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.

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.

Saving money when we backpack is always a bonus. Spending as little as we can on food, accommodation and transport costs all allow us to spend more time on our backpacking routes.

But the one thing that none of us should cut the spending on is travel insurance.

It may seem like a luxury. After all, you probably don't care if your flight gets delayed, or you lose a couple of t-shirts, but what happens when you're far away from home, and the unexpected happens - you have an accident or fall ill.

You may think that if you're visiting a developing country such as Thailand, having insurance won't matter, but the last thing you want your family and friends to have to do is to start a crowdfunding campaign for your medical bills.

So, do you need insurance when you travel?

The simple answer is yes. Travel insurance is vital, and you really shouldn't think about going away without it. Even if your credit card offers free travel insurance, you should shop around for the best policy. Travel insurance such as Securiglobe, will cover you for all the essentials for your trip.

Here is why travel insurance is vital for backpackers.

If Your Vacation Gets Cancelled

We don't like to think of it, but if a family member falls ill when we're away, we would want to get back as soon as possible.

You could fall ill before your trip and need to cancel it, and if you've booked a cheap flight ticket which can be tough and costly to change, your insurance may cover this so that you can move the dates back or even cancel your ticket.

Losing Your Phone Or Laptop

You may not worry too much about losing your favorite traveling dress or a brand new pair of sneakers, but drop your phone in a swimming pool or lose your laptop to a thief in the new city you arrive in, could spoil your trip.

Travel insurance can cover your personal belongings up to a certain amount.

If the value of what you want to insure is more than the typical amount, you can probably pay an extra premium to ensure that it is covered.

For example, some only cover up to $200 per item, which may cover the cost of your phone but won't be enough for your tablet or laptop. Decide what you can't live without and take steps to get it covered, just in case.

Adventure Sports

If bungee jumping, white-water rafting, or rappelling off the side of a cliff are on your bucket list, then travel insurance is a must.

Even if you are planning to trek higher than 3,000 meters, then you need insurance to cover you for altitude sickness or any injuries.

Check the small print to see if your activity is included. If not, make sure you can pay extra to get it covered.

You can buy additional winter sports cover, which means that the insurer will pay your hospital bills if you get injured or fall ill during your trip.

Losing Cash

Unfortunately, it can happen whether losing your money through an ATM scam, having your wallet stolen or worst case scenario - an express kidnapping (where a robber will take you from ATM to ATM until you have withdrawn all of your money).

Being stuck in a country with no access to money is no fun for anyone. Travel insurance can cover your lost cash, so you don't have to call home and rely on your family to bail you out.

Legal Expenses

Paying corrupt policemen when we're caught for allegedly "speeding" may only cost us a few extra dollars to continue with our trip, but what happens if you find yourself in an accident, and it wasn't your fault?

We may be used to the idea of "innocent until proven guilty" in our countries, but other countries and cultures may have a different way of looking at it.

This way, you know that you have legal access within that country if you need it, and you won't end up losing your life savings in the process.

Overall, having travel insurance gives you peace of mind, and it shows other backpackers that you are travel savvy. So lead by example and get covered. It will save you in the long run.

If you forget to buy insurance before your trip, you can find companies that will insure you while you're already on the road.

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Securiglobe.

I'm often surprised by how easy airports make everything. It can be your first time in an enormous airport and finding your way to the gate won't be that bad.

They're set up in a way that facilitates the traveling experience. I am someone who takes advantage of this and doesn't expect delays or loss of luggage.

This could be because when planning a trip, we often get so excited about our destination, we leave the question of how to get to and from the airport for last.

"They'll have plenty of options," and "I'll find transportation it's not a big deal," we'll think.

We might not consider the amount of money we'll have spent at the end of our trip on, say, delicious food or elaborate necklaces that, let's face it, we'll never wear.

So, what if you're on a budget? Suddenly, the possibility of airport transportation digging a hole in your pocket on the way is a very real, worry. But worry not, here are five creative ways to get to the airport on a budget.

1. See if a Couchsurfing host or friend can meet you

If you're into Couchsurfing, or happen to be staying with a friend you've met in the course of your travels, see if it'd be convenient for he/she to pick you up at the airport.

During Dave's 2007-2009 trip around the world, his Couchsurfing host in Tahiti greeted him at the airport.

Later on the same trip, a South African friend he made in Koh Phangan, Thailand met him at the Cape Town airport and gave him a ride to The Backpack, a hostel he recommended.

Not only are these scenarios free, but you'll have some quality time to catch up during the trip.

2. Use the shuttle provided by a hostel

This one is not "last-minute" and not always available. However, some hostels offer airport shuttle transfers for free, or if you're staying a minimum number of nights.

This could mean that you're staying in a neighborhood you didn't plan on staying in, like a more touristy area, and that you'll have to have this detail sorted out before you even land in the city.

3. Ride local-style on a moto-taxi

See what the locals do that's within your budget. That could include a taxi-style motorcycle or "moto-taxi" offered in many countries, such as Thailand.

These taxis are less conventional than the cars, but can be a real thrill. Hop into the backseat of a motorcycle, and have an eccentric ride to your flight.

4. Gather other travelers and make luxury affordable

If you're all about simplicity and quick execution, ask around at your hostel to see who's heading to the airport when you are and book Blacklane's airport transfer service together.

They have luxury vans and SUV's to accommodate up to five passengers with their bags, allowing you a chance at a comfortable ride on a budget.

Blacklane is available in over 180 cities around the world. Unlike other services, you can book ahead and schedule a day and time when you'd like to be picked up. You can also choose the car that best fits your crew and budget.

Trip planning can be hectic, so they'll remind you on the day of your flight via e-mail and SMS.

5. Take the train

Some cities, like Vancouver and Tokyo, have an airport train station that connects directly to the train/subway/buses in the metro area. This makes going to and from the airport simpler and more affordable.

You'll have to remember to plan ahead as waiting times and train schedules could delay your arrival. City maps will usually help you when finding of the correct stations and transfers.

With these tips, suddenly you won't feel so bad about the eccentric souvenirs you purchased; you'll soon be on your way home.

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This story was brought to you by Blacklane.

If you're like me, you'll find traveling hard. This is because you want to see the world, but you worry about the impact you're having upon it, due to your nomadic desire.

There's no denying travel is important. It opens your mind and gives you a type of education a classroom never could.

So, there must be ways in which we can see our planet, in all its glory, while doing as minimal harm to it in the process.

With that in mind, here are some ways you can be kinder to the environment while traveling.

1. Don't country hop

One thing I've noticed among my own people at least (Australians), is that there is a tendency to "compare countries."

Everyone has their "number," which they know of by heart. Whoever's been to the most countries has to be more worldly and, therefore, a better traveler, right?

Well. Everyone has their style of travel, but I think it is important to remember that it isn't a race. There's nothing wrong with spending an extended amount of time in a country.

It gives you the opportunity to get a better sense of its land, culture and people, which can't be anything other than a rewarding experience.

Embrace the concept of slow travel. Give yourself time to appreciate each place you visit. You're a lot kinder to the environment and yourself in the process.

2. Book flights as a last resort

Plane travel is often inevitable due to its convenience. For example, I know I won't be jumping on a boat from England to Australia any time soon. The 24-hour plane trip is upsetting enough!

However, traveling by flight isn't the be all, end all. Trains, buses, boats, car sharing, heck, even bicycles are often on offer as alternative forms of transport. They're often a lot more pleasant than flying, which is becoming more and more of an ordeal as time goes on.

Rather than flying around Europe, consider using Eurail, Eurostar, or Interrail. The prices can be decent when booked in advance. Or, organize a whole adventure based on a train ride, such as the famed Trans-Siberian Railway.

Sometimes the journey can be just as sweet as the destination, and you rarely get that when traveling by plane.

3. Take a water bottle and bag

This is a favorite of mine and pretty straightforward. Plastic bags and bottles are pointless. Bring your own bottle and put a reusable bag in your pocket or day bag. You'll stay hydrated, and the bag will be there if you need it. Easy.

4. Be wary of greenwashing

Green is the new black and eco-tourism is a concept that is only going to grow in popularity. However, just because a company says they're going green, doesn't necessarily mean they are.

I liken it to organic food. Organics are an ongoing craze. As the word itself is not required to adhere to any regulations, you'll often find it slapped on products that, well, aren't organic - not in the slightest.

Be discerning and do your research.

5. Don't adopt a wasteful attitude, bring what you need and put thought into it

I see a lot of guides on the internet, which say things like "don't worry if you forget/don't bring 'x' item - you can pick it up on the road!"

Yes, you can, but you should only do this as a last resort. If you already own a fairly new toothbrush, then do you need to go to the expense of buying another? Especially if you just end up discarding it at the end of the trip.

If you put a bit of pre-planning into your travels, you can often cut down on expenses on the road. Make a list of what you think you need and try to stick to it.

I've found I'm less likely to forget things when I do this, or over pack. I don't need to buy unnecessary items, which means more money for important things, like food.

6. Make your toiletries, rather than buying travel sized versions

I can't think of how many times I'd buy those useless itty bitty deodorants or shampoos, only to lose them in the back of the cupboard when I arrived home.

These days, I tend to make my toiletries. It saves me money, and I like the fact that I now have a better idea of what I'm putting on my skin.

7. Leave no mark

This one's a bit of a stretch of the imagination, but it's a good one to remember none the less. It's a case of being mindful - such as avoiding single-use items and not producing unnecessary food waste.

Unfortunately, the reality for many of us is that we can't spend our lives traveling. Boo!

Luckily, we have the option to live vicariously through other's adventures due to the power of the written word. So, that's something.

If you find yourself bouncing off the walls of your home, unable to distract yourself from the itch in your feet, I recommend you dedicate a few hours of your day to getting lost among the pages of the following travel memoirs.

Travels With Charley - In Search of America

A restless John Steinbeck procures a camper, christens it “Rocinante,” rounds up his poodle Charley and embarks upon a road trip across America.

Along the way, he offers his insights, views and overall analysis of his country and its people, much of which will resonate with anyone reading the book today.

The USA is the kind of country that's just begging to be driven across, with its incredibly diverse landscape.

To hear states like Maine and Montana get described in detail by an award-winning novelist is a treat.

There have been some questions over time about the authenticity of Steinbeck's experiences - how much happened verbatim and what was simply made up.

The man was a novelist at heart after all. Either way, it's both an excellent and memorable read.

Buy it on Amazon

The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost: A Memoir of Three Continents, Two Friends, and One Unexpected Adventure

Rachel Friedman's travel memoir grabbed me in a way that many other books on the same topic have failed to.

Friedman has recently given up on what she thought was her dream of becoming a professional classical violist.

She moves to Ireland to work in Galway for four months, hoping to figure her life out.

Here she meets Carly – an Australian girl addicted to travel. Carly convinces Rachel to join her in Australia and then South America and they have some pretty fabulous adventures together.

Rachel eventually heads back to America, having met her soul mate (a Kiwi in an Irish bar in Peru) along the way, finally feeling ready to take on her life as a young professional woman.

There was a lot I liked about Friedman's book. But if I'm going to condense it it's this - it wasn't preachy, instead being totally relatable.

We all feel a little lost in our lives from time to time, and it’s commendable and uplifting to hear or read about someone who is actively doing something about it, rather than the alternative – moping from now until the end of eternity.

Buy it on Amazon

What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir

Kristin Newman predominantly works throughout the year as a comedy writer in Hollywood, something anyone could guess from reading her novel.

The wonderful thing about working as a comedy writer (or, one of the wonderful things as I'm sure there are many) is that it allows you from anywhere between three to 12 month's "off" a year, in Newman's words.

So while everyone around her is getting together, marrying and doing their bit to keep the population going, Newman travels. To Russia. Iceland. Brazil. Argentina. Paris. Australia. New Zealand. Hawaii.

All over the world, while having multiple love affairs along the way.

I'll be honest - there were parts of this book that I found hard to read. Newman is quite frank in the descriptions of her sexual exploits, and as it turns out, I'm a prude. Yet, her book is amusing.

At its completion, I felt that familiar itch in my toes and days later, found myself looking up flights to Argentina in a moment of boredom.

Buy it on Amazon

The Road to Little Dribbling - More Notes From a Small Island

Bill Bryson seems to be one author that people either really, really like, or passionately hate. I fall into the former group and have been slowly and steadily making my way through his books over the last few years.

I read his novel about the United Kingdom - Notes From a Small Island when I first moved to London. I was quite pleased to find out he'd soon be releasing a sequel, marking the twentieth anniversary of his first book.

The Bryson who has penned this novel writes in a different tone from the first.

He is still very much in love with his adopted country but spends much of his text comparing the Britain of now to the Britain of ages passed. He wonders if much of his nitpicking is due to his age.

Well, I consider myself to be in the first flush of youth and I agreed with much of what he said.

Among the many tidbits of facts and historical information that scatter the pages of all Bryson's books, he speaks in earnest of the importance of conservation.

Having lived here for some time and seen a vast amount of it myself, I can verify that the UK is as glorious as he says it is. It deserves to be taken care of.

Buy it on Amazon

With luck, these books will hopefully both feed and fan your wanderlust, until you find yourself hitting the road for some adventures of your very own.