5 ways to help cure the travel itch..
We all go through phases where we feel like we’re in a rut; the city you live in just isn't cutting it any more, you want to get out and see what the world has to offer or you simply want to visit somewhere exotic to break the same old routing you are currently in. For as much as we all want this, unfortunately we can't all just jump on a plane at the drop of a hat and live the dream.
More often than not it comes down to money, work or other ties which mean you just up and leave, but it isn't all bad news, here are 5 ways which you can cure those itchy feet without breaking the bank (or even stepping foot on a plane).
Try somewhere new Tired of going to same place for drinks, always ending up in the same restaurant on date night? This won't be helping your itchy feet, just by going somewhere new will massively help this.
There are plenty of great websites and apps which can give you inspiration on new places to go for dinner, grab a coffee or even the best outdoor cinema near you.A lot of these apps have a strong focus on London (and other major cities around the world) but they are expanding so it won't stay that way forever. You go to the places you currently go to because they are safe options, you know them and you know they are okay, but leave your comfort zone and try something new and you could fall in love with your city all over again. Some great apps to check out are:
GLP (great little place) Yplan Dojo
Get a new hobby A new hobby can really spice things up, and help break that routine which you are stuck in. It can be picking up something which you used to do, or finding an entirely new hobby, but either way it allows you to add something new into your daily routine.
Your work may have a football team which you could get involved with, and if they don't, try and start one. If you can't think of a hobby which you want to pursue, ask around your friendship group for inspiration/join in with them. You won't remember the night you sat in and watched Netflix, but you will remember your first salsa lesson!
New to your city, don't fret. There are loads of great websites to find like minded people close by. Try: Meet up
Expand your friendship group
Sometimes it can be the people you surround yourself with who are fighting change, and are quite happy to go to the same pub every weekend. If this is the case, maybe you need to expand your friendship group.
I'm not telling you to ditch all of your friends, but meeting new people can be very refreshing and it may open doors to new experiences. The easiest way to do this is friends of friends, but if you feel you are already in a large circle, doing any of the above will allow you to meet new people.
You just need to put yourself out there and be approachable. If you reach out to others you will be surprised to how receptive people are to meet new people.
Try reading ‘How to win friends and influence people’
Check for last minute travel deals Travel deals don't automatically mean you have the leave the country, simply by booking train tickets far enough in advance (tickers in the UK are released 3 months before the date of the journey - not so last minute) you can save a ton of money.
If you book in advance, stay in a hostel or B&B and research cheap attractions, you can visit great places in your country without breaking the bank. Failing that, if you want to go a little further afield, you can get great last minute deals which include flights and a hotel for short breaks. Some travel sites now have alert features where you can get emails of deals and upcoming deals for places you are interested on. Websites to check out are:
Trainline Skyscanner
Quit slacking and make it happen (plan your big adventure!) If all else fails, put the wheels in motion to get out and see the world. Saving can be very difficult but if you cut out the small expenses (i.e a coffee on the way to work) and put aside the money you would have spent.
This money can quickly add up you can see how much you spend on things which aren’t essential. Some of the things you can consider cutting down on are:
The gym: Do you go often enough to warrant paying £X per month, can you get the same benefit running at your local park? Phone contract: Do you need a top of the range phone on a £40 a month contract, can you get a cheap phone on a SIM only deal (giffgaff.com).
Once you have got to grips with how much you can save, you can start to plan where you want to go, best times of the year to fly and travel tips. Some websites to check out to help are:
Flights: Skyscanner, Hopper App (iOS) Travel inspiration: Imaginative travaller, Trip Adviser Tips: Backpacker Advise, Trip Adivser
So whatever option you take, it can really help if you feel like you need a little excitement.