and architecture to explore. And if you love wildlife spotting, I’ll bet you can discover something unique about your home country too.

Whatever you do, look at this time as an opportunity to explore your own backyard!

If you need help planning, I’d be happy to discuss ideas. And if you’re not ready to travel yet, check out our virtual vacations held weekly in the comfort of your own home.

Have you considered taking a short vacation close to home? What type of vacation are you after? Do you prefer culture or wildlife? Please share your thoughts with our community!