For years, my family and I have chased memorable experiences across states, countries, and continents. We’ve slept in beach resorts, mountain cabins, and skyscraping hotels. Yet one of our most enjoyable recent getaways happened just a few miles from our front door at the Provo Marriott Hotel.

At first, the idea of a staycation can feel like settling for less. But after spending a weekend at the Provo Marriott, I’m convinced that a nearby getaway offers something many traditional vacations don’t: the chance to slow down, reconnect, and see home through fresh eyes.

What surprised me most wasn’t the hotel itself–though it is comfortable, conveniently located, and well-appointed. It was how quickly our family slipped into vacation mode. Without flights to catch, long drives to endure, or packed itineraries to follow, we arrived relaxed and ready to enjoy the downtime with another.

Much of the clock was spent doing what many families rarely get enough of these days: simply being together. We lingered over conversations, laughed about old stories, and enjoyed the luxury of nowhere to be. The concierge lounge became a favorite gathering place. Between light refreshments, comfortable seating, and panoramic views of the surrounding Wasatch mountains, it offered a welcome retreat where we could unwind without distractions.

The hotel also gave us a reason to explore a different side of Provo. Although we’ve called “Happy Valley” home for nearly 25 years, we discovered streets, shops, public spaces, and architectural details we’d somehow overlooked. Walking through a familiar city with the mindset of a visitor changed everything. We curiously noticed murals we had always overlooked, local businesses we had never entered, and neighborhoods we had rarely explored.

For travelers considering a nearby escape, I’ve found three simple ways to get the most from the experience.

First, treat it like a real vacation. Resist the urge to run errands, tackle projects, or constantly return home. Commit to being away, even if you’re only a few miles down the road. The mental separation matters as much as the physical distance.

Second, explore your hometown as if you’ve never been there before. Ask hotel staff for recommendations. Walk unfamiliar streets. Visit a museum, restaurant, or attraction you’ve always intended to see someday. Familiar places often hide their best experiences in plain sight.

Third, prioritize connection over activity. The most lasting memories rarely come from checking attractions off a list. They come from shared meals, unhurried conversations, spontaneous walks, and the small moments that happen when nobody is rushing to the next thing.

In fact, those simple moments often create the best memories of all. Years from now, my family may not remember every detail of the hotel or every place we visited. But we’ll remember those bacon wrapped dates at the concierge lounge, taking evening walks through downtown Provo, and enjoying the rare feeling of a calendar free week at home.

It’s no surprise that staycations continue to trend upward. With the rising cost of living, inflation, and travel, families are increasingly looking for affordable ways to recharge without sacrificing quality. A nearby hotel can provide just the change of scenery many people crave while avoiding the costs and stress that often accompany longer trips.

The Provo Marriott delivered exactly that. It offered comfort, convenience, and an ideal home base for rediscovering a city we thought we already knew.

Sometimes the best journeys don’t require a passport, a plane ticket, or even a long drive. Sometimes they simply require checking into a local hotel, clearing your schedule, and giving yourself permission to see home with new eyes.

Blake Snow contributes to fancy publications and Fortune 500 companies as a bodacious writer-for-hire and seasoned travel journalist to all seven continents. He lives in Provo, Utah with his wife, five children, and one ferocious chihuahua.