Courtney GDisclaimer: This is not sponsored (yet lol)
When I decided to start a travel blog I was wondering how I’d keep up posting if I wasn’t actually traveling. The thing is, I learned I could still post of about things I do around my own city. However, that can only happen if I actually go out and do something.
When I’m not traveling, I’m a huge homebody. I rarely go out unless it’s for a special occasion or something I really want to do or see. Sometimes I might want to do something on a discount and other times I just need to find something fun or new to do.
Discounted Activities
You know what I think we take for granted? Groupon. It offers discounts on things like, restaurants, massages, different devices, and activities. It’s great to use when you want to figure out what to do for the weekend on a budget. I know it’s come in handy for me this year.
I used Groupon to find something to do for Father’s Day with my dad and sisters. He liked golf so we wanted to see if we could find a discount on Topgolf or something. While we didn’t find Topgolf discounts, we did find a Groupon for a mini-golf place that was right around the corner from my house.
It was small and unsuspecting but we all had a good time! I really enjoyed myself and hope to go back with my mom.
I share that anecdote to say, use Groupon for your next outing in your city (or in a city you’re visiting).
Using Groupon
When going to Groupon.com, change the location to which ever city you want. You can also change the category. They have activities – which is what we’re focusing on today – restaurants, spa options, and even fitness options. There’s even a map option to see which deals are closest to you or where you’re staying.
Using a couple of different cities, here’s some of the things you can find at a discount.
Atlanta – As of 8/29/2023
Los Angeles – As of 8/29/2023
Chicago – As of 8/29/2023
I do have a post of free things to do in Chicago coming in October so be sure to check that out too.
These are just few activities I think would be popular (or at least interesting) that you could get a discount for. Keep in mind, deals come and go, so always check every now and then for new ones.
Eventbrite
I’ve gone over discounted activities but what about just fun events? Eventbrite is a great source to use to find things happening in your city and it could even be used during travel (depending on its use is other places).
I’d gone on my first two hikes (one of which was today) from an event on Eventbrite. I’ll admit, I didn’t find it from searching on there. But that event opened my eyes to similar things happening around town that’s on the site. Events could be free or for a charge.
My little sister actually suggested I download the app. It’s how she found things to do on the weekends while in college.
Using Eventbrite
I used the app to find things happening soon near me. They have categories that include free events, music, food-related, even charity events. Because I was searching near Labor Day weekend, it seemed packed with different options.
I also got curious if I could see if other countries or places outside of the mainland U.S. that used Eventbrite. I checked for events happening in Puerto Rico and I was excited for the results! They had yoga and meditation near the El Morro fort and karaoke in Old San Juan.
Then I went “across the pond” to check if London had anything. They had different festivals, job fairs, and some film screenings.
Eventbrite could be a fun way to find out what locals do on the weekends and what events they have going on when traveling.
A Promise to Get Out More
If you’re a homebody who still likes to travel like me, we can’t always depend on big trips to do something fun. Fun things can happen in our own cities, we just have to get out to see. Think about it; there are probably people coming to your home town for a vacation. So, why don’t you treat it like you’re visiting your city? What can you do?
I’m trying to make it a personal goal to get out more myself (outside of leaving the state and/or country).
If you’re having difficulty seeing what you can do, check Groupon or Eventbrite to find out! You could gain a new hobby and maybe even make some friends!
