How to Become a Tourist in your Own Backyard

Travelling is often associated with going to a totally different place. Our destination is usually a bit far from where we live. We usually take a bus, plane or boat to get to our tourist destination. What if I tell you that you can be a tourist in your own backyard.

I’ve never thought of this when I was still working before. I usually plan my trips outside my city or my country. But now that I’m dead broke and still craving to see something new, I’ve decided to explore my own backyard.

Here’s how you can be a tourist in your own city:

1. Book and Sleep in a Local Hostel: If you want to reminisce how it feels like to travel and sleep in a hostel, this is a good chance to do it. There are lots of cheap hostels that surround most cities and towns. Spend most of your time hanging out in the common area and interact with the tourists and staff.

2. Visit Local Markets: There’s a huge chance that you’ll see something unusual or unique when you go to the markets. Try visiting markets that have an array of local and ethnic goods. Get a good feel of how your fellow locals are shopping.

3. Visit Your Local Historic Places: Most of us take for granted the historical places around our city. Maybe because there’s no novelty in seeing them if you live close by. Prior to visiting the place, read some articles about it. It will surely give you a refreshing view about that place.

4. Walk Around: This is the best way to explore your own city. Go to your target area and then start walking. You’ll definitely see some unusual corners that you’ve never seen before.

5. Try the Street Foods: If you’re a big fan of some culinary treats, this is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Walk around and try some local snacks that are being sold on the streets.

6. Stop by a Local Cafe: This is a nice way of getting some rest and at the same time treating yourself with some people watching activity.

7. Take Pictures: Some places look entirely different in pictures. Try to capture the best possible angle that would highlight the beauty of a particular place or structure. Show it off to your family and friends or post them on your favourite social networking sites.

8. Volunteer: If you have a lot of spare time, this is a nice way of spending it. I’ve volunteered in different places that I’ve been to but I’ve never tried doing it here yet. I might do this one of these days.

9. Try the Different Public Utility Vehicles: This is a nice way of interacting with other locals in your own city.

10. Travel and Explore with an Open Mind: Travelling won’t be fun if we stay trapped in our own prejudices. Wherever you go, this would make any trip enjoyable.

by click-the-shutter.