Be a tourist in your own town.
Everyone thinks of exciting adventures when mentally preparing for a destination holiday. Some kind of travel bucket list that’s packed with potentially life-changing trips all over the globe. However; money, career and family commitments can all impact your ability to make those thoughts reality.
There’s also the hassle of packing a proper functional suitcase for whatever adventures lie ahead. Legal documentation, immunizations (where required) and all sorts of procedural brouhaha.
Wherever you may live, there’s bound to be some ‘must-see’ attractions that attracts tourists for a visit. The question is, have you ever visited them yourself? You’d be surprised just how enjoyable it could be to get out and explore your own town as if you’d never been there before.
So incase you’d like to hop on that hometown express, here are five (5) ways to be a tourist in your own town.
Base of Operations
There’s nothing like waking up in a hotel room to make things feel new and interesting. Set the mood for exploring by staying somewhere opposite to your usual abode. Splurging on accommodation and spending the night away from home adds a little extra fun into the mix and will allow you to see what the place is really like when the sun goes down.
Where it all started
You may know your way around your town/city but do you know the names of the old buildings that have stood since before your parents. Or the history of it all? Often, the story behind how your city was founded and why can tell some fascinating secrets. Tours of old settlements and notorious old prisons can open your eyes to a whole new world that exists in your hometown. It’s also interesting to see what actual tourists find interesting about your town, making you see things that used to seem so mundane in a totally new light.
Seek nature
Find the best lakes, ponds, wooded areas, parks, bridges, etc. Add some nature into your life. Even if you’ve been to that spot before, go and enjoy. Try looking at it in a different way. We promise it will reduce your stress and make your vacation more relaxing.
Record Everything – and take some home.
Carry a camera along or even use your phone or tablet. Capture every unique moment and keep it for a lifetime remembering all the nice places in your hometown. You may also show this to your children and generations to come if those places you visited no more exist during their time.
You can also pick up anything that reminds you of that particular visit. Anytime you look at that thing, great memories of your tour should come rushing down to you.
Share.
You would share your selfie with the Eiffel Tower, right? This is no different. Ok, maybe it’s a little different, but sharing your adventures with friends and family is part of the fun. You could even make it into a project or blog like ‘My Vintage Mainland’ or ‘Lagos Through an 80s Filter.’
Interesting points noted already on this one. It’s always adventurous to explore one’s environment in a different way. And it’s fun too!