If your heart says ‘travel’, but your bank account says ‘to the backyard’, don’t despair! There are still ways to satisfy the wanderer in you without leaving town. Take a look at our suggestions on how to be a tourist in your own city and enjoy the ultimate in affordable staycations.
Get a room
If you can afford it, booking an overnight stay in a hotel or B&B is a fantastic way to see your city through new eyes. If you live in the city centre, book a room on the outskirts of town. Live in the suburbs? Try city life for a night. You’ll be amazed at just how differently one night can make you feel about your hometown.
Take a tour
You know all those museums, art galleries and historic buildings that tourists go to? You can too! Chances are, if you’ve been living in your city for a while, you haven’t taken the time to appreciate its history and culture. Go on your own or join a hop-on, hop-off tour, and marvel at all the sights right on your doorstep.
Do things differently
If you’re a creature of habit, you most likely eat at the same restaurants, go to the same bars and visit the same places. Next time you’re out and about, take a different route, visit a different part of town and eat out at that bistro you’ve always been meaning to try. A change is as good as any holiday.
Do a Google search
Do you know how tourists find out what to do when travelling? They use the internet! If you’re not sure what to do in your hometown, ask Google just like a regular tourist – and if the search results come up with activities you haven’t tried yet, put them at the top of your to-do list.
Hit the town
Events are taking place in your city almost every night – it’s just that you haven’t heard of them. There’s no better way to see new sights and make new friends than to go to new events and mingle. So go to that gallery opening, buy a ticket for that whisky tasting, attend that indie movie Q&A and rediscover your love for your city.
Got an awesome vacay planned? Remember to travel light! Here are 5 ways to stay healthy on holiday.
