How Proximity Tourism Changed My Life

by letygoeson12, Mar, 2025Logbook

2020 revolutionized my way of traveling, leading me to discover proximity tourism: no more intercontinental flights, but authentic experiences just a few steps from home, full of beauty and meaning.

If someone had told me in 2019 that one day I would find joy and enrichment in visiting places just a few kilometers from home, I probably would have smiled in disbelief. For me, traveling meant getting on a plane, crossing oceans, and immersing myself in distant and fascinating cultures.

Then 2020 arrived, bringing with it restrictions, lockdowns, and curfews, completely overturning the concept of travel. It was in that context that I discovered proximity tourism, a term that not only described an alternative way of traveling but ended up changing my life.
I talked about it in more detail in this 2021 article.

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

Dreams of Distant Travels vs. Reality

During those long months of the first lockdown, with Italy and the rest of the world confined at home, I spent hours on Instagram dreaming of exotic beaches, bustling cities, and distant mountains.
However, as time went on, I realized that it wasn’t just the desire to escape that motivated me. The real drive was my curiosity to discover new places, live new experiences, and embrace life with fresh awareness.

In the summer of 2020, restrictions temporarily eased, and for a brief period, regional borders became crossable again, only to be closed once more in autumn. That was the moment I decided to put my curiosity to the test, even in places very close to home.

And that’s when proximity tourism entered my life.

Emilia-Romagna: A World to Explore Close to Home

I live in Emilia-Romagna, a region I had always considered more as a departure point than a destination to explore. Yet, my urge to discover new places convinced me to look around with fresh eyes. I decided to take advantage of every possible opportunity to explore the wonders this land has to offer.

One of the most memorable moments of my “close to home” adventures was spending a night in a castle in the province of Piacenza, in Vigoleno. I had never considered the castles of Emilia-Romagna as tourist destinations, but that stay was magical.
Walking through ancient walls, imagining the lives of those who lived there centuries ago, and waking up surrounded by such a unique atmosphere made me realize just how much charm there is just a few kilometers from home.

The Wonderful Surprises of Proximity Tourism

Then came glamping near Rimini, a completely different but equally extraordinary experience. Sleeping in a luxurious tent, surrounded by nature, was the perfect balance between adventure and comfort. In the evening, I fell asleep to the sound of trees swaying in the wind, and in the morning, I woke up with the sun gently filtering through. It was an experience I might have sought in some remote corner of the world, but instead, I found it here, in my own region.

And how could I not mention the medieval villages:

Dozza, with its colorful murals that transform every street into an open-air art gallery;
Brisighella, with its medieval atmosphere and iconic Clock Tower;
San Leo, with its imposing cliff-top castle.

Places that, I admit, I would never have thought to visit before, but which today I cherish among my most beautiful memories.
And these are just a few…

Villaggio-la-pescaccia-glamping-romagna-001

An Economical and Sustainable Way to Travel

Proximity tourism not only allowed me to discover incredible places close to home, but it also made me rethink the very concept of travel. You don’t need to go far to have authentic and meaningful experiences: traveling can mean slowing down, closely observing what surrounds us, and appreciating the beauty we often take for granted.

By traveling close to home, I minimized the use of polluting means of transportation, opting instead for car or bike trips. At the same time, I supported the local economy by staying in family-run accommodations, dining in traditional trattorias, and buying local products from small producers.

This approach turned out to be not only more environmentally friendly but also much more affordable: with lower travel costs and great deals, I had unforgettable experiences without putting too much strain on my wallet.

Finally, proximity tourism gave me a more relaxed and rejuvenating travel rhythm, without the stress of long journeys or complex logistics, allowing me to fully experience the places I visited and genuinely connect with my surroundings.

The Personal Enrichment of Traveling Close to Home

Perhaps the greatest gift proximity tourism has given me is personal enrichment and a deeper connection to my region. Since 2020, traveling close to home, in Emilia-Romagna, has become what I would call my “signature style”. It was during that time that I truly fell in love with my homeland and the endless beauty it offers.

I rediscovered our culinary traditions, taking part in authentic experiences that celebrate recipes passed down for generations. I immersed myself in centuries-old traditions that make this region unique, from the charm of medieval villages to local festivals rich in history.

Every place I visited taught me something: a historical anecdote, a cultural tradition, or simply the importance of slowing down and observing. I have collected all these experiences in my “Emilia-Romagna section,“ a set of cherished memories that I now treasure.

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

Marcel Proust

Writer

As Marcel Proust wrote: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.”

Knowing your roots is the first step to appreciating and understanding what is far away, and proximity tourism has given me precisely this opportunity. It has taught me that adventure isn’t necessarily on the other side of the world; sometimes, it’s just around the corner, in a medieval castle, in a charming and colorful village, or under the stars in a tent surrounded by nature.

And you? Have you ever thought about how much you can discover close to home? It might just change your life too.