Nothing is more exciting than going abroad. But traveling in your own country has many benefits as well. And during any time of crisis, such as during the COVID pandemic, it makes particularly good sense to travel locally and exploring the attractions right around the corner.
Here are all the best reasons why you should travel in your home country. Feel free to share it with your family or friends if you are trying to convince them to join you on that local journey!
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Learn about your own country
Local travel allows you to learn more about your own country. This might sound silly because we all feel like we know our home. But think it over – how much do you actually know about the history of your neighboring city or the cultural traditions in the region next to you? Maybe you know a lot, but you will definitely learn more from visiting, and it might open up to new interests too.
Understanding the mindset of a tourist
You know what it’s like to be a tourist in another country. But how does it feel to be a tourist in your own?
That’s something you can experience for yourself when traveling around. Of course, you will never consider yourself a tourist in your own town or city, but when visiting another part of your home country, it’s definitely an experience you will get. It also helps us judge foreign tourists less when they are visiting – we get to understand the mindset of being someplace new and simply having the intention to explore and have a good time.
You will save money
Domestic travel is much more affordable than foreign travel.
Those expensive plane tickets? Not really necessary here – just some gasoline for the car or a simple train ticket.
Accommodation might be more affordable as well. If you have family or friends in another part of the country, you might even be able to stay for free. If not, then you can at least research the best accommodation options properly and find something that fits the budget.
You can support the local economy
Of course, no trip is free, and domestic travel will also cost money. But that’s a given, so let’s take a look at the positive side of it:
You get the chance to support the local economy! Instead of putting your money into businesses in other countries, you get to support local hotels, restaurants, stores, and so on. That’s great for the development of your country and it really helps to keep the tourist industry going. Especially if you travel during times when most people don’t.
Easy to get around
When you travel in your home country, it is generally easy to get around. If you have your own car, you can just drive off and explore. Even if you don’t, you are probably familiar with the methods of public transportation, so you won’t have to investigate trains, buses and metro routes too much.
Easy to communicate
In your own country, you are fluent in the language and communication will never be an issue.
This is especially useful if you need advice, directions or practical information about any sights or attractions. But it also makes it easier to socialize and potentially make new friends. There won’t be any misunderstandings or limitations like there sometimes are when traveling to a foreign country with a language you don’t speak. So the easiness of communication is a major benefit!
There’s always somewhere to go
You will quickly realize that there are a lot of good travel options – even if you live in a small country or state. There’s always somewhere to go, and every place is interesting in its own way. Take advantage of that, and never refuse to go on a trip. We sometimes get positively surprised at what a new city or town has to offer!
Explore other ways of traveling
Have most of your previous journeys been city trips and beach holidays? Maybe it’s time to try something new – maybe camping, hiking or something else that you haven’t tried in foreign countries. In your home country, you can take time off to try all the ways of traveling you never did abroad. It will be for a fraction of the cost, and if you don’t like it, you can always go home early. Huge benefits!
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There we have them – thee best reasons and benefits of traveling in your home country. Do you have anything to add? Let us know below!