20 Gratifying Things to Do When You Can't Travel

Holidays help us relax, refocus and reboot. But unfortunately, you can’t always get want you want. If you’ve been feeling the need for a serious vacation but can’t afford it just yet or don’t have enough time off, there are still ways to scratch that travel itch. We’ve got 20 suggestions that will help you pass the time between now and your next big adventure.
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1. See a Foreign Film

Immerse yourself in another culture for a couple of hours. You'll learn something new, and it might help focus your bucket list.

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2. Watch Foreign TV

With all the on-demand services out there, there's no reason you can't find a foreign TV series to follow. If you find subtitles too difficult (they'll get easier), try fare from countries that speak the same language(s) as you.

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3. Read

Read a book set in distant lands. Let your mind take you where your budget won't.

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4. Listen to Books

Don't have time to read? Try an audiobook instead!

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5. Visit Ethnic Neighbourhoods

Spend the day hanging out in Chinatown or Little Italy or whatever unique neighbourhoods your city has.

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6. Learn a New Language

Even if your actual travel plans are still a dream at this point, why not start learning a new language? Planning to go to Guatemala eventually? Take Spanish language classes. That way, you'll be prepared to hablar Español upon arrival.

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7. Practice Your New Language

If you're learning a new language, it makes sense to practice it. Find people that speak it and chat with them.

8. Pretend You’re Visiting Your Town for the First Time

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8. Pretend You’re Visiting Your Town for the First Time

When you live in the same place for a while, you may not notice things the way a visitor does. Spend a weekend pretending you've never been to your city. You'll see home in a whole new way.

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9. Take a Bus Tour

If you live in a big city, you might turn up your nose at those tourist bus tours — but taking one will put you in travel mode, and you'll be surprised at what you'll learn.

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10. Ride the City Bus

Here's another way to play tourist in your own town: find the longest bus route in your city and make a day of it. Get an all-day pass and hop on and off.

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11. Pick up a Camera

Photography is a great way to see your world in a new way. Grab your camera or smartphone and try to shoot cool pictures of your hometown. Look for things that are visually interesting. Look down. Look up. There's always something to see.

Photo safaris like this are a great way of scratching the travel itch.

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12. Read Travel Guides

You likely know where you want to go, so head to the library and check out the relevant travel guides and start planning.

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13. Go to Cultural Celebrations

Big cities feature interesting cultural celebrations and special events year-round. Check out celebrations like Diwali, Chinese New Year and so on. Many of these events feature amazing food as well.

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14. Listen to Family Tales

Talk to family members (the older, the better) about travels they've had. This is great for inspiration.

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15. Picnic Often

If the weather is nice, go for a picnic. Travelling doesn't have to be about far off destinations. You can visit local parks and beaches. Just being outside is an escape.

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16. Visit Museums and Galleries

Museums and art galleries change their exhibits all the time, so chances are you'll see something new and interesting every time you visit. Sign up to their newsletters to keep informed of new shows.

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17. Use Facebook and Social Media

If you're interested in, say, Colombia, join groups and pages for locals and expats. You'll learn a lot of inside information and will be well prepared for when you can travel.

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18. Take a Class

Sometimes we just need to let our minds escape daily life. Take a class in something you're interested in. Something creative. Something informative. Something to get the wheels turning.

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19. Start Planning

Lifehacker has a couple of ideas, too. For example, plan a big trip knowing that you're saving up for it or waiting for the right time. Part of the fun of travel is putting together your itinerary. And, you'll have a goal to focus on while you're pulling it all together.

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20. Say Yes More Often

Lifehacker also suggests saying 'yes' more often. Go to a movie on a Wednesday? Yes! Go to something you don't know if you'd like? Yes! Start taking chances on different experiences that are available where you live. You'll suddenly find yourself busy and enjoying new adventures.