“Every person needs to take one day away. A day in which one consciously separates the past from the future. Jobs, family, employers, and friends can exist one day without any one of us, and if our egos permit us to confess, they could exist eternally in our absence. Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.”
― Maya Angelou, Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now
As with so many things Maya Angelou said, her words about our need to get away—even for a day—can’t be argued with. They’re just true. Nothing and no one can run endlessly without a break. Even our phones need to be plugged in, and all of our appliances stop working at some point. There is nothing on this earth that doesn’t require rest, and you and I aren’t the exceptions.
Only with the pandemic, so many of our usual summer plans and rhythms for rest have been upended. Thanks to social distancing, our vacations have changed, been cancelled, or have become staycations. This means, if we’re not careful, we may put off rest and fun for too long. We could be tempted to spend our vacations catching up on things at home. And in a sense, stay “plugged in” to our lives all summer long.
We could run ourselves into exhaustion.
That is why today, I want to invite us to take Maya Angelou’s advice, and plan at least one day this summer to get away. One of the things that has kept Tony and I going—and brought us closer as a couple—is planning day trips every season. We get out of town (or at least out of the house), for a day. We do things that help us let go of our stress, and find rest and rejuvenation for our brains. Here are five tips that have made our day trips fun, doable, and affordable over the years:
Do A Little Research
Other than transportation, an awesome day trip doesn’t have to cost a lot of money—in some cases it doesn’t have to cost anything. Seek out the best hiking areas nearby. Find out if there are any outdoor historical sites or bike trails in the cities around you. Often it is the exploration part of the trip that is the best, and can be done without spending a dime.
Pack Water
No matter what time of year it is, we all get thirsty. But if you visit a big city, water bottles can be really pricey. Or, if you’re hiking at a state park, there are only water fountains at the parking lot. Invest in some water bottles of your own, fill them with filtered water, pack them in a cooler, and take them with you. It does take a few minutes before you go, but it will save money and keep you hydrated.
Pack Food
Though eating out is more fun, it isn’t always healthy, can be pricey, and can take time out of your adventure. Pack healthy snacks to keep with you as go, and pack one meal for the day. This will save money, and enable you to splurge later. Tony and I usually pack a lunch, and then find a new and fun restaurant for dinner. We’ve done this so much that a few years ago, we invested in these thermoses, so that we can pack left over curry or soup and it stays warm until we’re ready to eat (And also, as many restaurants are takeout only right now, perhaps pack a blanket and have a picnic even for the meal you eat out).
Wear Good Walking Shoes (and Socks)
To get the most out of your adventure, you want to be able to last all day. And exploring a national park or big city, usually involves being on your feet. Wear your most comfortable shoes for walking—and if you don’t have any, invest in some. Also, consider getting a pair of wool socks, even to wear on warm days, for longer periods of walking. They will help your feet last more miles and make all of your day trips that much better.
Pack Extra Clothes For The Weather (or wear layers)
Perhaps it is going to be ninety degrees all day, and you want to wear a fresh shirt to the restaurant for dinner. Maybe it is calling for rain or a drop in temperature. The best way to be prepared for your day trip is to check the weather, and then plan accordingly. Pack an extra shirt, a sweatshirt, or even a change of shoes if your day calls for it. Then, pack a small backpack with the things you will need to carry with you.
Bonus Tip/Reminder: Remember to bring your masks for indoor or crowded activities, and always keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you on your adventures. Happy Day Tripping!
What are your favorite day trip tips?
Where will your next adventure be?
Feeling a little adrift in this strange, new normal of being at home? Sign up for my email list and get your free copy of my Social Distancing Survival Guide: Everyday Routines. Sign up here.
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
