In this post I’m going to share with you the reasons why I love day trips and some of my favourite things to do.
Do you think twice about jumping in the car and driving somewhere, only just to stay there for a few hours and then head home?
Do you think, why bother?
I used to as well, until I changed my thought process and saw the positive benefits of the humble day trip.
Why I love Day Trips
Economical
They can be extremely economical if you want them to be. It really doesn’t cost much to jump in the car and drive to a park that you’ve not visited before. Take a frisbee and some sandwiches from home and you got yourself a great day in the sun.
Explorative
You get to explore your own backyard, so to speak. How many of us really go out and explore our own surrounds, or venture just that little bit further to see what’s out there. I like to have a rule around my day trips, my radius to explore is anywhere within a 2-hour drive.
You can start the exploration from the minute you get into the car, especially if you have kids and use your creative skills. You could draw up a map with instructions and have the kids direct you where you need to go. You could even stop along the way to collect a flower or trinket that could then give you the next clue. This game also ties over car boredom. Think Amazing Race or a Treasure Hunt.
Relaxing
Ok, so perhaps not as relaxing as a day at a spa, but I always feel more relaxed when I’ve spent a day outside, in a new environment. I kinda feel like I’ve made good use of my weekend, that it’s my reward for going to work. Something fun to look forward to and it also gives you something interesting to talk about at work on Monday.
Nothing to Pack
You don’t need to pack an overnight bag.
You can have an amazing fun filled day out and still return to the creature comforts of your own home and more importantly, your own bed.
Below is a list of some of my favourite things to do on a day trip:-
Markets
It’s nice to jump in the car and drive somewhere and check out some local markets.
Have a look around on the web and see if you can find a market that is out of your normal travel zone and then head off to check out the spoils.
Festivals
Festivals are generally a few days in length, however I tend to find that after a day or so, I’m kinda bored. You see the same stuff and the stalls don’t change.
We enjoy going to music festivals and always choose the day when our favourite band or an act that we really want to see is on.
Picnics
Are picnics still around? I remember when I was younger that was the thing to do.
Pack up some food and jump in the car and hang out in a park, eat and play some games and then come home. When I was younger, it probably wasn’t all that fun. Fast forward a few years and I absolutely love this one. Is there anything better than throwing some lunch in the car along with the weber, travelling to a picturesque spot, going for a walk and exploring, then laying out the blanket and chillaxing in the afternoon sun, sounds heaven doesn’t it. Perfect for those winter days.
Bike Rides
Now this can mean both for us. Push bike and motorbike. Either is a great way to explore some new little corner of the world. There are a number of great bike paths these days, that weave through natural bushland settings, parklands and the like, and besides a little exercise isn’t a bad thing either.
If we are feeling lazy, we will jump on the motorbikes and head off for a ride. Enjoy a leisurely brunch/lunch somewhere and a take a stroll through the local shops, markets, garden or a lookout.
Furry Friends
Often a day trip means you can combine your love of the park or beach and take your furry companion with you. A lot of hotels and B&B’s still haven’t caught up to the fact that people love to travel with the fur babies, so a day trip can be a good compromise and they’ll love you for it as well.
Do you day trip? Where do you like to go? How far do you travel? Love to hear your stories in the comments section below.
Ps. Check out our Day Trip to Byron Bay
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