Why you want to adventure close to home...

   We all do it! Overwhelmed and stressed - we find ourselves daydreaming of that perfect vacation! Whether its the beaches of Cuba, the mountains of Alaska or the European Culture. In our minds, all we can focus on is the need to get away. We might even look up flights and accommodations before we realize that maybe our bank accounts just aren't cooperating with this dream - and we put it off, again and again. Disappointment now sinks into our bellies with the realization that we just cannot escape this mess right now, and we continue to exhaust ourselves with the hope that one day we will make it. We spend our time staring at our friends photos on social media and wishing it was us - therefore living through our cellphones.
   Here's what's wrong with that: were making ourselves sick, and that "vacation" feeling is right at our fingertips at a more reasonable cost, or perhaps even free!
   Instead of staring at a screen you could be posting your own epic photos to make everyone else jealous! Until you can make that dream vacation a reality - you could be vacationing a little everyday.
   Its time to play tourist in your own backyard! Get off the couch - yes you can bring your phone, only because you might want some photos, google something near me or use some great apps to map your route. This time you will be sharing your own adventures. 

   Step 1: Go outside! walk or drive, near or a little farther - just get out there. Escape for 10 mins, an hour or maybe even a weekend. 

   Step 2: Find Something new! Visit the tourist information center and browse brochures and events board for ideas. Maybe you find a new shop or restaurant, maybe a new hobby you've always been curious about, or maybe you visit your old favorite beach or lookout with a whole new perspective, or bring someone with you to experience for the first time - you will feed off their reaction.

   Step 3: Be in the moment. This is your vacation, your escape. Delight in these moments! You never know where it might take you or who you will meet along the way. 

   It might feel a little silly at first, but you would not believe how much your missing even in your own small communities. I hope this inspired you to get out there! Think you've seen it all? I'll challenge that. ;)
​Where did it take you?