[trip style = weekend getaway]
During the economic slowdown, every travel publication was touting closer to home travel as a way to still enjoy getting away, without spending epic dollars for an epic trip. More recently, the go local trend has influenced everyone from foodies to travelers to embrace treasures within 100km {or so}, versus seek them out in the rest of the world first. As always, there's a time and place for local weekend getaways and international globetrotting, but this week's travel trend comes from close to home: it's a call to explore your own backyard, literally.
Recently a new site launched by a BC resident for BC residents, encouraging local travelers by way of discounts and inspiration to travel near versus far. backyardbc is its name and local travel is its game. Aside from Hotwire's go local search, I'm glad someone has brought this type of program specifically to BC. With hotel options spanning across the province and catering to different trip styles and budgets, it's fun to browse what's available and see what grabs you---just don't start with the website's "Vancouver, Coast & Mountains" region, the results are a little leaner than other areas.
As the site brings on new hotels, the offers will get more diverse, but for the time being I encourage you to start your backyard search with Vancouver Island, one of the site's 6 searchable regions. With just over 20 hotels spanning from Tofino to Victoria, the options are discerning. Here are a few gems I found:
- The rustically elegant Wickaninnish Inn {$40 off Best Available Rate (BAR)}
- The remote April Point Resort and Spa {15% off BAR}
- The woodsy seaside Tigh-Na-Mara Resort {10% off BAR}
- The mod & green Parkside Victoria Resort and Spa {10% off BAR}
- The quietly confident Inn at Laurel Point {10% off BAR}
Trip Styler Tip :: with all this talk of locals rates, don't be shy to ask hotels in BC or Washington if they have preferred rates for BC residents. Many do, but just down publicize it.
PS - Local blogger Miss604 and backyardbc are running a joint promotion giving away one hotel stay every Tuesday for the next 10 weeks. Don't miss it.
{Travel Trends are posted 3 times monthly on Thursdays. For other trends including low season travel deals and unique reward programs, subscribe by RSS or email, like us on facebook or follow us on twitter.}
[photo via backyardbc of April Point Resort & Spa]