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A trend has become popular across the country called. Staycations. Staycations can introduce locals to a diverse range of activities and destinations throughout the Des Moines Metro area. They can be a source for a quick mental boost, be a budget-friendly alternative to far destinations, and can help people discover fun locations close to home.  

Walking and biking trails, historic buildings, monuments, museums, festivals, shops, restaurants, and award-winning markets, with something for anyone, makes Des Moines the perfect local staycation destination year-round. Young adults in the area and college students at Grand View University can travel locally and see what amenities Des Moines has.  

“Typically, students have different kinds of interests. Whether it be arts, or culture, or sports, or entertainment, the list goes on and on and Des Moines is a great place to feel that and feature all that kind of stuff,” said Greg Edwards, President and CEO of Catch Des Moines.  

Catch Des Moines is a local  

organization that strives to increase economic growth in the area and bring people to the city. They are proud to offer resources to travelers to help plan and meet their needs. They encourage people of all ages to get out and enjoy the city.  

“I think at the college age it’s time to get out and explore things,” Edwards said.  

Over the last few years of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the tourism industry. Even though tourism slowed, Edwards said that Des Moines is now recovering from the effects of the Pandemic and businesses across the area are continuing to recover.  

A way to help the recovery process is to travel locally.  

“We are coming off the COVID pandemic which really hurt the travel industry. We are seeing that people are anxious to get out and travel again,” Edwards said.  

People are eager to get out and travel, but costs increasing worldwide are making it more difficult to afford to travel. Des Moines, however, has many affordable options for local entertainment, restaurants, and activities to meet the needs of the traveler. The Des Moines Arts Center, State Historical Museum, and sculpture park are all examples of local attractions that are free. Edwards provided some tips for travelers, such as following a budget, keeping an eye out for coupons, and being mindful of where you are spending money. Although prices are increasing, people can still travel with careful planning since there are free and affordable options in the area.   

“Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. It sure could be, but if you think about it in terms of what can I connect to for free it’s less stressful,” said Heather Thomas, a licensed mental health counselor at GVU.  

Studies have been conducted around the world and have found that travel leads to a boost in individuals mental and physical health. A 2018 study from Austria found travel can help people reduce stress which then has a positive effect on health.  

The pandemic was a traumatic time for people and temporarily took away the ability to travel so it is more important now than ever to get out and explore, even if it’s just locally. 

Whether you are seeking a way to boost mental health, looking for a budget friendly vacation, or are just wanting to get out and see the community, taking a staycation in Des Moines might be just what you need.  

“I think new experiences and adventures are positive for people because they can expand your perspective,” Thomas said. “It is so easy to get stuck in a rut or just focus on yourself or focus on the bad things so anything you can do to interrupt that thought process can be helpful.”