Treat your home like a vacation.
I know it might sound odd, but it’s something I’ve tried to live by ever since I started traveling. Last year, I spent two months in Spain for an internship, and it completely changed how I look at exploration, not just abroad, but at home.
During my time overseas, I talked to a lot of locals. And you know what surprised me most? Most of them hadn’t visited the landmarks, parks, or hidden gems in their own city, the same ones I was running around trying to see. Wild, right? As a tourist, I was discovering more of their hometown than they were.
That stuck with me. Because it’s not just a Spain thing. It’s a human thing. No matter where we are in the world, we tend to get buried in the routines of daily life. Work. School. Errands. And when it finally feels like time for a break, our first instinct is to book a flight or wait for some big, expensive getaway.
But the truth is, you don’t need a passport or a plane ticket to find something new. You just need to look around with fresh eyes.
Seeing your home like a traveler means exploring state parks you’ve never been to, stopping in small towns you’ve only driven past, or even hiking a trail 45 minutes from where you live. It can be as simple as setting aside a weekend to get out of your normal bubble.
One Instagram account I love that captures this perfectly is @TheCornBelt. It highlights places all over Nebraska that remind me there’s more to explore, even right here in my own state. It’s honestly helped reframe the way I see "local", less like a backup plan and more like an opportunity.
If you’re in the U.S., we’re lucky to have such variety just a few hours away. I’ve found that driving just four to six hours in any direction can completely change the scenery and your mindset. Forests, lakes, hills, rivers, prairies... it’s all out there. You just have to be willing to look.
So whether it’s a night of camping, a solo road trip, or a quick weekend hike, start treating your home like it’s worth exploring, because it is. You might be surprised how refreshing it feels to be a tourist in your own backyard.
Until next time,
Carlos
