It’s Not Hard to Find Local Adventure If You Know Where to Look

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When I was 24, I joined the ranks of the travel industry. I wanted to get out and see the world and the only way I could think to afford it was to become part of the industry that promoted the one thing I wanted to do!

While it didn’t pay well, the fringe benefits were unmatched. I flew to Europe for $50… TWICE! I spent four days at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun for $130 – including my flights! But it all started with my first trip outside of the eastern seaboard.

When I was working for a corporate travel agency, they asked if I would be willing to fill in for one of their corporate travel agents for a week out in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I didn’t know much about New Mexico but for me, it seemed like an opportunity to travel to the other side of the world. I jumped at the chance.

I arrived early and explored all weekend before settling down to work for the week. But my exploring didn’t stop there. When the work day ended, I got in the car and drove as far and as long as I could, visiting places like Chimayo, Santa Fe, and even a casino where the devil supposedly visits.

When I would arrive at work each morning, the other agents would ask what I had done the night before, living vicariously through me. They admitted they hadn’t seen half the things I had even though they had lived there their entire lives.

How could you not take advantage of such a beautiful place? I thought to myself. But it’s a problem so many people face. They forget to be a tourist in their own town.

Vacation and adventure doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. It can start at home. It’s part of the reason I started my Field Trip Friday series over the summer. Not only did I wanted to get out and learn more about my area, but I wanted to make sure I showed my son that complacency has no place in adventure.

Call it a “staycation” or just local adventure but I bet if you look hard enough, you’ll find adventure waiting just around the corner.