5 Ways to Explore the World Without Leaving Town
Summertime equals travel time—discovering new cultures, exotic cuisines, and one-of-a-kind adventures. Travel can be an escape; a chance to get away from the stress of our daily lives. But not all of us can jump on a plane and disappear from our lives for two weeks.
So today on the blog, we’re looking at connecting with different cultures in your own backyard. Here are five ways to “travel” without leaving your hometown. With these tips, you can take the term “staycation” to a new level, constantly living in a world of discovery and wonder.
Cultural Activities. Many cities offer a whole range of cultural activities. Check out a Chinese New Year celebration, a Rio de Janeiro Carnival, Oktoberfest or Día de los Muertos. The possibilities are endless.
Food. One of the best ways to explore the world is through food. Experiment with an exotic new recipe using ingredients you’ve never used before, or take a foreign cooking class. Vow to try a new restaurant each week, making discoveries about different types of cuisines and venues available to you right in your city. You will be surprised at the flavors the world has to offer.
“Theme Night” Summer Party. Summer is the perfect time to get creative with your get-togethers. Choose a spot on the globe that you’ve always wanted to visit, say Greece, for example, and throw a Greek-themed dinner party, complete with Greek cuisine, music and attire. Or, host a Japanese night, complete with sake, anime movies, sushi and geisha costumes. If you have friends of various ethnicities, take turns hosting and ask each person to tell a story about his or her culture’s traditions.
Explore Different Music or Movies. Watch a Bollywood movie, or embrace the soothing sounds of Tibetan monks chanting. This is a great way to lose yourself in a culture that is completely unknown to you.
Learn a New Language or Dance. Have you always wanted to try the Argentinian Tango? Flamenco? Did you take Spanish in high school, but forgot it all? Take a class, hang out with a Spanish-speaking friend or check out language-learning courses online.
Experiencing new cultures and learning about different histories and traditions – everything that goes into taking a trip – broadens your horizons and can change your outlook on how you choose to live your life. Everyone can benefit from stretching themselves to grow and understand the world around them. Any “travel” that takes you away from your little corner of the world can have a refreshing, eye-opening effect. Bon voyage!
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