“The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land. it is, at last, to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” – G.K. Chesterton
Did you ever find yourself as the ultimate insider of the places you traveled to, but often struggled to give your friends local recommendations of your own country? You are not alone, we all have been through this situation in one way or another. If you haven’t done it yet, we are here to give you 10 reasons to explore your own country.
With the outbreak of Covid-19, many countries are still closed for tourism, and the few that are still open requires quarantine… So, this feels like the perfect opportunity to explore your country and discover all the exciting things it has to offer! But if you still need some more convincing keep on reading…
1.Less impact on the environment
One of the main reasons to chose and stay in your homeland is that it is more eco-friendly. Did you know that traveling by airplane contributes to air emissions equivalent to more than 4 months of driving in only on one flight? The IPCC has estimated that aviation is responsible for around 3.5 percent of anthropogenic climate change. A figure, which includes both CO2 and non-CO2 induced effects.
So, admiring the scenery from the ground rather than the clouds out of the window is much greener.
The biggest advantage of being local tourist is that you can easily take a train, public bus, bicycle, boat, a car, or even on foot to travel as little or as far as you want. Again, don’t get me wrong, traveling by plane is part of the adventure, but less time traveling also gives you more time to explore.
2.Support the local economy
When traveling local you can support local businesses every day. There are many ways to do that such as a stay in local hotels, or hostels and buy traditional and local food. This way you can discover some great products and services while helping to build a successful community around you. It will make you feel emerged in your own culture and allow you to explore local customs like never before.
3.Travel local can be done with a busy schedule
You can accommodate it on your busy schedule. Traveling locally also means that you are able to fit your travels around your work schedule. You should consider that when traveling in your own country. For many of us, taking a long period of time from your career isn’t an option. Instead, you can plan weekend trips to nearby cities or even escape the busy lifestyle, run to the woods, and go camping in the countryside.
What about taking a mini-vacation every weekend? Whatever is your motivation, sometimes a two-day trip the best way of traveling somewhere new. In the end, it is all you need to reset and relax from your busy week. Use the Travilous app if you feel like exploring somewhere new. You can receive the best local recommendations of what to do wherever you go.
4. Less Bureaucracy
Traveling local will also save you valuable time preparing the many documents in advance, such as passport, insurance, visa or travel permits, etc. This means less time spent on boring tasks and more time to enjoy doing things you love the most.
5. Travel local save money
If those reasons were not enough to get you excited about traveling in your home country, imagine how many dollars you spend on taxis or rented cars when traveling abroad because you are not familiar with the transportation system? Yes, that’s right, if you travel local you can save money!
You can also spend less on accommodation and more on leisure when you save money on hotel rooms by staying in a friend’s place.
You will also save time and money when you don’t need to exchange currency – no more commissions and conversions. This is a simple yet significant way to save money. Traveling in your own country also means that your national health insurance will continue to cover you on your domestic travel.
Traveling is about exploring! Imagine how many new destinations there are in your own country that you haven’t had the chance to visit yet!
6. Travel local will make you see old city in a new light
You also have to factor that spending more time in your home country or city will give an ever greater appreciation for the place you come from. You will be amazed by all the hidden gems you will find everywhere you go. Check out our Travilous app to explore unique things to do in your home country.
7. No language barriers
Nervous about language barriers while traveling? Imagine yourself just walking into any place in the country and just understand everything without having language problems. Isn’t it great? When we travel to a new country, it is usually hard to meet local people and understand the culture if you don’t know the local language. But that is not a problem if you choose to travel domestically. You can even become friends instantly when you speak the same language.
8. Make new friends
Another great reason to travel in your own country is making new friends! Did you ever make new friends while traveling but end up losing touch because of the long distance between you? If you are traveling local, that is not a problem!
“People don’t take trips – trips take people.” – John Steinbeck
One of the pleasures of traveling within your country is to meet new people along a trip and hopefully build friendships you can cherish forever. Also, traveling in your own country will help you to meet and maintain these new friendships with easy “catch-up” trips to see each other.
If you want to meet likeminded travelers in your home country or stay in touch with your friends from across the globe use Travilous to keep in touch and share your travel experiences.
9. Learn more about your country
Traveling in your home country comes with lots of benefits, including learning more about country’s history. Just think how visiting other parts of your country would allow you to see the bigger picture and grow your understanding of your own heritage. With all this in mind, your home country is more than just a city where you live. It’s a part of who you are, so it’s important to take some time to explore it. Take this advantage to learn more about your origins and history!
10. Fall in love with your country again
One of the most impactful things you learn from traveling domestically is how much of your own culture and traditions were taken for granted. We often wonder why travelers come from all over the world and to visit your home country but fail to do the same ouselves.
As a local traveler, old experiences can become exciting again when you look at it with a fresh eye. Take advantage of this experience and change your perspective about your home country.
We hope that this post has inspired you to pack your bags and book a trip to that destination in your country you always wanted to visit. If you are looking for insider information about the best things to do in your home country use Travilous to find the best-hidden gems everywhere you go.