Traveling takes time and money; it's just a fact. And, while many people want to experience all of the joys and adventures that come along with life on the road, many simply can't. If you have been bitten by the wanderlust bug but can't afford a trip anytime soon, check out these top ways to feel like you're traveling, even when you can't.
Sending and Receiving Post Cards
Receiving lovely postcards from around the world is a fantastic way to feel like you are involved in the traveling lifestyle. Even shopping for and writing post cards from wherever you live can put you in an adventurous mood. Thanks to Postcrossing.com, you can connect with other wanderlusters from across the globe; making pen pals, collecting interesting post cards and feeling excited every time that you check your mail box. You simply make a profile on the site and let others know where you are from and what you like so that they can send post cards that you will enjoy. However, you must send post cards in order to receive them.
Hosting Couch Surfers
If you have a couch or an extra bedroom, hosting couch surfers is a great way to interact with travelers and participate in the culture. By making a well filled out profile on Couchsurfing.org, you can invite travelers to come stay with you. They don't have to pay but instead offer their company, stories and the promise to return the favor if you ever travel to their hometown. Aside from getting involved with travelers, you will have the chance to show them around your city or town and see it from a new perspective.
Be a Tourist
Being a tourist in your own town is one of the top ways to still feel connected with the traveling spirit. Just because you live somewhere doesn't mean that it isn't interesting or full of places that you may never have seen. Look online for free things or happenings around where you live and make sure to check them out and talk to others who are attending. You can check out sites like Groupon to find deals on restaurants, classes and activities so that you can enjoy what your area has to offer without breaking the bank.
Read Travel Literature
If you love to read, this one is definitely for you. Instead of diving into romance novels and mysteries, check out the travel literature section of the book store. You can do a little arm chair travel while enjoying adventurous story lines. Books by Bill Bryson, J. Maarten Troost and Jack Kerouac are good places to start.
Check Out Travel Blogs & Vlogs
If you can't actually go out and travel, spend time reading the content of those who are out there. Live vicariously through them as you follow their journey, look at their photos, read their stories and entertain yourself with their videos. Travel blogging is pretty huge and there are tons of people in places all over the world who are taking the time to document their trip so that people like you can follow along and see different destinations through their eyes.