Local Vacation Options

Being a tourist on holiday in a large country like the United States offers the holidaymaker a huge range of options. There are fabulous tourist spots in every state. But if you are an foreigner, say from Europe or Asia or Australia, how do you choose what to see? What will give you an in-depth taste of this country?

Some people like the guided tour situation where they hop on a bus or train and travel around a country and see lots of places. They don’t have to worry about getting lost, following the right customs such as tipping or understanding the local language. It’s called safe traveling. But is it memorable? Is it giving the tourist the best return for their investment?

A better way might be what some people call the ‘Stay Local” approach. This is where you select a region and concentrate all your visiting in that one area. It could even be one city such as New Orleans where you make short trips out from town as well as visiting the sights within that city. But what are the advantages or disadvantages of this method of tourism?

Well obviously you only get to see a small part of the country. But on the other hand you get a deep experience of that country. And let’s face it, an experience where you remember fondly and vividly some wonderful experiences is more enjoyable than snapping photos and moving on. Give your tourist’s soul some solid food.

If you move from bus to hotel to restaurant to bus and back to the hotel, you miss out on meeting the locals. Well, at least meeting them on a real and meaningful level. Stopping and talking with the locals is great. Doing it in their environment is even better. You could go to a local sporting event, go to church or service club meeting or to a local theatre production. This is where you will meet the locals. This is how you will make your holiday last much longer after you return home. Tell the locals about your life and find out about theirs. Many lifelong friendships have been made through just that experience.

It can become even more realistic if you stay in a private home. Hotels are comfortable, safe and friendly, some are even luxurious. But they give you only limited access to the locals. By finding accommodation in a bed and breakfast, you can eat with the locals, watch the television they watch and get a real feel for the country and its people. Staying local is an option every tourist should consider at least once in their holiday life.