Now that we are back in Bangkok after a bit of traveling both domestically and internationally, we’re feeling a bit of a travel hangover and withdrawal. Those non-travel days can sure be a bore.

I mean it’s not like we’ve been on the road days on end like most travelers do but it’s been a productive year so far. Here’s a breakdown of what we were up to the past few months, in case you missed it.

January – 1.5 weeks in Pakistan

February – 3D2N in Chanthaburi and a day trip Chonburi in Thailand

March – 2D1N in Nakon Pathom,Thailand

April – 5D4N in Siem Reap, Cambodia and 5D4N in the United Arab Emirates

May – 4D3N in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand

 

Pakistan

If you’re one of those people who also immediately feel the temptation to travel again right after a trip then like us, you are probably thinking now where?

But there are limitations.

You might have a job to go back to you or financial constraints or family obligations. Is travel dead for you till the next paycheck or long holiday?

We think NOT.

There are just so many things one can do that it is not necessarily travel but can be equally as satisfying. Now, we don’t know what city you live in but living in Bangkok, there’s one thing we realized: there is always something to do.

Always something new to explore and discover

There, those are the key words – explore and discover.

We can bet you that there is so much more to your city behind those nooks and crannies than you know. Maybe a new museum or park just opened up while you were away.

Look for hidden spots within the alleys and behind touristy zones because you can discover some really unique things that other might never have seen or heard of. Talk to the locals, maybe they can show or direct you to some cool places.

Bangkok Bike Tour - Co Van Kessel

We just found out about half a dozen interesting and off-the-beaten-path places we want to check out in Bangkok that is surely going to keep us busy on the weekends.

Make sure to follow our Instagram and Facebook for updates on this.

What? You thought we were going to give them up? Not just yet =)

Go on Local Tours and Adventures

In Bangkok alone there are so many local tour operators. I don’t mean the ones that take you on a trip to the tourist destinations.

Here are some really good ones in Bangkok (some of whom we’ve worked with).

Look for similar ones in your city or try regional/wordwide tour operators such as Tinggly or Viator.

Join Meetups

Meetup groups are an awesome way to not only make new friends but they force you to get out of your comfort zone to try new things and discover new places.

Shayan and I have joined several meetup groups here in Bangkok and thanks to them, we’ve had some great experiences.

Look out for events

Keep an eye out for events or festivals in your area, especially the ones that are free. We actually stopped going to music festivals because they can cost quite a bit in Bangkok but we try to find local events or concerts that are a lot cheaper.

Maybe there is even a travel-related event happening in your city? We think that is almost as good as traveling, no?

Keep calm and travel later

This is the best time to take a break and reorganize yourself. It also allows you to get a broader perspective of things and yourself. You can realign your priorities that may have been lost with you on the road. Traveling isn’t a race so it is OK to take breaks.

Learn a language or take a course

If you really cannot sit still, then go take a course on something you were aching to learn. Maybe a cooking or language class. Any new skill learnt can always be handy in your travels.

Love thy neighbors

Everyone tries to go to a new destination to learn about the locals but tell me this, how much do you know about locals in your own city or town? Have you sat and ate in homes of your neighborhood? Do you know the name of the guy who lives on the footpath across your street?

Bangkok Bike Tour - Co Van Kessel - Thai people

Before we go exploring and learning about new cultures, let’s try and give back to our community first. There might also be that Thai family living next to you or that Indian couple in the next street. Get to know them and their culture. It might not be the same as going to Thailand or India, but hey it is a close second.


So there, that’s all I can think of.

Do you have other ways to spend a non-travel day? How do you cope? We’d love to hear your stories.