Most of us can't travel all the time. Whether it be work-related commitments, financial expenses, or our dependents' needs, something is often holding us back. That itch in our feet still haunts us-that insatiable desire to discover and explore.
So, what do you do when you're desperate to travel but cannot see this dream come to fruition? Distract yourself with adventures on native soil, of course! I've got a few ideas to get you started. Here are a few ways to add more adventure to your life without traveling.
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Adventurous Activities
1. Set up camp in your backyard
Did you ever camp outside your house as a child? Do you remember how excited you were? Being an adult should never get in the way of having fun. Get out your tent, swag, mat, sleeping bag, and bivvy. Bring a portable stove, some healthy food, and coffee for the morning if you feel inclined.
Don't have a backyard? Well, I'd like to introduce you to wild camping. When you "wild" camp, you pitch a tent wherever you want - usually somewhere private and secluded (like in a forest or a field). The idea is to spend the night alone (or with friends) in the great outdoors. Remember to leave no trace behind.
What about winter? Well, don't let cold weather deter you. Avoid the chill by layering up - coat, sweater, tracksuit pants, and two pairs of socks. There's nothing more comforting than the crackle of an open fire on a cold winter's night.
If you plan to do this with friends, consider buying a larger tent to accommodate everyone. Check out some 8 person tents reviews for a selection of cozy, comfortable, and great-looking tents available.
2. Have a country-themed potluck dinner party
For many people, the joy of travel isn't just seeing beautiful scenery, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people from all walks of life. Some people travel purely to sample new cuisines. I don't know about you, but I think that's a good reason. You can quickly eat your way around the world and improve your culinary skills without leaving your kitchen.
Invite some friends for a potluck dinner and choose a country for the theme. Say you pick Germany. You may find yourself having pork, potato dumplings, and sauerkraut for dinner, with apple strudel for dessert. Wash it down with a stein of Löwenbräu. Prost!
3. Pack a bottle of water and your camera to explore your neighborhood
I live in London. I realized earlier this year that I was doing myself and the city a massive disservice by traveling elsewhere when I had a few days off from work.
England's capital is the kind of place with abundant things to do, and I realized it would be silly not to cash in on this while I was living as an expat here. It can be challenging to motivate yourself in the colder seasons or if you work a lot. So, I set myself a daily challenge.
I would spend my lunch break exploring the area around my work, armed with a camera. This experience has helped me see the various icons of this part of the city in a different light. Plus, it's turned into a fun, creative experiment that has spurred me to explore London further.
Related: Turn Any Travel Experience Into an Adventure
4. Get lost among the pages of a decent travel book
Not too keen on the idea of roughing it outdoors? Luckily, there's a way to go on a truly inspiring adventure without leaving the comfort of your favorite lounge chair. Reading is one way to add more adventure to your life without lifting a finger (except when you have to turn a page). Here are some options to get you started.
5. Socialize with other travelers via Couchsurfing or Meetup
If you find yourself in a position where you can't travel, you can compensate by having the travelers come to you! Open your doors to Couchsurfers looking for a place to rest their heads for the night.
Many expats and travelers use websites like Meetup to connect with locals. Your area may have various groups, from language to film, book clubs, and sports. You'll find plenty of opportunities to meet new people and expand your cultural horizons.
6. Attend a foreign film festival
There are cinemas in cities of all sizes that, along with the latest blockbusters, will often screen smaller, lesser-known foreign films or even have weekend film festivals. Take London. Massive festivals, such as the annual BFI Film Festival, are held throughout the year. Meanwhile, a small community cinema in the southeast regularly screens foreign films from all over the world.
Are you keen to go to Georgia? I recently watched a movie where the protagonist had to come of age in a country reeling from its newly gained independence. Fans of Latin America will note that a Colombian film was nominated for an Oscar in 2016, signifying a revival of the country's film industry.
Like books, films are a relatively inexpensive way to enjoy the voyeuristic experience of entering a new country without leaving behind the comforts of your own. These are just a few ways to occupy yourself until the next adventure.
