How to Travel in Your Own Backyard
Is your bank account looking a little sad? Is traveling out of the question at the moment? You can’t take time off at work? You need not disembark on a flight around the world to experience the world. There is a big world right in your backyard. Here are some easy and fun things to enjoy right at home.
Table of Contents
Try a new restaurant or cuisine
People like what they know and expect. But sometimes it’s healthy to go outside of your comfort zone. Push yourself and try something new. An easy way to do this is to try a new cuisine you have never had before. Here are some suggestions:
- South American
- Peruvian – Ceviche, Cuy (Guinea Pig), Alpaca
- Argentina – Empanadas, Steak with Chimichurri
- Indian
- Korma (Curry Dish), Biryani (Rice Dish), Samosa (Filled Pastry), Tikka Masala (Spiced Curry Dish)
- Southeast Asian
- Vietnamese – Pho (Soup), Banhmi (Sandwich)
- Thai – Pad Thai (Rice Noodle Dish), Pad See Eiw (Thick Noodle Dish), Panang (Thai Curry)
- Philippines – Sisig (Sizzling Pork), Chicken Adobo, Kare Kare (Oxtail Stew)
- Polish
- Pierogi (Dumpling), Gołąbki (Cabbage Roll), Bigos (Hunter’s Stew)
- Greek
- Taramasalata (Dips), Moussaka (Baked Dish), Baklava (Sweet Pastry)
- Korean
- Kimchi ( Chili Pickled Cabbage), Gogigui (Korean BBQ), Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
- Middle Eastern
- Hummus (Dip), Manakish ( Levantine Pizza), Tabbouleh (Salad), Falafel (Fried Chickpeas)
- German
- Schnitzel (Breaded Meat), Spätzle (Pasta), Bratwurst (Sausage), Sauerkraut (Fermented Cabbage)
Local outdoor activities
Who doesn’t love the great outdoors? You don’t have to look far for some fresh air and something fun to fill your days with. There are plenty of activities for you to do on your days off.
- Bike riding – Don’t own a bike search online for a local bike rental business.
- Canoeing – Check out online if a local park district offers boat rentals.
- Hiking – If you don’t live close to a mountain range that okay. You can go hiking anywhere where nature is present. Go online and search Yelp to get you started.
- Swimming – If you live near an ocean take advantage of it. If not, even your local pool is a great way to relax and get some exercise in.
- Skiing – When winter is here do some outdoor activities. Is the snow crisp and fresh near you? Try either downhill skiing or cross-country skiing.
- Ice Skating – Outdoor ice skating is always a great way to bring that festive cheer.
Search the web
Sometimes it is hard to think of new and exciting things to do around where you live. A great tool that I use is the internet. I find many ideas on sites like Google or Trip Advisor.
You can search for Google Events or Google Things to Do. It gives you a nice laid out calendar for the events page. Things to do also have further categories for top sites by interest. There is also the Travel Guide by google which has suggested day plans you can follow.
Another great place to find things to do is on the Facebook Event page. I am lucky to live in a giant city like Chicago. I just search for things to do on a certain day and a whole list of ideas pop up. You can search as well by categories like music, nightlife, shopping, and causes. No matter where you live you can still search for events going on near you.
Another thing to try is searching for a meetup group. Put yourself out there and look for other like-minded people. Build up your peer group and enjoy events together.
Save up to 50% on combined prices for admission to must-see attractions! Shop Now at CityPASS.com!Museum, architecture, and monuments
How much do you really know about your town or city? Do you know the history of the place you call home? History is important for our society. We need to learn from our past. Know the struggles of the people before you and learn to appreciate what we have now. Museums, architecture, and monuments can help preserve our history for us and future generations.
Community center
Go to your local community center. They offer a diverse variety of classes and activities. The YMCA offers volunteering opportunities, sports and recreation. There is also your local park district. They offer many activities and services. My local park district offers dance, music, theater and performing arts, visual and media arts.
Music venues
Most towns and cities offer music or concerts. Some are even free. If you live close enough to a major city, you might see one of your favorite artists live when they come into town.
I also recommend visiting a local college. Whether it is a community or state-run college. They offer theater or music to enjoy. Have you ever heard Bach’s Toccata in D Minor or seen Shakespeare’s Hamlet? Check out what the theater and music department has to offer.
You don’t have to go far to find something exciting to do. There are all sorts of activities to do in your very own backyard. Don’t let having a mental illness stop you from living an exciting and fulfilling life. Step outside your comfort zone and try something new. You will be happy you did. Just remember my fellow friends, we are in this together.