I write a lot about how routine is a great way to increase creativity, but sometimes you really need something new in order to get inspired. I’d love to go on a vacation every time I get stuck, but of course, that’s not really feasible. That’s why I have put together a guide on planning a day trip to inspire you. Day trips mean no PTO, you don’t have to pay for accommodations, and it’s much easier than planning a whole vacation.
Choose your destination
A day trip can be as simple as driving to a nearby town or as elaborate as flying to another state. Your first step is choosing your destination. What sorts of things do you want to do during your trip? How many hours are you willing to travel? How much money do you have in the budget for this trip? I’m lucky to live in an area that’s a day’s drive away from the mountains, the beach, and an international airport, but that isn’t the case for everyone. Luckily, a nearby town, city, or state park that you don’t visit frequently are still great destinations that can inspire you to create.
Here are some ideas for day trips:
- Drive to your nearest big city
- Fly to a nearby city that you’ve never visited
- Drive to a small town for a day of antiquing or coffee shop hopping
- Visit a local state or national park
- Go for a hike you’ve never done before
- Drive to a beach, lake, or river
- Visit a local destination like a zoo, farm, or museum that you’ve never visited
Planning a day trip itinerary
This, of course, is fully dependent on your destination and budget. If you’re going to New York City for the day, you’ll probably want to eat some great food and maybe see a show. If you’re going to a small town a few hours from your home, you might want to go antiquing or walk around downtown. If you’re headed into nature, plan to hike and pack a picnic lunch.
When you’re planning your itinerary, make sure you are thinking about doing something specifically to inspire you. Can you go to an art museum or gallery? See a performance? Go to a bookstore? Try a new cuisine? Spend time outdoors? Take an art class?
Cultivate a vibe
Vibes are very important to me. When planning a day trip, it’s important that I get the vibes right. I like to make a playlist for my travel time, picking an outfit that’s comfortable but cute, choosing snacks and drinks… it may seem extra, but I find it really helps me relax and get in the spirit of the trip!
I also like to clean my whole house before I travel, even if it’s just for a day trip. I find it so much less stressful to come back to a spotless space when I’ve been on the road all day. Especially if you are planning a day trip to inspire you, it can be really deflating to come back to a chaotic home. Remember, you’re trying to take this good energy and turn it into something, so you don’t want to lose steam right at the end!
Enjoy your trip!
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