Journeys Close to Home

Your next trip is right around the corner.

If planning travel isn’t something you look forward to, the logistics of a trip near or far tire you, or you simply do not have the appetite for any long-distance experiences, then adventuring in your own backyard could be just as exciting.  You do not have to get on a plane or train to feel the excitement of a new place, sometimes those very venues are right around the corner from you.  All it takes is a little bit of research and you could be traveling to another part of the world right in your own neighborhood.  Here are some ideas for your next cityside sightseeing day:

1 Head out to a museum

Visit a museum near you or one with a specific exhibit to take in the history and culture of another place and time.  Sometimes the background of the artists or the media they work with could be of interest, other times the theme of the displays or the lure of a limited engagement could be enticing.  Some museums offer a free entry day for residents or discounted entrance on select days of the year so make the most of those dates, especially for venues that are high demand and difficult to get tickets for sometimes.

2 Visit the botanical gardens

A little bit of greenery never did anyone any harm.  Find a local garden near you or in the neighborhood and you could be enjoying plant life from other countries and continents.  A walk in the park is a great break during the work week or on weekends, and even better if there is a lake, pond, or other water body along the way.  Some gardens also double up as public art spaces, so you also get to view sculptures and outdoor installations by famed artists from the area or outside of and learn about their talents and techniques.

3 Hike at a state or national park

If you live close to one or can drive to a state or national park easily then you are in luck—these are great getaways for you to spend time in nature away from the city.  Choose a trail suitable for your comfort and make it a day out to remember.  Some parks might need an entry fee, and some might offer days where that fee is waived.  Check with your local parks and recreation sites to ensure you have the facilities you want such as camping, lodging, restrooms, dining, and any other amenities before you head over.

4 Attend a library lecture

Your local library isn’t just a great resource for books, magazines, and research but also might host lectures, workshops, and other presentations.  Check with the monthly calendar of events and attend a discussion, viewing, or other library engagement where you could possibly learn about another country and culture, maybe travel to a city you’ve never visited before and learn about the local arts and festivals.  Most of these events might even be free if they are hosted under community programming efforts.

5 Check in at community centers

The neighborhood community center is a treasure trove of programming catering to the community in the area.  Find out where your closest community center is (there could be many close to you) and review the programming organized for the year.  You will be surprised to find classes, training, clubs, special interest groups and many other ways to not just participate in what interests you but possibly even find a group you enjoy interacting and collaborating with.

6 Watch outdoor performances

Any fair, festival, celebration, or other cultural fete of any nature will typically feature outdoor performances, area and weather permitting.  Look for dance and music performances, theater and arts groups, culinary demonstrations, arts and crafts workshops, and other such avenues to travel to places you might not want to fly or drive to but appreciate the experience being accessible to you within a few steps or blocks from your home.

7 Do self-guided walks/drives

There are many apps and sites today that offer the option to enjoy a self-guided walking or driving tour.  Simply choose the tour you’d like to follow and then head to all the spots mentioned.  You will find instructions for where each spot is located and narration on why that spot is important.  These could include mural and sculpture or public art tours, history and heritage tours, dining and entertainment tours, buildings and monuments tours, and others that are seasonal or theme-based.

8 Participate in leisurely pursuits

Consider a pottery or handicrafts class, painting or cooking demonstration, or other workshops and such you could participate in to learn more about other communities and cultures.  There are probably many options in your own neighborhood or others that you can find with a little bit of research.  Learning the traditional arts and crafts or cuisine and culture of another community is a great channel to experience travel where you are without traveling to the exact destination.

9 Volunteer with cultural associations

When different communities call your city home, chances are there are state, city, and neighborhood level associations catering to those different communities located very close to you.  Volunteer your time and skills at these locations to learn the culture, traditions, languages, and ways of different nationalities.  These could also be language or special interest clubs or community clubs that host education and awareness events where you could benefit from immersion opportunities.