Most likely, international travel won’t be available for a while. This leaves us with an often overlooked opportunity to connect deeper with our own cities. After all, travelling starts with a right mindset.
We don’t need to wait for a big holiday in a faraway land to experience something new. You could have meaningful discovery moments on your next walk outside! With local lockdowns being lifted we want to give you a few tips on how to get started with exploring your own neighbourhood.
Put Your Phone Away and Look Around You
We’re all guilty of being on our phones a little too much, especially after having been in lockdown! So, on your next trip to the supermarket, stop burying your face in your mobile and really take in the world around you. Perhaps you stop and take a closer look at that sculpture you pass everyday, or you might spot some secret street art you’ve never seen before. If you’re not quite ready to part with your phone just yet, then why not use it to go on a city discovery walk.
Embark on a Mini Solo Adventure
Exploring solo is a great way to see your city from a different perspective. While exploring in a group has its own pros, going solo offers a whole new world of exploring. With all your focus on your surroundings you can really tune in with yourself, be present and connect with everything around you. And it might bring out new sides in you! You might be feeling confident enough to strike up a conversation with a friendly stranger – with the right safety distance, of course – or you may decide to grab a delicious pastry from the bakery you usually walk past.
Create Your Local 'Bucket List'
Why not give yourself some real motivation and turn your longing for exploration into a playful challenge? Make a mini ‘bucket list’ of things you’ve always wanted to see and do in your area, but somehow it hasn’t happened yet. That amazing cheesemonger in the neighbourhood you read about? That interesting exhibition that was on ‘forever’ but somehow it’s already in its final month? That incredible museum all your visiting friends go to but even though you recommend, you haven’t been to yet? Sounds familiar? We know it all too well.
Take a Different Turn
We all tend to walk the same streets over and over again. Why not mix this up the next time you have to go somewhere and take a different way? On your way to get your groceries choose a random longer way and see where it takes you. Or go for a walk and flip a coin to decide which way you turn at every crossing. Just get a little bit lost to find something new!
Travel Back in Time
Okay, not literally…although that would be cool! A great way to discover your city – even from home – is to dive into its history and get to grips with the tales and stories of its past. Every wall, building and landmark has its own story waiting to be told. Ask yourself, how much do you really know about the place you live in? (Or take the quiz!) The good thing is that there’s tons of fun ways to find stuff out! Either you do some desk research by the help of the internet or books or, if you have the possibility, visit your local public library or a museum. Another great way is to step outside and unlock local tales and secrets on a discovery walk. Is there one near you?
Eat Local
How to reinvest in your city and taste some delicious food at the same time? Eat local! For one week (or however long works for you), avoid chain stores and instead, consider buying your meat from a butcher and your fruit & veg from independent greengrocers. When you feel like treating yourself, why not try out an authentic local restaurant. You may even find the food is higher quality and cheaper – and you support your local community!
Travel Back in Time
Okay, not literally…although that would be cool! A great way to discover your city – even from home – is to dive into its history and get to grips with the tales and stories of its past. Every wall, building and landmark has its own story waiting to be told. Ask yourself, how much do you really know about the place you live in? (Or take the quiz!) The good thing is that there’s tons of fun ways to find stuff out! Either you do some desk research by the help of the internet or books or, if you have the possibility, visit your local public library or a museum. Another great way is to step outside and unlock local tales and secrets on a discovery walk. Is there one near you?
Eat Local
How to reinvest in your city and taste some delicious food at the same time? Eat local! For one week (or however long works for you), avoid chain stores and instead, consider buying your meat from a butcher and your fruit & veg from independent greengrocers. When you feel like treating yourself, why not try out an authentic local restaurant. You may even find the food is higher quality and cheaper – and you support your local community!
Ready to start (re)discovering your city?
It’s gonna be fun.
