10 Ways to Enjoy Summer Without Traveling

You don’t need a destination holiday to create breezy summer vibes. If you get creative, there’s plenty to do in most hometowns.

Going on vacation is exciting, but it can also be challenging when you’re chronically ill. Between hauling heavy luggage, trekking through an airport, and ensuring necessary modifications at your destination, traveling can be daunting for those of us living with a chronic disease.

I live with multiple sclerosis (MS), and sometimes traveling far is just too much for my body. To me, summer is a time to relax while spending time with family and friends. Happily, I can enjoy this season to its fullest without leaving my hometown.

Here are 10 ways I’ve discovered to enjoy summer without traveling.

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1. Visit a nearby beach

On a breezy, temperate day, toss a folding chair, beach umbrella, lunch, and water in the car, and visit the nearest ocean or lake. Taking in the beautiful scenery is relaxing and can feel like a vacation without the burden of traveling. Cooling vests are a great way to ensure you don’t overheat.

2. Plan a summer-inspired dinner

Summer reminds me of crisp herbs, dinner from the grill, and fresh vegetables from a local farm. Plan a menu for a summer feast at home or make a reservation to eat outdoors at a local café. If you’re cooking, check out the list Delish compiled of 86 quick and easy summer dinner recipes.

3. Swing in a hammock

There’s nothing better than having your own summer oasis right in your backyard. Purchase a hammock now, and it’ll bring summer relaxation to a whole new level.

For those who prefer a more stable experience due to mobility or balance concerns, a rocking chair or upright lawn chair can be equally restful.

Brew some fresh iced tea to stay hydrated, and grab a book or your earbuds to listen to music or an audiobook. If you don’t have private outdoor space, spending the afternoon at a local park can feel equally as peaceful.

4. Find a new coffeehouse or cafe

If you live near a small town or city, chances are there’s a new coffee house or cafe to check out. This is a great way to enjoy summer while escaping the heat on a humid day. You’ll get your daily dose of caffeine to help offset the fatigue many of us experience, and you may find your new favorite local establishment in the process.

5. Indulge in a summer treat

On a hot day, I like to make homemade ice pops with pureed fruit or juice. If even that feels like too much, I might visit a local ice cream shop to indulge in a scoop of my favorite flavor instead.

6. Get outdoors

Being outdoors is good for the mind and body, and there are many ways to enjoy the scenery. Some of us with chronic illness find that walking is the most manageable exercise while others prefer biking. Enjoy a stroll through the park or take a bike ride along a flat rail trail.

Exploring the shops of a nearby town or resting in the shade are also great ways to take in the natural surroundings in summer.

7. Visit a museum

Another great way to keep cool on a hot day is by visiting an air-conditioned museum. Check online for new exhibits near you or revisit one you love. Museums come in many varieties, including art, science, culture, and history, so you’re sure to find one that piques your interest.

If needed, check to see if a wheelchair is available or if benches and elevators are present throughout the building.

8. Find a pen pal

Travel + Leisure compiled seven websites for finding a pen pal online. For those whose hands tire quickly when writing, Compatipal focuses on shorter and more immediate communication without the need for written notes.

The National MS Society offers a program called MSFriends: One-on-One Connections. They will connect you with someone who understands the intricacies of life with MS. You’ll “meet” for 6 months via phone, internet, or email — whatever works for you.

9. Grow your own produce

I’ve always wanted to have my own garden, but the physical work required to build and maintain one is too much for me. However, growing just one or two items in a pot is possible — and it can be both rewarding and delicious.

10. Watch the sunset

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget to enjoy the simple wonders of summer. When MS symptoms become overwhelming, grab a chair and your favorite beverage or snack, and enjoy the diminishing sun at dusk.

The takeaway

It’s nice to know there are many ways to enjoy summer without traveling. Even when symptoms are weighing us down, we can revel in the sunshine and warmer weather in ways that require less physical endurance. Happy summer!