Let's Take a Day Trip

Let’s have an honest conversation: life can be overwhelming at times. No matter how much money you bring in each month, whether you’re a parent or not, or even how much you enjoy your job, we all face stressors that can weigh us down.

Taking the time to carve out moments for ourselves can make a significant difference in our overall well-being. I can relate to this on a personal level. As a single dad raising a teenager, I experience a unique set of challenges. Balancing my career—working at a job I’m passionate about—with the demands of parenting often feels like juggling too many balls at once.

While I’m fortunate to be financially secure, there are still moments when the pressures of daily life become overwhelming. During these times, I find that an occasional day trip can be a lifesaver. It allows me to step away from the routine, recharge my batteries, and reconnect with both myself and my son.

In this piece, I’ll explore the numerous benefits of taking a day trip. It can boost mental health and enhance family bonds. Additionally, I’ll provide practical tips on planning an enjoyable outing. You won’t need to strain your budget. This will ensure you can escape the daily grind without piling on extra stress.

First, Define What a Day Trip Means To You

The definition of a day trip can vary significantly based on your location and interests. For instance, if you’re in New York City, a day trip might involve taking a quick bus or train ride to New Jersey to enjoy a day of shopping at popular retail outlets. Alternatively, you could hop on an Amtrak train and spend the day exploring Philadelphia’s rich history, perhaps visiting the Liberty Bell or indulging in a famous cheesesteak.

In Chicago, day trips can take you north to Milwaukee for a relaxing lakeside experience or a trip to the suburbs for a fun-filled day at an outlet mall, where you can hunt for deals on your favorite brands. Personally, I like to think of these mini-excursions as staycations—brief getaways that allow you to explore nearby destinations while still remaining relatively local.

My ideal day trip, however, involves frequenting destinations that are much further away, often requiring a flight. I’ve traveled to Southern California several times for weekend getaways. Typically, I go just on Saturday. There, I can unwind in a hotel. I savor my favorite meals and immerse myself in the local lifestyle. I particularly enjoy staying in neighborhoods like Glendale or Valencia in Santa Clarita. There, I can enjoy the sunshine. I visit quaint cafes and connect with the community.

Ultimately, a day trip’s essence varies from person to person. What matters most is discovering a place that truly resonates with you. Embrace it as your “home” for the day. Take the chance to explore the local sights, tackle the hidden gems, or simply relax at a favorite spot.

It’s perfectly acceptable to spend your time doing nothing but enjoying the atmosphere. A stay that stretches overnight also offers the opportunity to unwind without feeling pressured to fill your agenda. The appeal of venturing far for my day trips lies in the chance to experience life in a location. I might never actually call this place home, yet I can still feel like a local.

For example, when I visit Minneapolis, I navigate the Twin Cities with ease. Staying at the Hyatt Regency in Bloomington, Minnesota, I enjoy hopping on the light rail to downtown. I catch a Timberwolves game or take in the vibrant local music scene. I love riding the train to the Mall of America, browsing the shops, and I also savor a delicious meal at one of the many eateries there. This experience gives me a sense of belonging and routine, as if I’ve seamlessly integrated into the local culture. Now, let’s dive into some strategies to make these enriching trips budget-friendly!

Let’s Talk About Money

People often ask me, “Josh, how do you travel so much and isn’t it expensive?” My answer is simple: plan ahead. It’s late April, and I’m already looking at my options for July, August, and September to see where I can go. The key is not to break the bank. There are many resources and tools, like Google Flights, that can help you track flight prices.

If your day trip involves going to an airport, think about where you’d like to travel. For example, let’s say I want to have some alone time for Father’s Day weekend. In reality, that’s not quite possible since my son wants to go to Legoland, but let’s pretend it is.

A quick look at Google Flights shows that I could visit Boston, Nashville, Denver, and other locations for less than $200. Of course, I’ll also need a hotel for the night, and if I’m staying for the weekend, then I’ll likely need two nights. I can start budgeting for this trip right now, and by the time the date arrives, everything will already be paid for.

Let’s be honest—many of us have side hustles. I see you all discussing it on social media all the time, and I have one too. Occasionally, I deliver groceries, which helps generate extra income for my trips. Sometimes, I joke with my friend Shaun when making a purchase, saying, “This will equal seven Walmart deliveries.”

My main point is to take some time for yourself, whether it’s for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a staycation. The goal is to relax and unplug.

Right now, I’m enjoying my hotel room in the hills of Southern California while my son has a blast with his cousins during spring break halfway across the country. Everyone is happy and relaxed—this is what I consider ultimate peace.