We all need a break sometimes from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Between work and family obligations, there never seems to be enough time to take a much-needed vacation. Day trips can serve as an excellent opportunity to get away from it all, without being too far from home. Even better? You can take a day trip without needing time off from work or school, and do some exploring right in your own backyard.
Vacations are Good for Your Health
New research is out that shows that quick getaways are just as effective at replenishing us as longer trips. Psychologists have found that it is better to clear our mind with shorter, more frequent trips, than with longer ones. The benefits of shorter trips are numerous.
- Eliminates the need to use a lot of vacation days—road trips can be done over a long weekend or just a few hours. You don’t need to take time off from work to hop in the car and go somewhere. You won’t stress about having enough vacation time.
- Saving money on flights or hotels–because you won’t be traveling far, you’ll only need your personal vehicle–no booking involved. This makes road trips an extremely affordable option, especially for families or those with limited budgets.
- Finding great sights close by–challenge yourself or members of your family to find some unique attractions within driving distance of your home. There is probably a long list of places right in your own backyard that you’ve never even considered visiting. Consider local museums, natural wonders, historical sites, and other attractions. If there’s a site you’ve always wanted to visit, consider taking a day trip for that specific spot. Take yourself away from your normal routine, without getting too far away.
- Explore at a more relaxed pace–no need to have a jam-packed itinerary. On your road trip, make it a point to focus on just one or two locations to visit. Take time to really enjoy them, exploring them in a more leisurely way
- Reconnect–going on vacation can be stressful. There is a lot to plan, plus the cost, and the time involved. Being away from home takes us away from the stressors of our busy lives, allowing us to be more free to talk and laugh, and just enjoy each other’s company.
Depending on where you live, you may have more options as far as day trips are concerned. Cincinnati, for example, is in close proximity to a lot of great cities, perfect for day trips. Visit Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago, or even Louisville and experience the best these cities have to offer, with gems tucked away at every turn The Hoosier National Forest in Indiana will satisfy every nature lover.
Road trips are good for the soul. There isn’t much better than getting in the car and just hitting the open road for a day of exploration. Science has even proven that traveling makes us smarter and more creative. So why not take a road trip this weekend?
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