02 Oct 2019

So, you've got dreams of galavanting around the world but your card was just declined after trying to buy a coffee... Been there man.

This may sound stupid but hear me out. This is how you can send it and have a holiday in your own town. I mean, I for one never really explored my own small town, leaving that exploration energy for other travel expeditions. But when my cousins came to stay with me, they had a trip advisor list of things to do and I hardly knew about half of them.

 Get your tacky Hawaiian shirt, your visor hat and your disposable camera because it’s time to become a tourist in your own hometown.

1. Food

Now, when I’m on a holiday, the first thing I’m thinking about is food. I’m genuinely just always hungry.

Go out for dinner at a restaurant you hear is divine or suss out a cafe that you’ve walked past a hundred times but have never entered. Try different cuisines in different areas. Make a list of places you want to try by researching, driving around and asking other locals. Who knows, you could find your favourite go-to Indian food joint or a burrito you would literally die for.

2. Bars, clubs, events....

What's another fun part of travelling? Partying!!! It's where you meet tonnes of new people and of course, have a boogie to bangers. If you're over 18, do some real digging and suss out if there are any secret bars or underground clubs near you. There are probably a handful in random locations that you had no idea existed and what a thrill it is to find somewhere so niche and obscure. And of course, go to a new pub that you've never been to. Try it all.

A traveller wants to really get amongst it all so do just that! Look for local events coming up online, on notice boards or through word of mouth. Whether it's a market, festival, poetry reading, gig, trivia night... give it all a go and drag your friends along.

3. Take photos

What do tourists do best? Take photos. Photos of literally everything. Funky murals and graffiti, sunrises and sunsets, beaches, bushes, people, buildings... literally everything that they'll spam on their Instagram feed later. 

Get cracking. Grab a camera and click click click everything, especially your friends. Who knows, you might find a passion for photography... Or, all the photos will end up blurry and out of focus like mine do... 

4. Art gallery/museum

If you go to Paris, you’ll probably go to The Louvre.

Now, admittedly, your local art galleries probably don't have the Mona Lisa, but they probably have some funky paintings to inspire you. There may be cool museums showcasing the history of your hometown. Why not get learnt up about the place you live.

5. Class

Speaking of art, why not do an art class, whether it’s painting, sewing or sculpting. Or maybe tap into your chakras and do a meditation or yoga class. If you struggle to cook and can't even make toast without burning it, why not take part in a cooking or baking class. You'll meet groovy people, just like travelling provides, and learn some groovy skills!

6. Accommodation

If you really want to send it, why not go hard or go home (literally) and buy a few nights at a bed and breakfast, hotel, Airbnb or hostel for a change of scenery.

Suss out if there are any campsites around you. If not, literally just camp in your backyard. Have a fire, toast marshmallows, watch for shooting stars, share scary stories with mates and use the toilet inside the house. I mean that's a real bonus.

7. Relax

Let's be real, we all deserve a holiday every now and then thanks to the whirlwind that is life. Treat yourself to some R & R by taking time off work and soaking in some sun rays instead. Go shopping, read a good book, chill in a park or tan at the beach. 

 

The best part about this is you don't have to sell a kidney to afford a plane ticket.