Why Travel to Smaller Cities
It’s time to get your travel mojo back! The pandemic took a big bite out of the travel business and the psyche of seasoned travelers. Shutdowns and fear kept many of us at home. Now we are antsy and ready to go. The world is big, and there is much to see. However, sometimes smaller bits are good, too. Begin to think about visiting smaller markets. Why? Here are five reasons to travel to smaller cities.
Domestic travel is underrated by some people. It can be fascinating and fulfilling. Did you know that in 2019 $972 billion was spent on domestic travel? Of course, that was pre-pandemic, and $582 billion was finished in 2020. According to www.statista.com, domestic travel spending is estimated at $698 billion in 2021 and $860 billion in 2022. Why not be a part of the domestic travel trend and become a part of another trend, travel to smaller cities.
5 Reasons for Domestic Travel
- Visiting relatives
- Shopping
- Visiting Friends
- Fine Dining
- Rural Sightseeing
One reason to start traveling to a small city is that it is an easier way to ease back into travel. COVID-19 still causes fear and anxiety for many travelers. Large trendy towns and destinations are open and ready for visitors. Still, some travelers are not prepared for large crowds at busy tourist attractions. Travel to smaller cities is more intimate, fewer crowds, and sometimes at a slower pace. It is perfect for getting back into the travel game. Also, it may be easier to practice social distancing and other safety precautions.
Drive to a City Near You
A second reason for traveling to smaller cities is driveability. You may want to drive to a town or city near your home city or state. For example, I live in Chicago and can go to Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa within 90 minutes to four hours. Imagine all of the adventures and sightseeing I can get into in those four states. Research what smaller cities and towns are within a two to four-hour drive and any exciting attractions in those locations. You can always find beautiful landscapes, unique shops, and tasty food spots to visit in smaller markets.
Cute, Quaint, and Quiet
Thirdly, travel to smaller cities and towns keeps it domestic with charm. Coming from a big city, I occasionally want cute, quiet, and quaint. Small town charm brings a certain amount of relaxation, unpretentiousness, and genuineness. There are a few things that I like about smaller cities and towns. Usually, there is a sense of community. People tend to be friendly, and everyone knows each other. Next, I like shopping and can find some unique shops that I may not find in a big city. When I travel to smaller towns, I feel closer to nature and enjoy nature’s fresh air and sounds. Although the cities or towns may be small, there is an abundance of things to do and see.
Two more reasons to travel to small cities or towns are that they have been undiscovered by the masses and smaller markets want you! Tourism boards seek more visitors to help their economies and jobs for residents. You may think that these last two reasons may contradict each other. However, take a look at each one individually. When I say undiscovered by the masses, think of it as fewer people in public spaces or tourist attractions. Have you ever seen a short line in the theme park if you have ever been to Disney World? In New York City, have you ever noticed no one visiting Time Square? When visiting The Louvre in Paris, have you ever just walked in without a wait?
Smaller Markets Want You
In the article Smaller Markets Use Big Ideas, Dan Dickson writes, ” Smaller market planners must be more creative to entertain their charges, and that could mean both off-the-wall and off-the-beaten-path attractions.” Tourism offices look for ways and interests to get you to visit and stay for a weekend or longer. They may attract you with spa retreats, nature activities like hiking, canoeing, specific festivals, food tours, or wine tastings. Travel to smaller cities has much to offer as we all ease back into travel.
My Vacation List
I am ready to see new places and get my travel mojo back. Recently, I have researched some sites and currently have about 10 spots on my radar. A couple is more than a four-hour drive, but a plane ride is less than four. It works for me. Here are five cities on my immediate radar for 2021.
- Carbondale, Illinois (Southern Illinois & Shawnee National Forest)
- Hampton, VA
- Janesville, WI
- Asheville, NC
- Fort Wayne, IN
Conclusion
The next phase is to begin to plan my visits. It is always wise to reach out to local tourism offices to find out about any COVID restrictions, what is open, and if any special events are happening during travel days. If you drive, research and map out all directions, possible road closures, and alternate roots.
Compare and contrast hotels and what amenities they offer to clients. I always read reviews of hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants to gauge others’ experiences. Lastly, if you are driving, tune up the car before you hit the road. Now, let’s travel to smaller cities and get our mojo back. Don’t forget your camera and travel journal!
Additional Resources
Smaller Markets Use Big Ideas
10 Best Small Towns in the U.S.
https://www.countryliving.com/life/travel/g2294/must-visit-small-towns-across-america/
50 of the Most Charming Small Towns in the U.S.
https://www.travelchannel.com/destinations/us/photos/50-of-the-most-charming-small-towns-in-the-us
Domestic Travel Statistics
https://www.statista.com/statistics/207075/domestic-travel-spending-in-the-us-since-2002/
Rural vs. Urban Travel
U.S. Travel Alliance
https://www.ustravel.org/answersheet
