5 Ways to Experience the Benefits of Travel without Leaving Town

By DIY Maven

Gas, airline tickets, hotel, and restaurant prices. These are just some of the reason we might not venture too far from home for awhile. Of course, by staying close to home we miss out on the benefits of travel, which, according to permanent traveler Lea Woodward, include broadening our horizons, adding excitement to our ordinary lives, seeing the world beyond our existence, meeting new people and experiencing new cultures, just to name a few. (As a Curblian, I would add 'be inspired' to the list.) But, according to Lea, we can stick close to home and STILL savor the benefits of travel by doing 5 relatively simple and inexpensive things. They include:

1. Start a new hobby. A new hobby will spice up our lives, and, by doing so, we just might meet new people, too.

2. Explore new cultures in our home town. This might include going to a new restaurant or even picking up a few items for ‘international cuisine night’ at a grocery store that sells food from different parts of the world.

3. Be a ‘local’ tourist. I’d bet most people don’t take advantage of the ‘culture’ nearest them. The museums, historical sites and state parks are the first places people vacationing to our home towns are visiting. Maybe we should check them out too.

4. Learn a new language. We can get a sense of place by speaking a different language even if we’re not in that ‘place’. And, if we do learn a new language, our vocabulary will be ready when our funds are to hit an international locale.

5. Get interactive online. Although the internet is really no substitute for visiting the real thing, we can certainly get a sense of new places, and, again, when we’re ready to get out of town, we’ll have done our research to those new places just waiting for our arrival!

For Lea’s entire article, visit Ririan Project. 'Missing Piece of Puzzle Map' courtesy of All Poster

Tagged:
money-saving travel explore

April 17, 2008

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About: Self-proclaimed Maven of DIY, I'm up for anything from gonzo rehab to dressing a room. Although...