Travel where you live - oxymoron? Maybe, maybe not. How many of you actually take the time (on a fairly regular basis) to enjoy all of the "travel destinations" in your immediate area? Often we get so wrapped up in work, family, life in general that we forget to enjoy all the great things about the city/town we live in! Next time you need a break from the everyday life - and you aren't able to jump on a plane to your favorite tropical destination - consider one of these healthy body, mind, and soul ideas:
*Go on a Walking Adventure ...
Think about some of your biggest touristy trips - how did you get around? If you
have every traveled to a big city, Europe, national monuments, or even taken the
kids to Disney Land - I would venture to say spent a great deal of time WALKING!
Next time you want to take a trip in your own city, do it by foot. By taking the weekend to explore your city (or forest)by foot you not only gain a new sense of a familiar area, you also give your body a little bit of active love!
*In addition to keeping your body healthy by walking, you can also explore local
restaurants that you may not have tried. Something great about finding local restaurants is that the food is almost always fresher(and I like to believe healthier) than the stale iceberg lettuce of your local chain. Of course, you can still get caught with an unhealthy meal at a local restaurant if you aren't careful. Remember, you
are embarking on a healthy mind, body, and soul adventure - choose fresh grilled/steamed meats and veggies, yummy salads with fresh fruit, and lots of water to stay hydrated!
Along with enriching your body with healthy adventures, Check out some of these ideas to feed your mind and soul ...
*Local museums - You don't have to live in DC or New York to enjoy the art, history,and culture museums have to offer. A lot of universities and colleges have traveling exhibits. Not only are they interesting, but they are often free or very inexpensive. Visit the university/college websites in your area to see what's happening.
*Performing Arts: plays, musicals, concerts - Again, you don't have to live in a major metropolitan to enjoy these things. You can find off Broadway shows in many cities; local or traveling ballets, symphonies, or operas. Colleges and universities are also another great option for performing arts. Make a night out of it and visit a local restaurant before the show!
*Outdoor Adventures: Nothing feeds my soul like being outdoors! Feed your soul by spending the day outside and exploring nature. You can do something as simple as finding a new hiking or biking trail or go big and rent a sailboat for the day (with a qualified captain of course). Outdoor adventures can be especially rewarding for those of us constantly bombarded with city life (just today I saw an add for "Urban wilderness adventures" - Google it!). Pack a healthy lunch - lots of water (again, stay hydrated!) and venture forth!
Whatever you decide to do - HAVE FUN! Remember, traveling (even within the narrow circumference of your neighboring city or forest)and staying healthy should always bring you joy.
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.
-Gilbert K. Chesterton
