Comments on: Rediscovering Your Hometown: How to Enjoy Your Own Backyard Like a Traveler

By: chewy

chewy — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:07:00 +0000

I should do that! I think I would actually really enjoy those double decker tours even though they look so touristy. It would be a different way to see the streets!

By: Mike Richard

Mike Richard — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 14:04:51 +0000

Chewy: So true! I always say that “we’re all terrible tourists in our own hometown”. And I’m just as guilty of it as anyone.

I have plenty of friends in and around NYC who’ve never visited the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty. I think part of it stems from these landmarks feeling “touristy” and part of it, like you said, is taking them for granted (i.e. feeling like “they’ll always be there”).

Sometimes I think it helps to take a step back and ask “What would a tourist do here?” Maybe even spend a day (or a *week* in NYC) dedicated to only doing touristy things. And not feeling the least bit ashamed about it! =)

By: chewy

chewy — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 11:01:09 +0000

Really useful suggestions! I am from New York City, and while you may think one could never need any of these there, I think I do. I grew up there, but in many ways I hardly know it. It is that old thing where you never do the touristy things because they’ll always be there, or I just fall into a comfortable routine with certain friends, going to certain places, that I feel there is no time to try new things. In any case, on my next trip home I’ll try to keep these tips in mind!

By: Linda Aksomitis

Linda Aksomitis — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 15:51:31 +0000

Nice to meet you, Shannon! I enjoyed this article and agree completely that as travelers we also need to explore our home turf. I find the more experiences I have around the world, the greater my appreciation is for the treasures we have at home.

By: Leslie Russell

Leslie Russell — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:22:49 +0000

Brilliant as usual my vagabond friend. Although, I do think that travel reveals that environment has very little to do with contentment. After enough time we’re snails with shells of happiness. However, these techniques are certainly useful in spicing up a location. I love reading YOU!

By: Nadine@Goowai Italia

Nadine@Goowai Italia — Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:41:01 +0000

Great post, Shannon! I really enjoyed reading it. In a way I can relate to your post. I've never been touring around the world but I've been working away from home and I do travel most of the times. I think if you really are a traveler, getting stuck at home is the last thing you can imagine. And I also agree with you when you got friends visiting from other places, the excitement is almost like your also traveling with them in a new place and yeah it also makes you proud. Also it gives you opportunity to discover new things in your own hometown and you will be amazed that there are still actually a lot to discover. Anyways, enjoy home! Cheers from Goowai Hotel Italia!