Ways to travel the world in your own backyard
Do you really have to travel? Maybe you do not have the money, will or time to visit unknown destinations. However, you can still experience the whole world, if you use a little bit of creativity and imagination. What if I tell you that you can experience the world from the comfort of your own chair.
These five convenient ways to travel the world will bring you to far away destinations, introduce you to new cultures and let you experience extraordinary adventures. And the good things is, you do not even have to pack your bags and leave your house.
1. Travel books
Do you want to discover the world without leaving your chair or bed? A travel book can be the perfect solution. A good writer can take you to all kinds of exotic places. And the best thing is, you will experience them from the comfort of your own home. Who still needs to see the real thing..
2. Food and drinks
One of my favorite ways to experience a foreign culture without traveling. Food is an excellent way to learn about new cultures. Step out of your comfort zone and visit exotic restaurants in your home area. Eat Ethiopian food with your hands, burn your mouth at Indian curries or sip traditional Afghan tea. The choices are endless. You can also buy yourself a nice cookbook and make all kinds of foreign dishes at home.
3. Hosting travelers
Join community sites like BeWelcome or Couchsurfing and open up your house for travelers. Hosting is a great way to meet people from all over the world and learn about their countries. Sometimes I had more then five nationalities in my small little apartment. Which was a truly awesome and educational experience. Soon you will have friends from all over the world, while you never left your hometown.
4. Music and dance
Music is an excellent way to tickle your senses and experience different cultures. Try to broaden your music styles by listening to songs from unfamiliar countries. Enjoy rhythmic African sounds or colorful south american songs. There is a whole musical world out there for you to discover. The only thing you have to do is hit the play button and relax or dance.
5. Movies and documentaries
Relax at home and enjoy movies or documentaries about far away places. They can amaze you with all kinds of incredible things that the world has to offer. You will travel through the deepest oceans, the largest forests and the most extreme deserts. Of course you will experience no discomforts because once again, you will never leave you comfortable house during your trip.
Do you know of any other way to experience the world in your own backyard? As an armchair traveler, what is your favorite way to escape from daily live?
Useful links
- Travel the world without leaving home: The article that inspired me to write this blog post. Author Alastair Humphreys traveled the world in the very diverse city of London. He munched his way around the city, eating at restaurants with kitchens from all kinds of countries. A very inspiring article.
- My top 10 travel books: Do you want some tips for good travel stories? You can find a selection some of my favorites in the top 10 travel book section.
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