It's often hard for us to read of the fabulous vacations our friends and family members are able to take this time of year (or any time of year for that matter). The crazy work schedules that go on in our home don't seem to allow for even a weekends worth of leave time, but we've figured out a great way to get away, without going far...
The most time we seem to be able to acquire between all of our obligations is 24 hours. And although it might seem like it would be easier to stay home, we're firm believers in getting out and seeing the world around us. Not only does it keep us creative, but it also breaks us out of our daily routines, which for most, is always a welcome change!
Using either a physical map or online mapping device, we set a two hour perimeter around our home town. We have come to the conclusion that 2 hours is as far as we care to drive in any direction without stopping for extra things like gas, food or to stretch our legs. In order to maximize the time we have to spend exploring new towns (plus it helps keep costs down), we've tried to eliminate that extra 20 minutes to stock up on junk at gas stations or rest stops. 20 minutes each way adds up to 40 minutes we could have been checking out a new antique store or the World's Largest Ball of Twine!
Sometimes we pack our own lunch (finding a great picnic spot can be more fun than eating out), and other times we grab a bite at a roadside diner. We make time for sight seeing, shopping, tourism and national parks along the way.
There have been times we've traveled two hours away just to ride our bikes around back roads and trails instead of spending our time looking at stores. It can be just as much fun to get out in nature and burn some energy, especially when there's a 2 hour car ride home!
2 hours out and 2 hours back is an easy time frame to manage with even the busiest of schedules and truly supports your local economy! See what's near you this weekend!
(Image: Flickr Member Poppyseed Bandits licensed for use under Creative Commons)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Unrelated to the article but regarding the map image, if anyone is going to El Paso be sure to eat at the Little Dinner in the town of Canutillo (just outside El Paso). Great mexican food is everywhere but the Little Dinner is special. Gorditas.
Another EP delicacy, Chico's Tacos. Kinda like White Castle for those in the North East, sounds gross, always in a bad neighborhood, best eaten at the end of a long night. Get the double and dump the green sauce all over it.
view gross's profile
cool, i've been wanting to go to El Paso lately (though WAY more than a 2 hour day trip from Austin). Thanks for that info in case I do make the excursion!
view jessbink's profile
being from el paso, also look up CHOPE'S, great place to eat and mingle. CHICO'S TACOS good stuff, yep especially after a night out. just do not go to juarez, bad stuff goes on there. you will enjoy the weather.
view antonietta's profile
Living in Chicago usually means that two hours might just get me west of Batavia or into Kenosha... Do you have some recommendations for 2hr trips? I am currently living in Berwyn, but have lived on the north and near south sides of the city as well as Waukegan way up north.
view Domestic Intellectual's profile
I love this idea! Americans need to get moving! 2 hr trips are a great idea!
view asked you first's profile