How To Feel Like You’re Travelling Without Leaving Your City

Sometimes we don’t have the budget, the right company or are simply scared of being another statistic in the reports of a spreading epidemic – it’s not always possible to travel when we want to travel. Generally, we assume that the alternative of not doing touristy things elsewhere means resigning to our monotonous routines. However, it is possible to make time in our busy schedules and feel like we have experienced something new even if we come back to the familiarity of our homes.

To help you get started, I have put together a list of simple things for you to do where you live to get the excitement of travelling without actually leaving your city.

Host experiences for other travellers

The best part about travelling is that you get to meet new people and engage in conversation and activities that you’re unlikely to otherwise. Platforms like Airbnb now allow you as a local to organise different kinds of fun activities and events for travellers from around the world. From hosting a cooking class, a cycling tour and surfing lessons to dance classes – you can capitalise on your area of interest to not only make easy money but also become friends with these travellers. The company of other travellers and swapping stories with them will make you feel like as if you are travelling too.

Try new cuisines

A major aspect of travelling to a new place is indulging in the local cuisine. Digging into the food of a new place is a soulful way to interact with the culture of a destination. In today’s day and age, you can find a variety of cuisines from different parts of the country and the world at a reasonable distance from where you live. Whether you want a taste of Malaysia, imagine having some authentic pizza by the Italian Riviera or are simply looking for a change in pace by trying some Northeastern dishes – your next culinary adventure is just a Google search away. Fix a date to try new items regularly and spice up your life.

Attend travel events and conventions

With a boost in the travel industry, there also has been an increase in travel events and conventions across Indian cities. Travel cafes like the Kunzum Cafe in Delhi or The Vacationers Cafe in Bangalore host travel events regularly. You can attend conventions such as the Indo-Russian Friendship Celebration that showcases various cultural activities as well. Aside from venues organising travel events, travel groups such as Chindi Safar and travel influencers such as Shivya Nath keep organising meet-ups where you can get to know like-minded travellers. At such events, you get an opportunity to hear inspiring and interesting travel stories as well as share your own experiences with others. Trust me, reliving travel stories vicariously comes close to actually travelling.

Book yourself a luxuriating stay

Truly get a feel of being in a new place by booking yourself a stay at a cute homestay or guesthouse in and around your city. You don’t necessarily have to go out of town to enjoy a villa with a pool or a secluded farmhouse. Plus, going somewhere nearby for a one-day or a short weekend to luxuriate at an impressive property allows you to have a relaxing time off without any planning. Just take a pair of clothes on your day off and enjoy the many amenities on offer at an accommodation of your choice.

Explore your own city

“Be a tourist in your own city” may seem like an overused saying, but not enough of us do this. Your hometown which may seem boring to you now is another person’s exotic destination on their bucket list. More often than not, we don’t really explore the places where we grew up or are settled in due to professional obligations. You will be, however, surprised to find out the plethora of places to visit and things to do within your own city. Travelling mainly entails collecting new experiences; you can easily do that where you live if you try. Ask people around you for suggestions, look up the inconspicuous spots in your city and begin exploring! You will also end up finding certain settlements of different communities. This is how you can experience a number of lifestyles and cultural practices not far from where you live. For example, Delhi residents could head to the Kumhar Gram and people living in Chennai could pay a visit to Cholamandal Artists' Village.

These are a few small steps you can take to feel like you’re travelling without having to worry about the costs and planning it takes to go on a vacation. Stop waiting indefinitely to go to a new place when you can chase the high of travelling right where you live!

Share your experiences of doing the things mentioned in this article in the comments below!

Have you experienced your own city from a tourist’s perspective? Write about it on Tripoto.