Staycations: How to “Travel” without Leaving Home

It’s no secret that people’s travel plans are a bit up in the air right now. Or perhaps it’s more apt to say they’re grounded. With major airlines cancelling flights to places like Italy and China, a lot of our travel dreams are sitting on the tarmac. Hunkering down at home is starting to look like the alternative we’re faced with right now. So how to make the most of it?

A big part of the excitement of travel is new experiences. Seeing a new neighbourhood, eating new foods, trying new activities. And when you think about it, you don’t always have to get on a plane or a train to do that! By now we’ve all heard of “staycations” and this might just be the best way to try and have a bit of fun when your existing travel plans have gone awry.

See if you can look at your own city as a tourist would: scan the weekend entertainment listings for a theatre or concert performance, make reservations at a restaurant you’ve never eaten at, visit an edgy art gallery or niche museum. Although you’re still in the same city, you’re walking different streets and trying new things – and likely getting a fresh perspective on your hometown.

ToursByLocals has guides in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, South America…and also all across the continental US and Canada. Like all our guides, these are people with a rich knowledge of their area’s history, culture, food scene, art scene…and a keen desire to share it. Think you know New York? Chicago? San Francisco? Vancouver? Spend time with our guides and you’ll uncover a whole new side of the place you call home.

Staycation Tours in the US and Canada

Explore the REAL Little Italy in New York’s Bronx neighbourhood. …Or take a historical walking tour of Harlem! Enjoy a casual tour of Chicago’s craft beer scene. …Or a walking tour to learn more about the city’s iconic historic and modern architecture. Spend a day exploring art galleries, on a private tour of San Francisco’s art scene. ...Or head a couple hours north for a private wine tour in Napa! Take a foodie tour of Boston and discover a culinary scene you didn’t know existed! …Or leave the city for a day-trip to historic Concord, MA, home of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. Head to the wilderness in a place like Rocky Mountain National Park, and get in some serious photography practice while you’re there. …Or spend time with a celebrity food critic on a tour in Vancouver!

We understand it’s disappointing to have to cancel travel plans, especially long-anticipated ones. We hope some of the ideas above will help you have a great time exploring closer to home. And remember: our guides are masters at customization, so they can tailor any itinerary to suit your needs.

Until April 15, book any local tour, and receive a $20 discount by applying code GSGPLX at checkout.