The world a big place. There is so much to see and experience, and it’s relatively easy, cheap and fast to get anywhere in the world. So naturally, most people are looking to visit the faraway and the exotic.
In my home country of England, people tend to want to escape to the sun and warmer climates, and generally get as far away from the humdrum of everyday life.
I personally have explored much of Europe, completed the Trans-Siberian Railway, ventured from top to bottom of China by train and spent month-long trips to Japan, Thailand, New Zealand and the United States.
However whilst out on my grandest expedition, the Trans-Siberian Railway, it suddenly hit me that I had barely seen my own country – and hadn’t even been to Scotland, Ireland or Wales! This moment in the Russian wilderness was the catalyst to start this website and explore England and the wider British Isles; and since beginning this project I’ve come to realise there are so many benefits in exploring your own country, your home.
In fact, I’ll go as far as saying the feelings brought about by travelling your home provide a level of depth and richness that even the most exotic of destinations can’t rival.
So, here’s my top 10 reasons why you should travel your own country.
1. You will feel more refreshed than going abroad
As much as I love travelling overseas, let’s face it, there’s plenty to worry about. Logistics, passports, visas, tickets, travel jabs, scary bugs, questionable hygiene standards, language barriers. Not to mention, long periods sitting amongst large groups of strangers on aeroplanes and coaches. It can all be part of the fun, but how many times do you hear “I need a holiday after my holiday”!
Holidaying at home is far more simple. In England, you are likely able to jump in your own car and be at any destination within 3-4 hours.
With less planning, logistics and paperwork, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time actually enjoying yourself. And at the end of your trip, you’ll feel like you’ve had an actual break!
2. It’s more spiritual
Many Westerners travel to faraway places, usually to a part of Asia practicising Buddhism, to escape the humdrum of the everyday life and try to get spriritual.
This may work for some, indeed I certainly felt something when visiting a Buddhist temple in a Siberian mountain range, but it’s a helluva expensive and extreme way to find a sense of meaning and peace.
In your own country, you are naturally connected to the landscape and its story. Your ancestors going back hundreds of years will have walked, laughed and loved on the very land you call home – indeed, they are likely under the ground itself!
The landscape and history of your home country is part of your soul, and you are now part of the story.
Whether you choose to step inside one of our grand cathedrals, or a church generations of your family had attended, or visit an ancient stone circle, or hike a route your Great-Grandfather used to, or simply find a beautiful, quiet part of England to take a afternoon for yourself – you will be able to find a sense of spirituality within your homeland.
The British Pilgrimage Trust is fantastic source for ideas and inspiration.
3. Boosts pride and affection for your home
The more you see of your country, the more fellow countrymen you meet and the more you learn about your country’s story, the more affection and pride you naturally will feel.
On my overseas travels, I was struck by how the Chinese, Russian, Japanese, and Thai showed so much affection for their own country and its story. Not a brash way, but in a sweet, loving way. They were so knowledgeable and generally talked their country ‘up’ – they were clearly ‘connected’ to their home.
Being connected to your landscape and community makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself – your place in the big wide world.
4. You can make it personal to you
Linked to the previous reason, in your own country you have the ability to create a trip that’s completely connected to you, your family, and your wider history.
This could simply mean visiting family and friends as part of your trip, or it could be a chance to explore your own history a little further.
Something I have personally done is my family tree, and I now have a host of towns, churches, pubs, and graves linked to my family over a few hundred years to visit. The whole process is deeply rewarding and humbling.
5. Cheaper
Although flights abroad can be cheap, and the cost of living in certain countries lower than in England, overall a trip within your own country will work out a lot cheaper.
Travel costs can be limited to simply petrol money, or a single train or bus journey, and you won’t be needing to pay for any suitcases or visas.
Crucially, you can travel your own country in multiple trips, which spreads the cost. Whether it’s a day or weekend trip, or a longer getaway, you can travel as you please – whereas most people probably wouldn’t pop to Thailand for the weekend.
With the current cost of living crisis in England, getting your travel fix in a cost-effective manner is increasingly important.
6. You can be more spontaneous
As you’re already in the country and, in England’s case, not that far from your destination, you can easily plan a last minute trip.
This spontaniety is exciting and is a great remedy to lighten the regular weekly grind. On a free weekend or some time off work, rather than binge on Netflix, why not:
– Visit one of England’s stunning National Parks
– Visit a city you’ve always talked about going to
– Climb your county’s highest point
– Go to a random football/sports match in place you’ve never been
7. It makes you feel content
If your only holidays are abroad, then you can get into the thinking that fun and enjoyment is only available in other countries. You then associate your home country only with routine, everyday life – something you need to escape from time to time.
By discovering the stunning places on your own doorstep, holiday happiness and relaxation do not seem so far away – which leads to a feeling of contentment with the everyday.
8. It can become a regular occurrence
If you love to travel new places, it can be frustrating if you’re always having to wait for that two-week summer holiday, or odd winter break. You have to choose just one or two places per year, and there’s months of waiting in between trips.
The beauty with applying the ‘travelling’ mindset to your own home is that you can build it into your everyday life.
A trip to an obscure part of England you’ve never heard of, or cycling along a new coastline, or a hike to the most remote pub you can find can all be completed within a day.
Not only will these curious and intriguing trips satisfy your travelling urge, you’ll simple be living a more active and enjoyable everyday life too.
9. You will learn more about your history and heritage
Whether you actively go to visit historical sites, or just run into places by chance, by travelling your own country you will discover a lot more of the national story – and your own identity as a by-product.
It is incredibly grounding to learn more about your country, or local community, or direct family’s history – it makes you realise your place in the grand scheme of things.
Whether you visit sites of major events, wars, social changes or even geographical history – it is deeply rewarding to understand more about places that you’re personally connected.
10. You will be pleasantly surprised
Lastly, your home country, England in this website’s case, is full of wonderful places that you will have never considered visiting.
Through the media and travel companies, we have always been sold the exotic, expensive, faraway holidays – however if you turn your curiosity to humble England, you will discover a treasure chest of destinations filled with beauty and a personal connection.
Conclusion
I hope at least one of these reasons inspires you to take action and start planning a trip, however big or small.
I can assure you from personal experience that applying the traveller mindset at home opens up so many possibilities right on your doorstep.
So get creative, get planning, and get going!