Life is all about balance – work hard, play hard. However, in the current climate, it can feel like all work and no play. With travel being restricted and life feeling like it’s stuck in a rut; it can be hard to find any entertainment or activities to do. But there is something exciting about getting out and exploring what’s just around the corner. There are so many activities and adventures to be had, right in your own backyard. Explore the Hidden Trail We all know how important regular exercise is for the body. But with the everyday challenges of work and life, it can sometimes be put on the backburner. One way for you to explore your own backyard is to put on a pair of runners and go for a walk. As mundane and uneventful as it may sound, your local area likely supports many distinctive and beautiful walking trails, parks, and bushland. Go with a friend or a partner for quality social time or go by yourself and have some solitude away from the business of life. Getting out and going for a 30 min or 45 min walk a few times a week is an easy and inexpensive way to keep healthy, while also a great way to stay motivated and get your heart pumping. Getting out of your home bubble and going for a walk in your area is a sure-fire way to discover hidden gems in nature and find a new favourite walking track. Find a New Coffee Favourite Getting out of the bubble, even for 15 minutes, is the perfect way to try new places to eat and drink. Even though international travel is still far away, you can still get out and try new cuisines, restaurants, and cafés. Taking a few extra minutes on your break or the weekend to walk or drive a little further than usual, to discover new shops and cafes, and to dive headfirst into the unknown is a great step in discovering that diamond in the rough. Try ordering takeaway from a place you’ve never heard of before. Otherwise, you could book at a new restaurant that has just opened or one that you’ve been meaning to try for ages but never had the chance to. Getting out and trying new places to eat and drink also means that you’re supporting local businesses and the community, which is super important too. So why not go explore your local area – you might even find your new favourite coffee place. Discover Local Landmarks and Sites As travel is limited to the town or city that we live in, it is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore our local landmarks and sites. Your local area would host many different cultural and natural attractions. Some of our ideas for places to explore include: An art gallery A scenic drive Local markets Famous buildings, architecture, or historical monuments Getting out of your regular bubble and purposefully and intentionally going to view the different sites and landmarks in your area is a great way to change your perspective on your surroundings. Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and take advantage of what’s around you. Take a Virtual Tour We all know that good weather is a big factor when it comes to outdoor exploration, whether that be for a new coffee shop or a new walking track. If the weather is cold and wet, then leaving the house won’t be at the top of anybody’s to-do list. However, there are some great new and innovative ways to feel like you’re traveling abroad. Virtual tours are a relatively new and exciting way to see famous international monuments or landmarks, right from your living room. These tours combine 360-degree images put together to create a virtual reality feel. Many of these tours come with voice-overs or informative guides, to give the viewer the sense that they are at the landmark in person, receiving a real tour. There are many of these tours available online, and some of the most popular ones include a tour of Machu Picchu in Peru, or the Louvre in Paris, France. It’s a great way to explore popular locations all from the comfort of your home. Some fun ones we have experienced are: - Goolge Earth Voyager - National Geographic 360 videos - National Marine Sanctuaries - Montmatre Sacre-coeur - Arts and Culture Paris - Grand Tour of Switzerland Supports Good Mental Health Although getting out of the bubble and exploring new places in your local area is important for your physical wellbeing and the community, it is also crucial for your own mental health. With everything that happens in a workweek, it’s super important that you take some time out and do something for yourself. Exploring new places and enjoying your new surroundings is a great way to destress and unwind from the week. You don’t even have to go far to do this either. Go for a stroll along the pier at the beach, or through your city’s Botanical Gardens. Hop on the train and go to a suburb you’ve never been to before, and look around, explore the shops and the scenery. Organise some friends together for a round of golf at your local course. Getting out of the bubble and doing something for yourself, whether it’s big or small, will help reset your mind and wellbeing. What to Wear When Exploring There is no set-piece of clothing or outfit that is required when exploring. It’s all up to you and what you feel the most comfortable in. With that being said, since we are now part-way into winter, it’s important to stay warm while exploring, especially if you are outdoors. Having a warm outer layer, like a vest or puffer jacket, is the perfect accompaniment for any attire. We also recommend a warm beanie or scarf, to help defend against the elements when you’re exploring new and wonderful places. Getting out of the bubble and exploring your own backyard is super important, not only for yourself and your wellbeing but also for the community. Get out and about, explore your backyard, and enjoy the hidden gems of your local area. 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