When I travel, people often ask me about my own town, the details of where I live. They are curious and want to know more about my origins. Fortunately, I do know quite a lot about where I come from and can share this information gladly with them. Yet, I have met travelers who do not even know the population of their town or city. They often travel, especially overseas, without knowing the details of the place they choose to live most of their own lives.
I also take photos and keep them in a separate folder on my phone, so that i can show them to people I meet. You may inspire them to come and stay in your area one day.
My best piece of advice to any traveler is to experience your own town as a tourist. Pick ten things to see and do that delight you, and that you can share with others. That is right, start with where you know, without a far way to go.
Plan a trip to a city or town within an hour or so from your home base. Pick a destination that has activities or places similar to those you wish to do if you were travelling further away from home.
Pick your travel arrangements similar to the one you want to take further afield. If you wish to take a Eurail trip around Europe, plan your local trip via train. If you wish to drive, book a hire car. (Do not think it is easier to use your own car. The lesson here is to experience the same conditions that you would in your longer trip.)
Pack your suitcase with clothes and equipment that you would choose to take on your other trip.
Take a notepad & pen, or a tablet, and record everything you think you need to know along the way. Update the list when you think of it, don’t wait to the end of the day. It is amazing how quickly we forget things when we are busy.
THEN, after your local trip, assess your learnings.
Did you need more or less clothing? Did you remember to bring phone and tablet chargers (take along a power converter if you are planning an overseas trip)? Did you remember medication, contact numbers, toothbrush?
What did you take with you that could be left at home? My rule of thumb is to first pack the clothes you will think you need, then take half of them out and put them back in your wardrobe. Is it really necessary to take a hair dryer? You will be amazed at what you don’t need when you travel.
Were you able to carry your luggage? Was it too heavy? Is your luggage in good condition? Do you need to work out how to use the existing lock, or need to buy new luggage locks?
Did you work out how to use toilets when you have your luggage with you?
The lessons are endless, and more valuable to learn when you are close to home, rather than a long distance away. If you are close by, you can always go back home to drop off or pick something up.
By taking walking tours in my city, eating at previously undiscovered markets, and chatting with other tourists, I learn a lot about my city that I never knew previously. Indeed, some of the chats with other tourists encouraged me to visit other areas around where I live. Who knew there was a camel farm and restaurant only 30 minutes’ drive from my home? Me, after a talk with Swedish tourists in town.
Please post in the comments of this article, the ten things to see and do in your town and remember to mention the town by name. We may meet there one day!
Enjoy and smile!
Happy Travels!
So true , Tulsa Oklahoma . Gilcreast Museum,Tulsa Zoo, Sewing Center and Museum,The Cave House, Tulsa Preforming Arts , Center of the Universe , River parks, Philbrook Museum, Tulsa Route 66 historical village. Tulsa Botanical gardens and Brew pubs . Not Far away Will Rogers museum , Philip 66 Museum . much more in area.Come see any time .
What a brilliant idea Helen. I live in Fareham on the south coast of central England, about five miles along The Creek, our first sight, which runs from Portsmouth Harbour in the south to sight two, the Millstream leat, in the north, that runs into sight Three, the river Wallington, a lovely peaceful busy stream where, on a good day, you might well see a kingfisher, plus many swans and small brown trout.
Above the stream is a complex Victorian railway viaduct and, as you pass below it do look up and see the incredible brickwork that is used to create the gentle curve in the rail line above, required to meet the difficult topography caused by the sea/river/stream…