As much as many people would like to take exciting trips to exotic locations on vacation, the simple truth is that this is often not possible. Before you start crossing off the list of tourist attractions to visit in Charlotte, NC, you need to get your planned trip and take care of the exciting vacation preparations. Rising costs of living, rising gasoline costs, and a tough job market have contributed to more people staying close to home on vacation. Read on to learn ten strategies for planning your next vacation.

Spend a Night at a Local Hotel

buildingYou can often find last minute deals and half-week stays at significantly reduced prices, so it may be less expensive than you might imagine. Enjoy the comforts of the hotel, take a dip in the pool, order room service, look at room photos, walk around town, and do some shopping. You may not be able to afford to stay in a hotel or villa on your next vacation, but there is no reason to be stuck at home.

Learn Something New

A vacation can be a fantastic opportunity to discover a new skill or try what you’ve always wanted to do. With a little innovative thinking and planning, you can make your next holiday memorable. Friends or relatives with homes in charming areas such as near the coast, in the mountains, on a farm, or perhaps in different cities with new restaurants, attractions, and stores to explore are possible home swaps to consider. Of course, this idea also works if you are the guy who lives in the country and has friends with a house or apartment in the city.

Enjoy a Variety of Outdoor Activities

To benefit from your stay, be sure to get outdoors. To have a legitimate staycation adventure, why not try to figure out how many different outdoor sports or actions you can enjoy in a week? Camping can be an enjoyable activity for the whole family. If the idea of camping doesn’t appeal to you, you can try backyard camping, where you’re close to some of the amenities you might need, and this is a hit with the kids!

Volunteer for a Local Charity

Volunteering for a local charity can be advantageous, but many people struggle to find time to volunteer in their typically hectic lifestyles. Consider making volunteering a part of your next vacation. If your holiday falls during summer break or spring break, you probably know other parents who are also looking for things to do with their children.

Join a Bike Tours

bikingDid you buy a bike? If not, would you rent it for your vacation? Biking can be an excellent adventure for your stay. Consult a regional bike club or mountain bike company for information on bike paths or trails and plan your experience. If you want to take an adventure to the next level on another vacation.

You may sign up for an adventure race or other sporting event that tests your limits. You will find dozens of unique events to choose from, and you can find one in your area that fits your time. Adventure races often involve classes of friends completing an outdoor course. These are often mountain biking, canoeing or biking, running or hiking and can last from a few hours to many days.