
Have you ever been in that situation where you return from your travels and, although you had fun, you can’t help but think that you didn’t make the most of your time away
Don’t worry – it’s easy to get so caught up in the planning and sightseeing side of things that you forget about the other fun opportunities out there.
With that in mind, here are four fantastic side projects to try next time you travel.
- Volunteering
One of the best things about travel is making new friends. But these friendships can often feel annoyingly temporary, so volunteering allows you to really get to know the people you meet on a long-term basis.
Volunteering abroad is also the perfect way to immerse yourself in community life, get off the tourist trail and meet local people who can teach you all kinds of incredible things about your destination and life in general
Furthermore, it can give you a sense of accomplishment that most day to day-to-day office jobs can’t because your work will be changing lives.
- Travel writing
Travel writing is a popular activity among the digital nomad community because it allows you to delve deeper into the world of travel.
For example, you can start a travel blog which charts your travel adventures and gradually build up a community of like-minded travelers.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to keep things more personal, keeping a travel journal is a great idea. It’s a great way to reflect on your thoughts, feelings and experiences. It also allows you to keep a record of everything you do and experience, in particular those minor events you’d otherwise forget.
- Cooking
Exploring delicious and exciting new cuisines is one of the many exciting perks of travelling. So why not take things one step further and learn how to cook some of your favorite dishes?
This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite foods whenever you like, without having to eat out all the time.
If you are thinking of throwing on your apron and going all Gordon Ramsay, it’s a good idea to choose lodgings with cooking facilities, for example a Hostelworld hostel or Airbnb apartment. Alternatively, you could look for a local cooking class – it’s a great way to meet new people.
- Studying
Undertaking some formal study during your travels is a wise decision because it allows you to learn new skills which could open many doors when you return home. And if you choose a subject you’re passionate about, it’ll be good fun too.
If you’re planning on moving about a lot during your travels, a distance learning qualification from an online institution such as Anglia Ruskin Distance Learning is the ideal option – its course catalogue includes BAs MAs and MBAs.
There are no timetables on these courses either, so you can easily fit study around your other travel activities. All you need is wi-fi access and an internet connected device.
Which of these travel side projects will you try? Let us know in the comments section.