For many travelers, an unknown destination isn’t worth visiting.
I’ve written off countless small towns as boring without ever seeing a downtown, and Americans often assume that entire states don’t have anything worth seeing (sorry, Nebraska and Kansas).
When California, Florida, and other popular international destinations are idealized as the most desirable travel destinations, it’s easy to assume that other places aren’t worth it. Certain climates are objectively better, and I would never deny myself the opportunity to experience a different culture abroad.
But long, glamorous trips are never easy to come by, and when a dream trip just isn’t possible, even simple trips to local destinations can be rewarding and enjoyable.
The biggest obstacle to a traditional luxury vacation is the cost.
Tom Bartell: MN Travel According to a website that offers advice to travelers in Minnesota, trips to popular destinations like Europe can be prohibitively expensive due to overcrowding and constantly increasing demand, making local travel costs negligible in comparison.
“Minnesota is definitely close,” Bartell says. “Do you get everything that you would get in Europe or South America or Asia? No, but there are different things.”
Depending on the timing, it may be difficult to arrange long vacations.
Stan Hale, a longtime Minneapolis resident, said he and his wife often choose to travel within Minnesota rather than traveling farther afield because it’s less of a hassle.
“I spent three years in Germany. I spent six months in Pensacola, Fla., three years in Philadelphia and six or seven months in Washington,” Hale said. “It’s not that I get bored. If I go somewhere really nice I’ll enjoy it, but I don’t like flying and I don’t like driving anymore.”
Cost and logistics are the same reasons I’m not planning any extravagant trips this summer: I’d love to visit other countries, but I can’t afford to take more than a few days off to fit into flight schedules, much less pay for the tickets.
However, travel is still possible within these constraints, and my only significant trip this summer was a three-night camping trip in Wisconsin, one of the many local travel opportunities the region offers.
Holly Babcock, executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, said small Minnesota towns offer unique travel opportunities that locals never take advantage of.
“We have people who’ve lived here for 55 years and have never explored their own backyard, yet they’ve traveled all over the country to visit a great state park that’s closer than a Walmart,” Babcock said.
Babcock said Albert Lea, like many other cities, prioritizes the well-being of its residents over tourism. But it’s not just a tourist town that’s a worthwhile destination. Located in southern Minnesota, Albert Lea’s lake is its main draw, but so is Three Oak Winery and a vibrant downtown, despite the town’s small size, Babcock said.
Successful travel doesn’t have to have a specific destination in mind. Bartell said finding a place worth spending time in can be possible in almost any new place.
“Especially in small towns in Minnesota, there’s usually a cafe on the main street where people congregate,” Bartell says. “Go in there, sit at the counter, and ask the waiter or waitress, ‘What’s going on here?'”
Bartell said he used this strategy during his first visit to Red Wing, Minnesota.
“I soon found myself talking to people all over town,” Bartell said, “and being shown around some interesting historic homes, just like I did in Granite Falls.”
When in doubt, rely on one of Minnesota’s most popular resources, the lakes, to ensure a successful trip.
“Duluth is a nice place and going to the North Shore is awesome,” Hale said. “Go to the lake, rent a boat and have fun.”
Minnesota’s rich history can make a trip worthwhile for long-term visitors, Bartell said.
“If you want something interesting to do, go to one of the historic sites in Minnesota,” Bartell says. “There are between 30 and 40 historic sites, many of which are homes of important early Minnesotans.”
Bartell said Minnesota’s strong historic preservation program makes important stories more accessible to tourists than in many other states.
“Minnesota does a really good job with their state park system and their historical society working together,” Bartell said. “They’re not shying away from the worst parts of history.”
Some people love to spend days relaxing on the beach, while others consider visiting dozens of historical sites to be their ideal getaway. Either way, long trips far and wide appeal to many, but there are local destinations for everyone.
Trips are best planned on a personal level, so don’t rule out easy, nearby destinations – they may not be as entertaining on social media, but having fun is far more important.
